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Carrozzeria Savio: The History

Carrozzeria Savio

Carrozzeria Savio, founded in 1919 in Turin, is a name synonymous with Italian automotive craftsmanship. From its humble beginnings in the aftermath of World War I to its prominent role in industrial and automotive innovation today, the company’s journey reflects resilience, creativity, and adaptability. This article delves into the key milestones that define the rich history of Carrozzeria Savio.

The Early Years: Foundation and Growth

The Savio brothers, Antonio and Giuseppe, became apprenticies of Alessio in 1899. Subsequently they worked for Rothschild, Locati & Torretta, Taurus, Locati & Viarendo and Diatto In 1919, brothers Antonio and Giuseppe Savio, skilled craftsmen with over 20 years of experience in carriage manufacturing, established Carrozzeria Savio in Via Tiziano in Turin. Their close relationship with their former employer proved pivotal when they secured an initial order to outfit 900 Itala chassis. This significant contract set the stage for Savio’s early success. 

Carrozzeria Savio

Carrozzeria Savio quickly gained recognition in the burgeoning automotive industry. One of their early notable creations was a custom sedan with silent block technology for the now-defunct Fabbrica Automobili Giovanni Ceirano. This innovation was followed by collaborations with prominent Italian manufacturers, including Lancia, Alfa Romeo, OM, Isotta Fraschini, Ansaldo, and Fiat. The partnership with Fiat, which began in these formative years, would become a cornerstone of Savio’s legacy.

Among the 1930s highlights were the bespoke designs based on Fiat 508 and Fiat Ardita models. The 1938 Fiat 508C MM, a streamlined sports coupe, showcased Savio’s ingenuity. Its aerodynamic design earned accolades at the Mille Miglia, achieving a class win and 16th place overall, with an average speed of 112 km/h (70 mph). This innovative coupe set a precedent for modern automotive design.

World War II: Challenges and Adaptation

The outbreak of World War II marked a challenging period for Carrozzeria Savio. As the demand for civilian vehicles plummeted, the company pivoted to producing ambulance bodies. However, the war left its facilities in ruins. Antonio Savio, discouraged by the devastation, stepped away, leaving Giuseppe to rebuild the business under the name Stabilimento Savio Giuseppe Carrozziere Automobili.

Post-War Revival and Expansion

After World War II, Carrozzeria Savio embarked on a new phase of innovation, focusing on Fiat chassis to develop a wide range of models that blended style and practicality. Among the most distinctive creations were the Belvedere series, featuring an open soft top, and the Venilia, an inventive hybrid between a station wagon (Giardiniera) and a cabriolet. These designs showcased the company’s ability to adapt to post-war demands while maintaining its reputation for elegance. One of the most celebrated models of the era was the Landaulet, based on Fiat 1400 and 1900 chassis. This luxurious vehicle gained widespread acclaim at events such as the 1950 Concours d’Elegance in Rome and the Turin Auto Salons of 1950 and 1951, solidifying Savio’s status as a premier coachbuilder.

Savio collaborated with some of the most renowned designers of the time, including Giovanni Michelotti and Franco Scaglione. Scaglione’s work included a remarkable one-off coupé based on the Fiat 1100 TV chassis, a testament to the company’s dedication to exclusivity and cutting-edge design.

In 1954, Giuseppe Savio passed away, and the company transitioned under the leadership of his son-in-law, Alfredo Caracciolo. Caracciolo revitalized the business, steering it through a period of significant growth. In 1959, the company relocated to Moncalieri, gaining access to more modern facilities that allowed for increased production and innovation. During this period, Savio expanded its offerings with custom bodies for Fiat models, including the Fiat 1500 and 600, while continuing to produce ambulances.

Savio also embraced the leisure vehicle trend, introducing Spiaggetta cars that embodied the carefree spirit of coastal living. These small, open-bodied cars became symbols of the Italian Riviera lifestyle, combining Savio’s design expertise with a focus on fun and practicality. By the late 1950s, the company began incorporating stylistic influences from American and Space Age designs, integrating futuristic lines and details that reflected the cultural zeitgeist of the era.

Under Caracciolo’s leadership, Carrozzeria Savio entered the 1960s as a dynamic player in the automotive industry, balancing innovation, tradition, and a keen sense of style.

During the 1960s, Carrozzeria Savio flourished as a beacon of Italian automotive craftsmanship, blending tradition with forward-thinking innovation. This era saw the company deepen its collaborations with some of the most prominent designers of the time. Mario Revelli di Beaumont contributed a sleek Fiat 600 Spider design, while Pietro Frua added his interpretation of the model, showcasing distinct approaches to this compact yet stylish platform. Giovanni Michelotti worked closely with Savio, designing several refined coupé proposals based on the Fiat 2300 chassis, further cementing the company’s reputation for elegance and sophistication.

In addition to these designer collaborations, Savio began experimenting with conceptual vehicles that demonstrated a keen interest in the future of urban mobility. The Fiat Polis, unveiled at the 1964 Turin Motor Show, was one such example. Based on the Fiat 600 D chassis, the Polis featured sliding doors for easy access in tight spaces, a panoramic roof for increased visibility and spaciousness, and a minimalist design that embraced modernist aesthetics. Though it never went into production, the Polis highlighted Savio’s innovative spirit and its ability to push the boundaries of conventional automotive design.

Savio also expanded its portfolio in the leisure vehicle market during the 1960s. Building on the success of the Fiat 600 Jungla, an open-bodied vehicle perfect for outdoor activities, the company developed additional models such as the Savana and Albarella. The Fiat 500 Elegance, a sophisticated take on the Spiaggina concept originally built by Boano, was produced in small series and became another example of Savio’s ability to combine style and functionality.

A pivotal development during this decade was Savio’s entry into bus manufacturing, a sector that would become a cornerstone of its business operations. With a focus on both design and engineering, Savio applied its expertise to create robust and versatile bus bodies, laying the foundation for a segment that remains integral to the company’s activities today.

The Modern Era: Small Series and beyond

The 1970s marked a quieter chapter for Carrozzeria Savio as the company concentrated on perfecting its established focus on leisure vehicles. Models like the Autobianchi A112 Torpedo and Fiat 127 Albarella continued the legacy of the Fiat 600 Jungla, which had by then evolved into its own distinct model line. The Jungla name was retained for variants based on newer Fiat platforms, including the Fiat 126 and Fiat Panda, preserving its reputation as a versatile, open-bodied leisure vehicle. During this time, Savio also became a key subcontractor for Fiat, assembling military light vehicles. In 1976, they received their largest order ever to build the Campagnola.

The 1980s marked a resurgence of innovation and technical achievement for Savio. One of their most notable contributions during this time was their work on the bodywork for the legendary Lancia Delta S4, a car that gained fame for its dominance in rallying. The expertise demonstrated in this high-performance project garnered the attention of Italdesign, which entrusted Savio with the construction of the Aztec prototype in 1988. Two years later, Savio handled the limited production run of the futuristic Aztec, solidifying its reputation as a capable partner for cutting-edge automotive projects.

In 1987, Savio returned to its roots in leisure vehicles with the Fiat Freely, designed by former Pininfarina designer Paolo Martin. A spiritual successor to the Fiat 600 Jungla, the Freely was based on the Fiat Panda chassis and offered a modern interpretation of the open-body concept, catering to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

The company expanded its operations in 1995 by acquiring the historic coachbuilder Boneschi through its holding company, Omnia, forming the Savio Group. This acquisition not only bolstered Savio’s capabilities but also reinforced its position as a significant player in the Italian automotive industry. The 1980s and 1990s demonstrated Savio’s resilience and adaptability, allowing the company to thrive in both niche markets and innovative collaborations.

Carrozzeria Savio Today

Today, Carrozzeria Savio specializes in industrial vehicle bodies, buses, ambulance outfitting, and commercial vehicle prototypes. While much has changed since its founding, the company remains a testament to Italian ingenuity and dedication to quality. Over a century after its inception, Carrozzeria Savio continues to shape the automotive industry with the same passion that Antonio and Giuseppe Savio embodied in 1919.

From elegant custom designs to rugged industrial applications, the history of Carrozzeria Savio is a celebration of Italian automotive heritage and innovation.

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Alfa Romeo TZ
Girardo & co

The Alfa Romeo TZ (Tubolare Zagato) is more than just a car: it is a landmark in the history of Italian automotive engineering and motorsport. This sleek, lightweight coupé marked Alfa Romeo’s return to racing in the 1960s, bridging the gap between the brand’s glorious pre-war racing heritage and its aspirations for modern motorsport dominance. Created in collaboration with Zagato and Auto Delta, the TZ became an icon of innovation, design, and competitive success.

The Foundations: A Record-Breaking Collaboration

In 1954, Alfa Romeo and Carlo Abarth began a historic partnership, facilitated by Mario Boano of Ghia. Their first project was a record-setting vehicle powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1900 engine, a precursor to the high-performance engineering that would define later models. While Boano left Ghia shortly thereafter, Abarth continued working with Alfa Romeo’s technical team at the Portello factory, setting the stage for further innovation.

In 1957, this partnership yielded the Abarth-Alfa Romeo 1100 Pininfarina Record, a car designed to dominate the “1100” engine category. Equipped with a tubular chassis, a lightweight aluminum body by Pininfarina, and a centrally positioned driver’s seat, this aerodynamic marvel achieved six speed records at Monza before suffering a dramatic crash due to a wheel failure. Though heavily damaged, the tubular chassis would later serve as the conceptual foundation for the Alfa Romeo TZ, demonstrating the enduring value of innovative experimentation.

Technical Highlights of the Alfa Romeo TZ

The first version of the Alfa Romeo TZ, often referred to as “TZ1” to distinguish it from its successor, the TZ2, represented a culmination of cutting-edge design and engineering. Developed under the direction of Orazio Satta Puliga and Giuseppe Busso at Alfa Romeo, the TZ was produced through a collaboration with Autodelta, SAI Ambrosini, and Zagato. Each partner brought unique expertise: Autodelta handled engine tuning and final assembly, SAI Ambrosini constructed the tubular steel chassis, and Zagato crafted the lightweight aerodynamic body—a conceptual evolution of the Giulietta SZ’s truncated tail design.

Alfa Romeo TZ
Girardo & co

The TZ was powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, derived from the Giulia TI. In its road-going version, this engine produced 112 bhp (82 kW) at 6,500 rpm, thanks to dual Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. Competition versions, however, saw power outputs rise to an impressive 160 bhp (118 kW). To optimize cooling, the engine was tilted 15 degrees to the left, enhancing airflow around the cylinder head.

The tubular chassis was a masterpiece of engineering. Made of nickel-chromium steel, it weighed just 62 kilograms while maintaining exceptional rigidity. Paired with the proven mechanical components of the Giulia, including four-wheel disc brakes, magnesium alloy wheels, and fully independent suspension, the TZ achieved a featherweight of 660 kilograms. This remarkable weight reduction enabled a top speed exceeding 215 km/h in road trim, with race-prepped versions reaching approximately 240 km/h.

Aerodynamics played a pivotal role in the TZ’s performance. The car featured a truncated “Kammback” tail, a design influenced by Wunibald Kamm’s studies and tested concurrently by Zagato on Giulietta SZ prototypes. This innovative shape reduced drag while maintaining stability, making the TZ a benchmark in aerodynamic efficiency.

Racing Debut and Early Triumphs

The TZ made its competitive debut in November 1963 at the Tour de Corse. Although both cars entered retired due to an accident and a suspension failure, success came swiftly. On November 24, 1963, at the Autodromo di Monza during a race organized by FISA, the TZ claimed a resounding victory, taking the top four spots in the prototype category. Lorenzo Bandini, Giampiero Bussinello, Giancarlo Baghetti, and Consalvo Sanesi led the charge.

Following its homologation in the Sport 1600 category, the TZ became a dominant force in both European and North American competitions. Between 1963 and 1965, 112 examples were produced, cementing the TZ’s legacy as a versatile and formidable competitor on road and track.

Legacy and Evolution: The TZ Line and Beyond

The Alfa Romeo TZ holds a significant place in the history of motorsport, not only for its innovative design and competition success but also as a milestone in the evolution of Alfa Romeo’s racing ambitions. The project benefited from the expertise of Carlo Chiti, a brilliant engineer whose career included stints at Ferrari and A.T.S. before co-founding “Auto-Delta” in 1963 with Lodovico Chizzola. Auto-Delta, established in Udine near Gianni Chizzola’s Alfa Romeo dealership, acted as a front for Alfa Romeo’s semi-official racing activities, allowing the brand to re-enter the motorsport scene without making an overt corporate commitment.

Alfa Romeo TZ

By late 1965, Auto-Delta transitioned into Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s official racing department, and relocated to Settimo Milanese. During this period, a total of 106 examples of the TZ were completed, although the original numbering scheme (750 001 to 750 108) included anomalies. For instance, chassis 750 101 was used for the Bertone-designed Alfa Romeo Canguro rather than a TZ, and some chassis, such as 750 000 (a spider prototype), remain controversial. Additionally, several cars were later modified into TZ2 specifications, including chassis 750 004, 750 072, and 750 079, following damage or repurposing.

Famous Chassis and Racing Success

The TZ enjoyed a decorated racing career. Notable examples include:

750 006, which competed at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Biscaldi and Sala, and is immortalized in a famous photo exiting the Mulsanne curve.

750 011, victorious in its class at the 1965 Targa Florio, driven by Bussinello and Deserti.

750 015, piloted by Frenchman Jean Rolland to the French Gran Turismo Championship in 1964, continuing to compete until 1966.

750 025, driven by Lorenzo Bandini at the Coppa FISA in Monza.

The TZ2, TZ3 Corsa, and TZ3 Stradale

The TZ2, introduced in 1965, represented a more advanced iteration of the original TZ. With a sleeker fiberglass body and enhanced aerodynamics, the TZ2 was even lighter and faster, designed exclusively for racing.

Decades later, Zagato revived the TZ lineage with the TZ3 Corsa and TZ3 Stradale, paying homage to the original models. The TZ3 Corsa, unveiled in 2010, was a one-off racing car powered by an Alfa Romeo engine. The TZ3 Stradale followed, blending Italian design with American power in a road-legal car based on the Dodge Viper ACR platform.

A Collector’s Puzzle and Enduring Legacy

The TZ’s rich history is further complicated by issues of chassis identification and authenticity. Several chassis bear double numbers, while others are suspected replicas. Despite these mysteries, the TZ remains a prized collector’s item, symbolizing Alfa Romeo’s ingenuity and competitive spirit.

From the groundbreaking TZ1 to the futuristic TZ3, the Tubolare Zagato series encapsulates Alfa Romeo’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance—a legacy that continues to inspire the world of motorsport and beyond.