www.carrozzieri-italiani.com

The ultimate italian coachbuilder site

Events4 March 2024 by Andreas 407 Viewed

Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates Pininfarina with new exhibit

“The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina” will showcase the diversity and versatility of the coachbuilder’s designs through four milestone examples – the 1931 Cadillac Model452A Boattail Roadster, 1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe, 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype and 2019 Automobili Pininfarina “Battista” Design Model

The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles will debut a new exhibit celebrating Italian design firm and coachbuilder Pininfarina on March 25. Located in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery, “The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina” will convey the significance and evolution of the Italian car design firm and coachbuilder through a curated display of four key automobiles representing its storied 90-year history.

Vehicles on display will include a 1931 Cadillac Model 452A Boattail Roadster, the first Pininfarina body mounted on a non-Italian chassis; a 1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe, widely considered one of the most attractive vehicles ever built; a 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype, the first mid-engine Ferrari; and a 2019 Automobili Pininfarina “Battista”, which is an early design model of the luxury hypercar rather than a functioning automobile. A 1967 Ferrari 365P Berlinetta Speciale “Tre Posti”, the last vehicle bodied by Pininfarina for a private client, will replace the 1966 Dino Berlinetta 206 GT Prototype in April 2021.

“With its commitment to elegant, aerodynamic design and small-scale production, Pininfarina has created some of the most innovative and revered car designs in the history of the automobile,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “The new exhibit will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s design history while paying homage to its innovation through these four rarely-seen vehicles.”

“We are honored that a prestigious museum such as the Petersen is dedicating an exhibition to our anniversary,” said Chairman of the Pininfarina Group, Paolo Pininfarina. “The models on display perfectly represent our identity, which today is the same as in the 1930s: the centrality of design, an aesthetic sense capable of creating timeless beauty, the obsession with quality, the force of a tradition that combines industry, technology and stylistic research. Pininfarina has built up 90 years of innovation in compliance with these values”.

The exhibit will join several other Pininfarina-designed vehicles currently on display throughout the museum. On the Otis Booth History Floor, the vehicles on display include a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Interim Berlinetta, 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO, 1989 Ferrari Testarossa, 1991 Ferrari F40 and a 2004 Ferrari Enzo as part of the “Supercars” exhibit. In The Vault presented by Hagerty, there are additional Pininfarina-designed vehicles available for viewing including a 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster, 1954 Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe, 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4, 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta, 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO, 2014 Ferrari F12, 2017 Ferrari F12 70th Anniversary, the 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi from “Magnum PI” and a Ferrari 458 Challenge Art Car by Tyler Ramsey.

“The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina” closes Dec. 5, 2021. For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visit Petersen.org.

About The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation

The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California, 90036. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit Petersen.org.

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.

Posts You Might Like

Events 29 May 2024

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024: All Winners

The stunning backdrop of Villa d’Este hosted another extraordinary edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where historic cars and concept vehicles enchanted the audience and judges alike. This year, the “Best of Show” title was awarded to a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 bodied by Figoni, while the public bestowed the “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este” upon a 1995 McLaren F1.

0 Comments 317 Viewed
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
superleggera tecnique touring

The Superleggera system, developed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, stands as one of the most innovative achievements in the history of automotive design. This revolutionary construction method, guided by the motto “Weight is the enemy – Air resistance is the obstacle,” was more than just a new way of building cars; it was a transformative approach that redefined car manufacturing, blending cutting-edge engineering with elegant aesthetics.

Origins and Development

Founded in 1926 by Felice Bianchi Anderloni, Carrozzeria Touring quickly became known for its sleek, stylish automotive designs. However, by the mid-1930s, Touring sought to go beyond mere aesthetics and address the technical challenges of traditional coachbuilding methods. At the time, most cars were built using heavy wooden frames, a legacy of horse-drawn carriage construction that was both cumbersome and not particularly strong.

Touring initially adopted the Weymann system, which allowed lighter construction by replacing steel panels with fabric-covered wooden frames. Despite offering some advantages, this system had significant drawbacks, including the tendency of the pegamoid fabric to dry out and crack. Undeterred, Touring’s engineers took inspiration from the aeronautical industry, developing the Superleggera system around 1935-36—a breakthrough that forever changed automotive design.

The Superleggera Technique

The Superleggera (Italian for “super light”) technique was a groundbreaking step in automotive construction. It utilized a light yet strong tubular steel framework over which thin aluminum panels were attached to form the body of the car. This innovative structure, directly welded to the main chassis, unified the body and frame into a cohesive unit, dramatically reducing weight while enhancing strength and rigidity.

The steel frame was made from carefully engineered tubes, providing structural support without the weight of traditional wooden frames. Aluminum panels were mounted using felt inserts to minimize vibrations and prevent galvanic corrosion, making the vehicles not only lighter but also more durable and safer. This construction method aligned perfectly with Touring’s goals of reducing weight, improving speed, and enhancing handling, setting new standards in performance.

Technical Advantages of the Superleggera System

1. Lightweight Construction: The primary advantage of the Superleggera system was its ability to significantly reduce the vehicle’s weight. By eliminating heavy wooden frames and using a tubular steel structure covered in aluminum, Touring’s designs were lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient. This weight-saving approach was particularly crucial in racing, where every kilogram impacted performance.

2. Enhanced Aerodynamics: Touring’s emphasis on aerodynamics set it apart from its contemporaries. The streamlined shapes made possible by the Superleggera system minimized drag, allowing cars to achieve higher speeds and improved stability. Touring was a pioneer in using wind tunnels to test their designs, ensuring that each car was as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

3. Structural Integrity and Safety: Unlike the Weymann system, which was prone to weather damage and structural weakness, the Superleggera construction provided superior rigidity and safety. The combination of steel and aluminum created a durable framework that offered excellent crash resistance, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.

4. Flexibility in Design: The Superleggera technique provided designers with unmatched freedom to create complex, flowing shapes that were impossible with traditional construction methods. This flexibility allowed Touring to craft bespoke bodies that perfectly matched the client’s desires, setting a new benchmark for custom automotive design.

5. Integration of Advanced Materials: Touring incorporated advanced materials such as Plexiglas windows, tubular seat frames, and chrome-plated aluminum trim. These innovations further reduced weight and enhanced the visual appeal of the cars, contributing to their overall performance and luxurious feel.

6. Unified Chassis and Body Construction: The Superleggera system unified the car’s chassis and body into a single, cohesive unit. This concept of integrating body and frame enhanced structural integrity and was a precursor to the monocoque (unibody) construction that would later become standard in the automotive industry.

Landmark Models Built with the Superleggera System

The first major application of the Superleggera system was on the Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B MM, which made its debut at the Mille Miglia in 1937. This car showcased the effectiveness of the new construction method, achieving an impressive fourth-place finish and setting the stage for future Touring designs.

Another significant milestone was the creation of the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B, regarded as one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced cars of its time. Featuring an eight-cylinder engine and a sophisticated aerodynamic design, the 8C 2900 B set new standards for performance and luxury. Touring also utilized the Superleggera technique on various Fiat and Lancia models, demonstrating the system’s versatility across different platforms.

BMW and the Mille Miglia Victory

Touring’s expertise did not go unnoticed by other leading car manufacturers. In the late 1930s, BMW approached Carrozzeria Touring to design a lightweight, aerodynamically optimized body for their racing cars. The collaboration resulted in the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, a car that combined BMW’s advanced mechanical components with Touring’s cutting-edge Superleggera construction.

The BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé was a technical marvel, utilizing the lightweight Superleggera system to achieve remarkable performance. Its streamlined aluminum body was mounted on a tubular steel frame, dramatically reducing weight and allowing the car to maximize its power output. This synergy between BMW’s engineering and Touring’s design led to a stunning victory at the 1940 Mille Miglia, where the 328 Touring Coupé won outright, cementing the Superleggera system’s reputation as a superior automotive construction method.

The success of the BMW 328 at the Mille Miglia was a testament to the advantages of the Superleggera system, proving that lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency could deliver winning results on the world’s toughest racing stages. The BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé remains a legendary car, often celebrated as one of the most beautiful and effective racing cars of its era.

Legacy and Impact of the Superleggera System

The impact of the Superleggera system extended far beyond Touring’s workshop. Its success led to licensing agreements with other prestigious manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Frazer-Nash, and Hudson, allowing them to adopt Touring’s innovative construction techniques. This spread of the Superleggera system influenced automotive design globally, helping to usher in an era of lighter, faster, and more elegant cars.

The Superleggera system was not just a technical innovation; it was a philosophy that harmonized engineering excellence with artistic design. It prioritized lightness, strength, and aerodynamics, creating vehicles that were as beautiful as they were fast. Today, the principles established by Touring’s Superleggera system continue to inspire car manufacturers striving to balance performance, safety, and style.

In conclusion, the Superleggera system by Carrozzeria Touring remains a pivotal moment in automotive history. It redefined car design by integrating advanced construction techniques with aesthetic mastery, setting a new standard for what cars could achieve. The enduring legacy of the Superleggera system is a reminder that true innovation often comes from rethinking the fundamentals, blending form and function into a masterpiece of automotive art.

© 2025 Carrozzieri-italiani.com
Handcrafted with love in Italy 🇮🇹