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Gallery24 January 2024 by Andreas 76 Viewed

The Pinnacle of Design: Pininfarina’s Top 20 Concept Cars

Pininfarina, the venerable Italian design house, has left an indelible mark on the automotive world with its avant-garde concept cars. From the iconic Ferrari Modulo to the futuristic Pininfarina X, each creation embodies the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. In this exploration, we delve into the top 20 greatest concept cars from Pininfarina, celebrating their beauty, performance, and lasting impact.

Pininfarina X (1960):

Pininfarina X (1960):

The Pininfarina X is a forward-thinking concept that showcases the brand’s exploration of futuristic design elements. Its unconventional shape and experimental features make it a symbol of Pininfarina’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive aesthetics.

Pininfarina Cambiano (2012):

Pininfarina Cambiano (2012):

The Cambiano is an electric sports sedan that emphasizes sustainability without compromising luxury and performance. With its sleek lines and innovative powertrain, it represents Pininfarina’s vision for the future of electric mobility.

Abarth 1000 Coupé Speciale (1966):

Abarth 1000 Coupé Speciale (1966):

The Abarth 1000 Coupé Speciale is a compact and agile concept that embodies the spirit of Abarth’s performance heritage. Its distinctive design and lightweight construction highlight Pininfarina’s dedication to creating nimble and spirited vehicles.

Honda Argento Vivo (1995):

Honda Argento Vivo (1995):

The Argento Vivo is a collaboration between Pininfarina and Honda, showcasing a futuristic design with a focus on aerodynamics. Its innovative features and bold styling made it a standout concept during its time.

Cadillac Starlight (1959)

Cadillac Starlight (1959)

The Cadillac Starlight is a concept car that exudes luxury and innovation. Its unique bubble roof and futuristic design elements make it a standout in automotive history, emphasizing Pininfarina’s ability to blend American grandeur with European sophistication.

Jaguar XJ Spider Pininfarina (1978):

Jaguar XJ Spider Pininfarina (1978):

The XJ Spider is a testament to Pininfarina’s ability to transform luxury sedans into striking open-top roadsters. Its sleek lines and timeless design highlight the brand’s skill in reimagining classic models.

Pininfarina Sigma Grand Prix (1969):

Pininfarina Sigma Grand Prix (1969):

The Sigma Grand Prix concept is a vision of the future of Formula 1 cars. With its aerodynamic shapes and futuristic design, it showcased Pininfarina’s ability to innovate in the high-performance racing realm.

Alfa Romeo Dardo (1998):

Alfa Romeo Dardo (1998):

The Dardo concept is a sporty coupe that exudes aggression and sophistication. Its aerodynamic lines and dynamic profile reflect Pininfarina’s dedication to creating cars that not only perform but also captivate onlookers.

Chevrolet Corvette Rondine (1963):

Chevrolet Corvette Rondine (1963):

The Corvette Rondine is a one-off concept that showcases Pininfarina’s touch on an American classic. Its refined design and European flair transformed the Corvette into a sophisticated grand tourer, highlighting the brand’s global design influence.

Alfa Romeo Duettottanta (2010):

Alfa Romeo Duettottanta (2010):

Celebrating Alfa Romeo’s 80th anniversary, the Duettottanta is a breathtaking roadster that blends classic Alfa Romeo styling with modern design elements. Its timeless elegance pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage.

Ferrari Rossa (2000):

Ferrari Rossa (2000):

Based on the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the Rossa is a vision of open-top motoring. Its minimalist design and exposed wheels celebrate the essence of classic racing cars, showcasing Pininfarina’s versatility in creating timeless pieces.

Maserati Birdcage 75th (2005):

Maserati Birdcage 75th (2005):

The Birdcage 75th concept pays homage to Maserati’s racing heritage with a futuristic twist. Its carbon fiber body and unconventional design make it a true testament to Pininfarina’s ability to marry tradition with innovation.

Ferrari Sergio (2013):

Ferrari Sergio (2013):

Paying tribute to Sergio Pininfarina, the Sergio concept captivated enthusiasts with its bold design and performance. Based on the Ferrari 458 Spider, it combined aerodynamic excellence with a stunning aesthetic, showcasing Pininfarina’s ability to merge form and function seamlessly.

Abarth 2000 Scorpione (1969):

Abarth 2000 Scorpione (1969):

The Abarth 2000 Scorpione is a compact sports car that embodies the spirit of racing. Its aggressive styling and powerful performance underscore Pininfarina’s influence in shaping the world of motorsports.

Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione (1967):

Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione (1967):

The Dino 206 Competizione is a prototype that showcases Pininfarina’s contribution to the iconic Dino lineage. With its sleek profile and aggressive stance, it foreshadowed the design language that would define future sports cars.

Alfa Romeo 33/2 Speciale (1969):

Alfa Romeo 33/2 Speciale (1969):

The 33/2 Speciale is a mid-engine prototype that captured attention with its bold design and aerodynamic prowess. As an early example of Pininfarina’s foray into unconventional layouts, it paved the way for future innovations.

Ferrari 250 P5 (1968):

Ferrari 250 P5 (1968):

The 250 P5 is a concept car that combines the elegance of a grand tourer with the performance of a sports car. Its flowing lines and distinctive headlights make it a timeless piece in Pininfarina’s design portfolio.

Alfa Romeo Super Flow IV (1960):

Alfa Romeo Super Flow IV (1960):

The Super Flow IV is an exquisite concept car that exemplifies Pininfarina’s mastery in crafting elegant and luxurious vehicles. Its flowing lines and attention to detail make it a timeless representation of Italian automotive design.

Ferrari Modulo (1970):

Ferrari Modulo (1970):

The Ferrari Modulo is an automotive icon, known for its futuristic wedge-shaped design. With a canopy-like roof and a low-slung profile, it redefined the concept of supercars and set the stage for Pininfarina’s prowess in shaping the future of automotive design.

Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale (1965):

Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale (1965):

The Dino Berlinetta Speciale is a concept that exemplifies Pininfarina’s collaboration with Ferrari. Its sleek lines and aerodynamic features contribute to the enduring allure of the Dino series, showcasing the timeless synergy between the two iconic brands.

Pininfarina’s top 20 concept cars represent a journey through decades of automotive innovation, showcasing the brand’s ability to shape the future of design and performance. From the groundbreaking Ferrari Modulo to the futuristic Pininfarina X, each concept car is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic design house. As Pininfarina continues to redefine the boundaries of automotive excellence, these concepts remain timeless symbols of innovation, elegance, and the pursuit of automotive perfection.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Gallery 24 January 2023

Ranking The 20 Greatest Concept Cars by Bertone

Bertone was probably the most innovative and certainly the most courageous coachbuilder in the automotive history. We’ve tried to rank them, here are the 20 greatest concept cars made by Bertone. We are aware that you will not always agree with us, so let us know what are your favourite one’s in the comment section.

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The early 1900s marked the birth of a new automotive concept: the station wagon. Originating in the United States around 1910, independent builders crafted wooden bodies for the chassis of Ford Model T cars. Initially conceived as commercial versions of sedan cars tailored for the working class, they were often referred to as carryalls, denoting their ability to carry a multitude of goods thanks to their spacious cargo compartments compared to traditional torpedo bodies.

In 1923, American manufacturer Star (a division of Durant Motors) made history by being the first to offer a station wagon assembled on its production line, utilizing a wooden frame bolted to the car’s body. However, these wooden structures demanded constant maintenance due to the natural expansion and contraction of wood, necessitating regular tightening of bolts and screws.

The tide turned when the Essex Closed Coach introduced the first mass-produced car with a fully enclosed steel body in 1929. Ford followed suit by officially producing Model T cars destined for wagon conversion in 1935, while General Motors unveiled its inaugural passenger transport station wagon, the Chevrolet Suburban, in 1935. This marked the onset of a wagon boom, as they were increasingly seen not only as spacious cargo haulers but also as versatile family vehicles.

One exemplary model was the 1941 Chrysler Town & Country, a luxurious wagon that positioned itself at the zenith of Chrysler’s lineup. In Europe, the first family-oriented cars emerged in the 1930s. Citroën introduced the Traction Avant Familiale in 1935, an elongated version of its Traction Avant model with three windows and a third row of seats, offering seating for nine passengers. In England, the Commer, based on the Hillman Minx Magnificent, debuted two years later.

Italy’s entry into the station wagon market came in the post-war years, courtesy of Carrozzeria Viotti‘s “functional body” design by Mario Revelli, built on the Fiat 1100 chassis. Revelli, who had previously worked on converting civilian cars into military vehicles during the war, envisioned applying similar solutions to civilian automobiles, facilitating versatile usage.

Despite its practicality, this new vehicle type faced lukewarm reception in Italy initially, perhaps due to its aesthetic resemblance to ambulances and hearses, from which it derived. Consequently, only compact family cars gained traction, as their diminutive size didn’t evoke associations with emergency or funeral vehicles.

Giardinetta or Giardiniera? Let's Clarify

Let’s clarify the distinction between the terms “Giardiniera” and “Giardinetta.” Is it accurate to label all station wagons from this era as “Giardinetta”? No, and here’s why: The debut of the first Italian family car, the Fiat 1100 Viotti Giardinetta, in 1946 marked a significant milestone. Vittorio Viotti, proud of his pioneering courage in bringing such a model to the market, had trademarked the term “Giardinetta.” Following this, other carrozzerie, such as Fissore, quickly presented their proposals. Even Fiat itself joined the competition two years later with the Fiat “Topolino” Giardiniera. 

The term “Giardiniera” was chosen to align with Viotti’s trademarked “Giardinetta,” which couldn’t be used by others. Consequently, other manufacturers adopted the term “Giardiniera,” although the public was accustomed to using “Giardinetta” due to Viotti’s early introduction of station wagons in Italy post-war. Eventually, the moniker “Metallica” was appended to these models to emphasize their metal construction rather than wood. This designation, “Giardiniera Metallica,” was primarily adopted by Francis Lombardi, Fissore, and Coriasco, distinguishing their models as contemporary interpretations of the classic station wagon, merging practicality with elegance.

Viotti: Pioneering the Giardinetta

In the aftermath of World War II, Viotti spearheaded efforts to revitalize the Italian coachbuilding industry, both within his own company and among his competitors. As a leader within the Carriage Builders Group of ANFIA (the National Fascist Association of Automobile Manufacturers, renamed the National Association of Automobile Industries), Viotti proposed the creation of a consortium to produce a new type of vehicle. This concept, developed in collaboration with stylist Mario Revelli di Beaumont, was named the Giardinetta.

The Giardinetta was a versatile vehicle designed for both passenger and cargo transport, constructed partially from wood to address the scarcity of steel immediately after the war. Its wooden body proved economical and adaptable, capable of being mounted on old Fiat 1100s and Lancia Aprilias still in use. The Giardinetta quickly gained popularity, with its formula being emulated by competitors, sparking a trend in the automotive industry within a few short years.

Despite skepticism from his colleagues, who viewed the concept as too American, Viotti forged ahead with production independently. By the late 1940s, he also resumed the production of custom-built luxury cars, particularly based on the Fiat 1100 and 1500 platforms. However, it was the Giardinetta that primarily occupied Viotti’s attention, leading to its development on various bases, including luxurious offerings such as those based on the Fiat 1900, Lancia Aurelia, and Alfa Romeo 6C 2500.

Designed mainly by Michelotti, these later iterations of the Giardinetta prioritized aesthetic appeal over functionality, transforming the utilitarian vehicle into a fashion phenomenon. Initially, other coachbuilders declined Viotti’s offer to collaborate, except for Carrozzeria Fissore of Savigliano, in the province of Cuneo. However, they later reconsidered as the Giardinetta gained immense popularity and was subsequently imitated by competitors, including Frua, Savio, Riva, and renowned Milanese firms such as Castagna, Boneschi, and Zagato with some speciments built with the Panoramica body.

The Fiat 1100 Panoramica Giardiniera by Zagato

It’s worth mentioning the station wagon based on the Fiat 1100/1200, dubbed the “Sleeping” for its ability to fold down the seats to create a space for sleeping. The last original small-series creations were the Fiat 1300/1500 Giardinetta, which didn’t achieve the anticipated success. This was partly due to Fiat’s decision to introduce its own family version of the model a few months after the sedan’s launch, offering it at lower costs and thus limiting the production of Viotti station wagons to just 50 units between the 1300 and 1500 models.

At that point, production was divided between “giardinetta” and “giardinetta metallica” convertibles, and customizations of standard vehicles. Indeed, Viotti was gradually moving away from building unique cars to focus, like other carrozzerie without their own chassis, on “American styling” standard vehicles such as the Fiat 600 and Lancia Appia, equipping them with chrome fittings and other accessories in vogue at that time across the Atlantic.

Following Vittorio Viotti’s death in 1956, the carrozzeria was engulfed in the crisis that affected manufacturers of derived cars and ultimately closed its doors for good in 1964.

The Fiat Topolino: Revolutionizing Mobility

In the aftermath of World War II, the Fiat Topolino became a symbol of resilience and adaptability in Italy. Used Topolinos were plentiful, sourced from the fields of ARAR (the Agency for Recovery and Disposal of War Surplus), with even damaged ones salvaged from bomb sites. If the bodywork was salvageable, repairs were made; if irreparable, they were transformed into racing barchettas. Topolino vans were converted into Giardinettas by adding two windows and a rear bench, offering a convenient solution to the nation’s pressing mobility needs in the post-war reconstruction era.

Once again, the visionary behind this transformation was Revelli, who, undoubtedly familiar with pre-war American woody wagons, found in Viotti the ideal collaborator to bring his ideas to fruition. The “wooden Giardinetta” phenomenon was revolutionary, addressing the chronic shortage of steel even after the war’s end. It could be constructed relatively easily and was incredibly practical, serving artisans and small traders alike for both work and family needs. Moreover, it could be fashioned from heavily damaged used cars, offering a cost-effective solution for many.

Practically every professional in the automotive sector, from large firms to small workshops, seized upon this opportunity. In 1948, even Fiat joined the fray, producing the elegant 500B Giardiniera Belvedere at the Lingotto Special Bodywork Department. However, as conditions normalized, the market gradually shifted back to traditional custom-built vehicles, although the legacy of the Topolino Giardinetta continued to resonate as a testament to ingenuity and resourcefulness during a challenging period in Italian history.

The Success of the Giardinetta

Following their initial introduction, Giardinetta vehicles experienced remarkable success, becoming sought-after commodities in various automotive circles.

Carrozzeria Monterosa emerged as a key player in the station wagon construction niche, capitalizing on the strong demand for utility vehicles during the reconstruction period. Monterosa’s station wagons, primarily constructed on Fiat 1100 and Lancia Aprilia platforms, were renowned for their quality and versatility, seamlessly transitioning from commercial to leisure use. Initially focused on Giardiniera production, Monterosa occasionally ventured into crafting ambulances, hearses, and advertising vehicles, later extending their repertoire to include models based on the new Fiat 1400 and Lancia Aurelia.

Unlike Viotti’s wooden Giardinette construction, Monterosa employed initially metal, reaping the benefits of durability and ease of maintenance. The Giardiniera’s popularity soared to such heights that it even warranted dedicated categories in prestigious concours d’elegance events, such as the “Promiscua” category.

Noteworthy examples of Giardinette success include the Fiat 1100 C Saloncino, which won an award at the 1949 Pincio Elegance Concours in Rome, the Fiat 1400 Giardinetta Viotti at the Pincio in 1950, and the already mentioned Fiat 1400 Giardinetta Monterosa at the Venice Concours d’Elegance in 1950.

Another triumph was the Moretti 600 Giardinetta, which participated in the World Raid of 120,000 kilometers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and America. Piloted by Luciano Albiero and Giulio Piccoli from June 14, 1952, to June 12, 1955, the Moretti 600 Giardinetta’s robustness was attested by having its engine sealed by a notary.

The evolution of Giardinetta variants also witnessed creative innovations, exemplified by Carrozzeria Savio’s Venilia, a convertible Giardiniera. Such adaptations underscored the Giardiniera’s evolution from utilitarian work vehicles to leisure and family-oriented automobiles, reflecting the dynamic nature of automotive design and consumer preferences during the post-war era.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the remarkable journey of the Giardinette, it’s evident that these versatile vehicles left an indelible mark on automotive history. From their humble beginnings as utilitarian workhorses to their transformation into symbols of elegance and leisure, Giardinettes embodied the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of post-war Italy.

Driven by necessity yet guided by ingenuity, craftsmen and manufacturers alike found inspiration in the Giardinette’s blend of practicality and style. From Monterosa’s sturdy metal constructions to Viotti’s iconic wooden bodies, each iteration showcased the evolving aspirations and aspirations of a nation rebuilding itself.

Whether gracing the podiums of prestigious concours d’elegance or embarking on epic transcontinental journeys, Giardinettes captivated hearts and minds, symbolizing the spirit of a generation determined to forge a brighter future.

As we bid farewell to these timeless icons, let us remember the legacy they leave behind: a testament to the power of innovation, the pursuit of excellence, and the enduring allure of Italian craftsmanship.

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