Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
In 1994, following the initiative taken with the Fiat Cinquecento, the Turin-based automaker decided to offer Italy’s most prestigious coachbuilders and design houses the opportunity to reinterpret the newly launched Fiat Punto in their own unique way. This initiative aimed to explore the stylistic and technical potential of the successful compact car, highlighting the versatility of its base design.
In the early 20th century, the Weymann system transformed automotive design with its innovative lightweight and flexible construction. Originally developed for aircraft, this technique significantly reduced noise and vibration, enhancing passenger comfort.
Carrozzeria Boneschi, an iconic Milanese coachbuilder, has played a significant role in shaping the history of Italian automotive design and innovation. Founded in the early 20th century, the company became renowned for its bespoke craftsmanship, pioneering custom vehicles, and cutting-edge design solutions. From luxury cars and prototypes to specialized vehicles for advertising, healthcare, and security, Boneschi’s adaptability and ingenuity helped it thrive through periods of both growth and decline. This article explores the fascinating journey of Carrozzeria Boneschi, highlighting its contributions to the automotive industry and its lasting legacy in the world of custom car building.
In 1950s Italy, Space Age Car Design, inspired by the optimism of space exploration and technological advancements, introduced sleek, futuristic aesthetics to consumer products, from automobiles to fashion and animation.
The Fiat Bravo Concept cars, unveiled in 1996, showcased the creative prowess of Italian coachbuilders invited by Fiat to reinterpret their new model. Following the tradition set by previous Fiat designs like the Cinquecento and Punto, the Turin Motor Show served as a vibrant platform for these innovations. Out of 25 concept cars debuting at the event, 17 were based on the new Fiat models. Among these, ten were ‘official’ Fiat-sponsored concepts displayed as a group, while seven represented independent, unofficial interpretations by various coachbuilders.
At the 1934 Milan Motor Show a new chassis for the Augusta was presented. The 234 type specially conceived for coachbuilders retained the previous mechanical characteristics but with some novelties.
We are trying to create a register of all Lancia Aurelia series B50, B51, B52, B53 and B55+B56 chassis.
The Lancia Aurelia chassis history From the moment the Lancia Aurelia was unveiled to the public at the Turin Motor Show in April 1950,…
Lets step back in time to the year 1947, a momentous period marked by the end of a war that left both material and moral devastation in its wake. The echoes of those challenging years are etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to have lived through them. The Mille Miglia revives, symbolizing the resilient spirit of a society yearning for recovery.
An elegant convertible, built in 1949 on the popular Fiat 1100 B chassis by Stabilimenti Farina in very few speciments, remains the emblem of this extraordinary coachbuilding of cars in the early 1950s. The resemblance to Ferrari’s 166 Inter is surprising, which let to controversy between Giovanni Farina and Enzo Ferrari.
The Fiat 600 was undoubtedly the car that accompanied Italy through the economic boom. When it was presented it was very popular thanks to its modern lines, the brilliant engine and a cockpit large enough to fit the whole family. The demand for the 600 was so high that Fiat was unable to meet the waiting times, so that many relied on the coachbuilders in order to get its small family car sooner, even at the cost of a higher price.
At the turn of the 60s, Carrozzeria Boneschi, together with the designer Rodolfo Bonetto, gave life to a stylistic movement called “Linea Tesa”. As the name suggests, this design style features knife edged lines and clean cuts, in contrast with the trends of the time. This bravery shown by Carrozzeria Boneschi was not rewarded by success, but it was somehow a precursor of the 70s and 80s style.
