Enrico Minetti

Enrico Minetti was a pioneering figure in the European automotive world, credited as the first dealer to establish a structured car sales network on the continent. In 1911, after leaving a position at Pirelli, he founded the Automobile Commercial Agency, laying the foundation for what would become a model of modern automotive distribution. By the late 1920s, Minetti operated nine branches across Italy, each supported by subcontractors, offering sales and service to an expanding clientele of luxury automobile buyers. His vision, however, extended well beyond Italy. Prior to the Wall Street Crash of 1929, he opened a main agency in New York City, marking one of the earliest efforts by an Italian automotive figure to engage directly with the American market.

The Hotel Commodore in Manhattan served as the venue for Minetti’s American activities, hosting exclusive exhibitions of “extra series” vehicles—custom-bodied luxury cars designed for an elite audience. These displays were set in the hotel’s grand lobby and ballrooms, echoing the prestige of European salons. Through these efforts, Minetti helped introduce high-end Italian models, including Lancias, to American collectors and enthusiasts, establishing a cultural and commercial bridge between continents.

Minetti’s approach was not only innovative in its international scope but also in its understanding of automobiles as luxury objects. His efforts laid the groundwork for future transatlantic collaborations in the automotive industry and positioned Italy as a key player in the global luxury car market.