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Gallery27 December 2024 by Andreas 154 Viewed

10 Rare BMWs with Italian Design You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

While BMW is celebrated for its impeccable German engineering, some of its most unique creations have emerged from collaborations with renowned Italian design houses. These partnerships have resulted in stunningly rare cars that combine the precision of German performance with the flair and artistry of Italian styling. From experimental concepts to luxurious grand tourers, these lesser-known BMWs offer a captivating look into the brand’s design diversity. Here are 10 extraordinary BMW models with Italian designs that have slipped under the radar.

BMW 2800 GTS Frua (1969)

BMW 2800 GTS Frua (1969)

The BMW 2800 GTS Frua is an ultra-rare blend of Italian sophistication and German engineering. Designed by Pietro Frua, only two units of this car were ever built, making it a true collector's gem. With its smooth, elegant lines and a distinctive front grille, this car epitomizes Frua’s knack for blending sportiness with elegance. Based on the BMW 2800 platform, it’s a stylish grand tourer that remains a hidden masterpiece in BMW’s history.

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BMW 2800 Spicup (1969)

BMW 2800 Spicup (1969)

The BMW 2800 Spicup, designed by Bertone, is one of the most daring and futuristic BMW concepts ever created. Unveiled at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show, it featured a retractable stainless steel hardtop that allowed it to transform between coupe and convertible. Its bold, angular lines and unconventional roof design made it a standout, though it never reached production. Today, the Spicup remains a fascinating glimpse into BMW’s experimentation with avant-garde design.

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BMW 2200 TI Garmisch (1970)

BMW 2200 TI Garmisch (1970)

The BMW 2200 TI Garmisch, crafted by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, was a forward-looking concept that influenced the future of BMW sedans. With its sharp lines, minimalist front fascia, and distinctive rear lights, the Garmisch was ahead of its time. Though it was never mass-produced, this concept car was recently recreated by BMW as a tribute to its innovative design, reaffirming its place in automotive history.

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BMW Karmann Asso di Quadri (1976)

BMW Karmann Asso di Quadri (1976)

The BMW Karmann Asso di Quadri, or "Ace of Diamonds," was designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. This concept never entered production, but its sharp, geometric design left a lasting impression. The clean lines and angular shapes were typical of Giugiaro’s work during the 1970s, and the car’s styling resembled other iconic designs from the era, like the Volkswagen Scirocco. It’s a rare glimpse of what BMW might have looked like had they embraced this more radical design language.

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BMW Nazca M12 (1991)

BMW Nazca M12 (1991)

The BMW Nazca M12, designed by Italdesign, was a bold supercar concept that took BMW into new territory. Powered by a BMW V12 engine, the low-slung Nazca M12 featured a striking glass canopy and futuristic design. While it never made it into production, the Nazca remains a stunning example of BMW’s willingness to push boundaries in both performance and style during the early 1990s.

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BMW Zagato Roadster (2012)

BMW Zagato Roadster (2012)

In collaboration with Zagato, the BMW Zagato Roadster was designed as a hand-sculpted, one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This open-top roadster, unveiled at Pebble Beach, features an aluminum body and the signature Italian curves that make Zagato designs so distinctive. Its sporty proportions and luxurious interior make it a standout among BMW’s limited-edition models, perfectly marrying Italian craftsmanship with German engineering.

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BMW Gran Lusso Coupe (2013)

BMW Gran Lusso Coupe (2013)

The BMW Gran Lusso Coupe, created in collaboration with Pininfarina, is a luxurious grand tourer that remains a one-off concept. Unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, this car exudes opulence with its long bonnet, muscular stance, and meticulously crafted interior. The Gran Lusso combines the best of BMW’s performance with Pininfarina’s Italian flair, creating a car that perfectly balances power and elegance. Though it never entered production, it’s a stunning example of the heights that BMW and Italian design can reach together.

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BMW Glas 3000 V8 Fastback Coupe (1967)

BMW Glas 3000 V8 Fastback Coupe (1967)

The BMW Glas 3000 V8 Fastback Coupe, designed by Pietro Frua, is one of the most beautiful cars to come from BMW’s acquisition of Glas. Featuring BMW’s V8 engine and Frua’s sophisticated Italian design, the fastback coupe has an elegant yet powerful presence. Its smooth lines and refined details made it a standout in the late 1960s, offering a glimpse into a unique chapter in BMW’s history following the Glas merger.

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BMW 3200 CS Cabriolet (1962)

BMW 3200 CS Cabriolet (1962)

The BMW 3200 CS Cabriolet, designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, is a truly unique piece, with only one example ever made. This one-off cabriolet is an elegant precursor to the BMW coupes that would follow in later decades. With its flowing lines and luxurious open-top design, this car represents a harmonious blend of BMW’s engineering and Italian styling. Today, it remains a prized treasure for collectors due to its exclusivity and stunning design.

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BMW 1600 GT Cabrio (1967)

BMW 1600 GT Cabrio (1967)

The BMW 1600 GT Cabrio, designed by Carrozzeria Frua, is another incredibly rare BMW, with only two units ever built. This elegant convertible combines Frua’s sleek Italian design with BMW’s reliability and performance. Its rarity and stylish bodywork make it a highly coveted car for enthusiasts, representing a unique chapter in BMW’s exploration of Italian design influences.

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These 10 rare BMW models, designed by some of Italy’s most renowned car design houses, represent a fascinating fusion of German precision and Italian creativity. From futuristic concepts to luxurious roadsters, each of these cars offers a unique glimpse into the collaboration between BMW and Italian design. Though many of these vehicles never made it to mass production, their legacy lives on, reminding us of the incredible potential that arises when two distinct automotive worlds collide.

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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Gallery 24 January 2023

Ranking The 20 Greatest Concept Cars by Bertone

Bertone was probably the most innovative and certainly the most courageous coachbuilder in the automotive history. We’ve tried to rank them, here are the 20 greatest concept cars made by Bertone. We are aware that you will not always agree with us, so let us know what are your favourite one’s in the comment section.

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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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