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The Flamboyant Car Design

Between 1946 and 1950 Ghia, Stabilimenti Farina and Pininfarina proposed a limited series of car bodies with a low and flowing line whose most striking feature were the covered wheel arches on the front and rear, a solution that required to widen the car to allow steering. These cars had opulent shapes, built on the chassis of various brands and conceived with the primary function of showing off the main elegance competitions so widespread at the time (Ghia’s creations made a sensation at the “Jour d’Elegance” in Lausanne in 1946).

Build as cabriolet or coupé without central pillar, the cars were defined “flamboyant” by an American journalist of the time and this term remained as an almost official qualification for them with which the two coachbuilders gained wide notoriety in Italy and abroad, especially in France.

This definition referred to the eccentric interpretations of the aerodynamic school by French coachbuilders in the second half of the 1930s and characterized by particularly sinuous and enveloping lines.

1946 Fiat 1500 Cabriolet Gran Sport by Ghia

© Ard und Arnoud op de Weegh

Designed by Felice Bianco, Ghia built 2 Coupè (one based on Fiat 1500 and one on Fiat 1100) and 2 Cabriolets. The car shown here is the Cabriolet Fiat 1500 that was originally painted grey-blue, winner of several elegance contests all over Italy.

1946 Lancia Astura Coupè by Stabilimenti Farina

Michelotti’s creation, known as “monolith” as Michelotti himself called it, this model caused a big sensation during the fashion show in Lausanne, which also appeared on all the posters of the event. The front part anticipates the Tank Style that we will see on other models of Stabiliment Farina.

1947 Lancia Aprilia Cabriolet by Pininfarina

© Archivio Riccardo Moncalvo

Also PininFarina ventured into the Flamboyant Style with this one-off built on a Lancia Aprilia chassis. It was unveiled at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show. It survived and today is part of a private collection.

1947 Lancia Astura Cabriolet by Stabilimenti Farina

Two cabriolets built with Michelotti’s design. This model, created to amaze, won in 1947 the Coppa d’Oro at the Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este leaving behind the Cisitalia 202.

1948 Lancia Aprilia Berlinetta Sport by Ghia

Designed by Felice Bianco this Lancia Aprilia Berlinetta Sport was unveiled at the 1948 Turin Auto Show. The photo shows the two mobile wheel arche covers designed by Umberto Capalbi in open position.

1948 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS by Ghia

This futuristic Super Sport convertible built on a 6C base was released in 1948 and was awarded the same year at the elegance concours in Rome and Montecarlo.

1948 Talbot T26 Record by Ghia

© Cussler Museum

The French Talbot Lago Record enjoyed a celebrity moment at the end of the 1940s thanks also to the original bodyworks set up by Ghia.

1949 Delahaye 135 by Ghia

© Artcurial

In 1949 the mechanics of the Delahaye 135 housed a sumptuous and audacious bodywork prepared by Ghia with some typical connotations that earned it the definition of “flamboyant”.

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Battista Reversario

Automobili Pininfarina has reached new heights of automotive craftsmanship with the introduction of the Battista Reversario, a bespoke creation inspired by the Battista Anniversario and the concept of balance. Representing the epitome of ‘Dream Cars. Made Real’, this latest offering underscores Automobili Pininfarina’s commitment to crafting truly unique vehicles in collaboration with its clients.

Each vehicle produced at Automobili Pininfarina’s Cambiano atelier is a testament to individuality, reflecting the distinct personality of its owner. The Battista Reversario stands as a prime example of this ethos, showcasing the level of personalization available to discerning clients.

Collaborating closely with Automobili Pininfarina designers, the client has conceived a one-of-a-kind vehicle that embodies their vision and preferences. Already a collector of automotive rarities, the client’s acquisition of the fifth and final Battista Anniversario model laid the groundwork for the creation of the Battista Reversario.

A standout feature of the Battista Reversario is its unique color scheme, meticulously crafted to be the inverse of the iconic Pininfarina heritage-inspired design theme that characterized the Anniversario. The lower body gleams in Bianco Sestriere gloss, contrasting elegantly with the upper body finished in Grigio Antonelliano gloss.

Continuing the theme, the pinstripes echo the upper stripe in the signature Iconica Blu hue. Custom inscriptions, including the vehicle’s distinctive ‘Reversario’ nameplate, adorn the carbon side wings and the underside of the active rear wing, both forward-facing and in reflection.

Inside the cabin, Pilota seats feature white-on-white Alcantara quilting against a perforated background in Iconica Blu. While the overall ambiance is predominantly black, accent details such as the cupholder retainer, headliner center bezel, and seatbelts are highlighted in Iconica Blu, lending a harmonious contrast.

Battista Reversario

Completing the ensemble is an exclusive three-piece luggage set tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Crafted from luxurious black leather with Iconica Blu accents and off-white Alcantara quilting, the set exemplifies the ultimate in bespoke craftsmanship.

Speaking on the creation of the Reversario, the client remarked, “Anniversario and Reversario were destined to be created by the Automobili Pininfarina team. I simply challenged them to understand what could be created if you follow your heart and passion. All credit goes to them.”

Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, emphasized the significance of the Reversario as the ultimate expression of the company’s design philosophy. “Reversario was the ultimate commission. Taking inspiration from the original Anniversario, it is a reflection in every aspect, using a timeless combination of colors to create an opposite that works alone and together,” he stated.

Both the Battista Anniversario and Reversario stand as milestones in automotive history, representing the pinnacle of Italian engineering prowess. Powered by a cutting-edge electric powertrain, these hyper GTs offer unparalleled performance while embodying the luxury and elegance synonymous with the Pininfarina name.

With its blend of hypercar capabilities and GT comfort, the Battista series sets a new standard for automotive excellence, promising an exhilarating driving experience like no other. As the automotive world celebrates the harmony achieved through the creation of the Battista twins, Automobili Pininfarina reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.