A Small Siata Story
An American road racing competitor from the early days of SCCA racing restored to it’s original configuration.
Brand New
Henry Wessells III and his new Siata 300BC, Bryn Mawr, PA circa summer 1952
Documentation
Driving to the Glen
Mr. Wessells on the road to Watkins Glen in September of 1952. Those were indeed the days when competitors drove their cars to the races!
Racing at the Glen
Racing at the SCCA Watkins Glen event October 1952, Wessells at the wheel.
Back to the Glen
October 1953 finds Henry and Siata #403 back at the Glen for another go.
Down to Basics
Down to the basics with interior areas media blasted and body ready for restoration. Original clues abound on this very sound and never “badly bashed” race machine.
Metal Work
Metalwork to put things right and as they were in 1952.
Body restoration
Body shell restoration and recreation to be as it was when henry raced it.
Body Work
Body shell perfected with some metal work then prime coats and onto paint.
Interior and Details
Interior and a raft of small details to attend.
Component Rebuilding
Component rebuilding and creation.
Assembly
Assembly and 403 gets a new wiring harness in cloth to original codes of course.
Assembly and Test
Assembly of the painted shell then first test on a winter morning.
Proud Owners
The Proud Owners, Jim with Mark at the wheel take their first ride.
Back to Sebring!
Sebring, Florida just before the 12 hours: Otto Linton center, Son Roger right & Mark with Siata in the museum, Otto on track for a curtain raiser lap. Sebring & 403 1953 lower left.
