Siata 300 BC Bertone

Vehicle Overview

The Siata 300 BC Bertone is a classic Italian sports car introduced at the 1952 Geneva Auto Salon, targeted at the American market, where there was rising enthusiasm for compact, high-performance Italian cars. The 300 BC was designed by Mario Revelli di Beaumont, a respected Italian designer who had previously worked with some of Italy’s top styling houses, including Pininfarina. Under his influence, the 300 BC was endowed with a sleek, minimalist design that reflected Italian style while catering to American tastes for sporty, agile cars. Bertone handled the construction of approximately the first 40 units of the Siata 300 BC, showcasing its craftsmanship through a lightweight and elegant two-seater spider body. Bertone’s work on this model emphasized both style and functionality, creating a car that was as appealing to look at as it was thrilling to drive. Built on a compact, high-revving chassis, the Siata 300 BC was perfect for enthusiasts looking for a nimble and responsive sports car, particularly suited for U.S. drivers who valued both performance and Italian styling. In the final stages of production, Siata shifted the manufacturing of the last 10 units of the 300 BC to another esteemed Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Motto. Based in Turin, Motto had an impressive portfolio, having built bodies for the Ferrari 166, 195, and 212 Ferrari series, as well as the Porsche Abarth GTL. Motto’s expertise in crafting lightweight, streamlined sports car bodies complemented Siata’s vision for the 300 BC, ensuring that the final models retained the car’s signature performance and aesthetics. The Siata 300 BC Bertone remains a symbol of Italian automotive art, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike. With only around 50 examples produced, it is a rare and valued classic, embodying the essence of Italian coachbuilding combined with a unique appeal to the U.S. market. Its legacy endures as a prime example of early Italian sports cars, celebrated for their elegance, exclusivity, and connection to renowned coachbuilders like Bertone and Motto.