Gritty Elegance - When we talk about pre-war European sports cars, most people imagine the iconic silhouettes of
Alfa Romeos,
Bugattis, or maybe a few obscure French marques. But there’s one unsung hero that quietly tells its own tale of innovation, spirit, and racing ambition—crafted not by the biggest names, but by passionate Italian artisans who dared to think differently. This is the story of the
1939 Fiat 500 Siata Pescara, a pint-sized powerhouse that emerged from
the backbone of the humble Fiat Topolino, yet carried with it all the ambition of a true thoroughbred.
Born out of creativity and vision, the
Siata Pescara was more than just a modification—it was a reinvention.
Siata (Società Italiana Auto Trasformazioni Accessori), known for its skill in tuning
Fiats and building lightweight sports cars, took the foundation of
the already beloved Topolino and transformed it into something bold and purpose-driven. This wasn’t just a body kit or a facelift.
The barchetta-style design,
beautifully executed by Carrozzeria Siata, was clean and functional, marked by its distinctive badge just above the side air intakes. With fewer than four ever produced, the car remains a rare gem in automotive history.
https://dik.si/rvefDThe very first of these limited creations found its way into
the hands of Count "Rino" Fermiani,
a nobleman with a racing heart.
The car received its first Ravenna plate in April 1940,
just in time to enter its debut competition:
the I Gran Premio Brescia delle Mille Miglia. Held on a closed circuit,
this unique 1940 edition of the legendary Mille Miglia would be the last before war interrupted everything.
Fermiani, teamed up with
Francesco Lama, pushed
the tiny Siata to its limits. Unfortunately, their race ended before the checkered flag, a common fate in such early motorsport adventures.
Still,
the little Fiat refused to fade into the shadows. When racing resumed after the war, the
Siata Pescara was back in the game. In
1946,
it entered the Circuito della Superba and made a strong return by finishing fourth in class with Pier Ugo Pirazzoli behind the wheel.
Over the next couple of years,
a trio of Italian gentlemen—
Fermiani,
Pirazzoli, and
Zaniboni—
shared both ownership and driving duties, continuing to test the car’s capabilities in a variety of post-war races.
In
1948, the
Siata returned once more to
the Mille Miglia,
now wearing a more open and aggressive front grille.
But even with its renewed look,
fortune remained elusive. The car failed to place, yet its story didn’t end there.
Instead,
its trail through Italian ownership became clearer,
allowing historians and enthusiasts to trace its path more accurately over the decades.
By
1993, the car was no longer just a relic of the past. It proudly lined up once again for t
he Mille Miglia—this time as part of the re-enactment event that celebrates the golden age of endurance racing. Its appearance marked not only a return but a celebration of survival and timeless design.
Since then,
it has been a regular feature in major vintage racing events, its journey even extending all the way to Japan.
Today,
it still wears the same livery as it did during that ambitious 1948 run, a visual homage to its storied past.
The
1939 Fiat 500 Siata Pescara isn’t just rare—it’s a reminder that great cars aren’t always born from fame or fortune. Sometimes, it’s the blend of determination, craftsmanship, and a bit of rebellion that creates something truly unforgettable. From the dusty circuits of pre-war Italy to the polished roads of modern-day vintage rallies,
this little barchetta continues to turn heads and tell its story—one that deserves its place among the legends.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ | BARCHETTASPORTSCARS | MOTORHEAD 101 IN FACEBOOK | AUTOMOTIVEMASTERPIECES ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
