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The Story Behind3 February 2024 by Andreas 471 Viewed

The Genesis of the Daewoo Matiz: From Fiat’s Concept to Icon

daewoo matiz

In the annals of recent automotive history, the genesis of iconic cars often involves a blend of visionary design, technological innovation, and corporate foresight. The story of the Daewoo Matiz is no exception, tracing its roots back to the fertile grounds of Italian design and South Korean ambition.

Fiat's request

It all began in 1992, when ANFIA, the Italian automotive industry association, summoned renowned “carrozzerie” (coachbuilders) to reimagine the timeless Fiat Cinquecento. This call to reinterpretation, backed by Fiat itself, led to the unveiling of the Fiat Cinquecento ID by Italdesign at the Turin Motor Show. Among other interpretations from esteemed design houses like Pininfarina, Bertone, Zagato, and Maggiora, the ID stood out as a symbol of compact agility tailored for urban landscapes.

The Lucciola

The following year witnessed the transformation of the static ID Cinquecento into the dynamic Lucciola prototype, a metamorphosis that would pave the way for the Daewoo Matiz. Named in homage to the coachbuilder Francis Lombardi, renowned for its Fiat-based custom models, the Lucciola embodied a vision of eco-friendliness and versatility. Crafted with recyclable materials and featuring an aluminum body, the Lucciola embraced an electrically-driven hybrid system, promising both spirited performance and environmental stewardship.

Unveiled at prestigious events like the Geneva and Bologna Motor Shows in 1993, the Fiat 500 Lucciola captivated audiences with its innovative hybrid technology and adaptable design. Despite Fiat’s initial interest, the project ultimately foundered, leading to the resurgence of the Seicento as a modern interpretation of the Cinquecento’s legacy.

Daewoo's Vision: From Lucciola to d'Arts

Enter Kim Woo-choong, the visionary president of Daewoo, who recognized the potential of the Lucciola as the foundation for a new small car. Collaborating with Giugiaro, the acclaimed designer behind the Lucciola, Daewoo embarked on a journey to redefine urban mobility.

The result of this collaboration was the d’Arts, a compact marvel that retained the essence of the Lucciola while refining its form and function. With its MPV body, innovative floor structure, and judicious use of plastic materials, the d’Arts promised a blend of practicality and style.

The Birth of Daewoo Matiz: From Prototype to Production

In 1997, the d’Arts emerged from the cocoon of prototyping with a new identity: the Daewoo Matiz. Symbolizing shade and shelter in Spanish, the Matiz embodied a fresh perspective on urban transportation. From its debut at the Seoul Motorshow to subsequent exhibitions showcasing variants like the d’Arts City, Style, and Sport, the Matiz captured hearts with its distinctive design and spirited performance.

Embodying the ethos of the M Series, denoting microcar lineage and the dawn of a new generation, the Matiz marked a milestone in automotive evolution. With its compact dimensions and versatile 5-door configuration, the Matiz transcended boundaries, earning acclaim both domestically and abroad.

Design and Features: The Matiz's Endearing Qualities

Featuring rounded contours, circular lighting, and an array of vibrant colors, the Matiz exuded charm and charisma at every turn. Despite its diminutive stature, it accommodated five passengers comfortably, earning accolades as a mini minivan with a big heart.

daewoo matiz

Conclusions

As it cruised into the annals of automotive history, the Daewoo Matiz left an indelible mark on the urban landscape. Its legacy endures as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From Fiat’s conceptual spark to Daewoo’s transformative vision, the Matiz stands as a shining beacon of ingenuity in motion.

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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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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