1,817 cc Siata-tuned Fiat OHV inline four-cylinder engine, twin carburettors, five-speed manual gearbox (overdrive fifth), platform chassis with coil-spring front suspension and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5")

• Alloy body by Bertone

• One owner from new

• Recently restored; original 1.8-litre Siata-tuned engine

• Accompanied by a copy of the original colour sales brochure

Founded by Giorgio Ambrosini in 1926, Societá Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori (SIATA) initially specialised in performance modifications for Fiats and released the first car of its own design, the Amica, in 1939. Post-war, Siata produced a very successful auxiliary bicycle motor, continued producing performance accessories and released a string of new models.

Ernie McAfee was Siata’s West Coast distributor in the USA, and the American enthusiast press praised all Siata models for their excellent handling, handsome styling and startling performance. Competition success was strong at such storied events as the Mille Miglia and Coppa della Toscana.

The elegant yet sporting Daina, in open Gran Sport and Coupé form, with bodies by Stabilimenti Farina, Bertone and others, exemplified Siata. The Daina’s effectiveness was confirmed at the inaugural 12 Hours of Sebring in 1952, where Dick Irish and Bob Fergus piloted a Daina to first in class and third overall, lapping a Ferrari 166 and Jaguar XK120 in the process!

With just one owner from new, this example benefits from proper maintenance and recent restoration. It retains the original 1,817 cc engine and is truly resplendent in its two-tone exterior finish, complemented by wire-spoke wheels, a restored interior with square-weave carpeting and features including a racing-style quick-release petrol-filler cap, full instrumentation and a Pianola solid-state AM radio. Listed in the Italian Car Registry, complete with a factory colour brochure and nicely presented throughout, this Siata Daina Coupé is simply a wonderful example, with its competition-bred chassis and mechanicals, and striking Bertone bodywork.