Overview

One of the very last convertible with a tragic racing history.

History

Car Description

This car, 'ST499BC', is understood to be the second from last of the complete run of these cars built, which numbered approximately 50 units only. As new it was supplied with FIAT derived SIATA 1100 power and according to Etceterini historian John de Boer, is thought to have been supplied to its first owner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, more than likely being delivered through New York dealer Tony Pompeo.
As with most of these cars, it commenced a racing career almost immediately, and was driven by a young gentleman Carl Gardner Jr. at a Trials event at Hatfield Speedway, Pennsylvania in July, 1956 on behalf of its local owner. Gardner again exercised the car at Brynfan Tyddyn towards end of July, but sadly while testing the car in practice, and by all accounts not officially authorized to do so, the car left the road causing Gardner injuries which he would succumb to. Accounts of the incident suggest that his misfortune was attributed to his being inexperienced and improperly attired, such that his helmet gave him little protection. The same reports record the car as still being operable and that Ray Heppenstahl 'drove it home'.
Apparently repaired quite promptly, the Siata was back in action the following year at the Yorklyn Hill Climb in the spring of '57. According to de Boer, it would later pass to John R. Inskeep of Plainfield, New Jersey and then to W. Caldwell also of New Jersey, through the 1960s and into the early 1970s, and a third Jersey custodian John E. Aibel owned it to 1977.
At this point, the 300BC was snapped up by Jarl de Boer and crossed the country to his home in California. de Boer sold the car in 1980 to John. W. Brookman who would keep it for the next 23 years, before it returned to the de Boers, first Jarl, then Michael and finally John in 2006. Three years later the current owner acquired '499'.
Its life must have worn quite hard on the car as by the time it transitioned to its present owner, the car had received a Triumph rear end, the drive train was missing and a number of detail alterations to the bodywork was present. Impassioned to return this pretty barchetta to its rightful original order and to refurbish it to a more fitting condition, the owner embarked upon a comprehensive restoration. Where necessary authentic parts were sourced from Italy, the bodywork and structure professionally rebuilt and a period correct FIAT engine fitted. The motor is equipped with two Weber 32IMPE carburetors fed through a Nardi intake manifold. Although not restored, an original top frame and side curtains are with the car.
Today, the car presents extremely well and makes a fine representation of these early SIATA Barchettas. Diminutive perhaps, but undeniably well proportioned both in their aesthetics and power to weight, these cars are a fun entry for events as diverse as the Mille Miglia and Monterey Reunion.