Siata-Ford 208S Cabriolet Speciale S0083 | M1094
Siata-Ford 208S Cabriolet Speciale S0083 | M1094
Manufacturer: Metropole Classics BV Meubellaan 1 6651KV DRUTEN, NL 0031653328817 http://www.metropole.nl sales@metropole.nl
The unique Siata-Ford 208S was commissioned by Jimmy Mulgrew of Euclid Ford in Euclid, Ohio as a promotional tool. To help with the project, Mulgrew enlisted the expertise of racer Dick Irish, class winner at the 1952 12 Hours of Sebring. Originally, the pair intended to base the project on a Ford “Police Special” chassis, but the request for a such chassis were reportedly rejected by Ford Motor Company. Consequently, a 1951 Ford sedan was purchased from Euclid Ford and shipped to Siata through Tony Pompeo's New York dealership in mid-1952. The V-8 flathead drivetrain, suspension and instrumentation used in the car are those of those Ford sedan, but the frame was specially designed by Siata. It is not known if the entire car was sent to Italy and then taken apart, or if the main parts of the car were removed in New York and then shipped abroad. Using a Siata chassis instead of the Ford seems to indicate the latter. What is known is that the completed aluminum convertible was returned to New York in late 1952, very close to when Stabilimenti Farina ceased operations. In fact, it was spotted so closely by Dick Irish that the car may have actually been finished by legendary coachbuilder Bertone. After displaying the car at Euclid Ford, Mulgrew sold the special convertible in 1955 through Alfred Momo's New York dealership. This second owner is unknown, but the car was subsequently purchased by Frank Russo Sr. in the mid-1960s. from Jacksonville, Maryland. He was with Russo for several years until he was sold to a new, as-yet-unknown owner in the late 1960s. The car was bought by Michael Caltrider in October 1974 and then changed hands several times, including: Michael Supley in August 1975, Roland Wommack, Bill Lightfoot in 1982, Phil Goutell in 1985, Joseph Alphabet in 1987 and Oliver Kuttner in 1988.
The 208S had fallen into disrepair by the summer of 1988 when it was first refurbished by Kuttner. It then remained largely unused until 2005 when it was purchased by Jerry Bensinger and Daniel Rapley. The car was treated to a full aluminum body restoration by German Bernhadt Karosseriebau before being shipped to Absolute Engineering in Goleta, California to complete the rest of the car. The remarkable product of international collaboration, the Siata-Ford 208S Speciale combines reliable American engineering and modern Italian design into an elegant and extremely enjoyable car. With a fresh two-tone red and black color scheme and with the original color of the parchment leather interior, this 208S Cabriolet Speciale qualifies for some of the world's best rallies and tours, as well as being a unique contender for the most prestigious international competition. Also provided with construction, ownership and restoration history.
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