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News22 July 2024 by Andreas 516 Viewed

The Bertone GB110 World Debut at Top Marques Monaco

Bertone has made a monumental return to the automotive spotlight with the unveiling of its first hypercar, the GB110, at the prestigious Top Marques event in Monaco. This exclusive hypercar, limited to just 33 units, epitomizes luxury and customization, promising each owner a truly unique driving experience.

The Top Marques Monaco 2024 event was a tremendous success, attracting 29,000 visitors over five days and approximately 300 journalists from over 30 countries. The GB110‘s debut was marked by the distinguished presence of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, Pierre Dartout, Minister of State of Monaco, and Barbara Bertone, daughter of the renowned Nuccio Bertone.

Owners' Vision

Mauro and Jean-Franck Ricci, the visionary owners behind this groundbreaking project, shared their excitement: “Our passion for Bertone’s heritage has been lifelong. With over 30 years of car development experience, we embarked on a journey to create a masterpiece that celebrates Bertone’s 110th anniversary. The GB110, designed by top Italian engineers and designers, is a tribute to the legacy of Giovanni Bertone, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.”

Performance, Customization, and Sustainability

Giovanni Sapio, Project and Design Manager at Bertone, highlighted the car’s unique features: “The GB110 is more than just a hypercar; it’s a work of art. It’s the first hypercar to use fuel made from plastic waste, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Equipped with all-wheel drive and a twin-turbocharged 5.2L V10 engine delivering 1,124 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque, the GB110 can accelerate from 0 to 300 km/h in 12.9 seconds. It boasts a curb weight of 1,423 kg, a top speed of 350 km/h, and is fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes for exceptional performance.”

The GB110 was introduced in a striking color combination known as Grigio Rinascimento, contrasted with Orange Black. Customization options include partial or full carbon-look bodywork, a rear wing, and a variety of interior and exterior color combinations inspired by past Bertone concept cars, allowing each owner to personalize their vehicle.

Design Philosophy

Andrea Mocellin, Design Lead for the GB110, explained the design ethos: “Our goal was to create a hypercar that is as much a piece of art as a performance vehicle. The design blends the smooth lines of the 1950s with bold, angular shapes reminiscent of the 1970s. The side view features heritage character lines from iconic models like the Stratos Zero, harmoniously blending emotion and power.”

A Tribute to Giovanni Bertone

Barbara Bertone, reflecting on the car’s significance, said: “I am thrilled to witness this ambitious project come to fruition. The GB110 is a tribute to my grandfather, Giovanni Bertone, founder of Carrozzeria Bertone in 1912. Growing up with Bertone, it is with great emotion that I see our legacy continue with such an innovative and stunning vehicle. Thanks to Mauro and Jean-Franck, Bertone is back in a remarkable way.”

The Bertone GB110 marks a new chapter for the legendary design house, blending historical reverence with futuristic innovation. As it takes its place among the world’s most exclusive hypercars, the GB110 stands as a testament to Bertone’s enduring spirit and craftsmanship.

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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Photo courtesy of Auto Storica

The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB), produced from 1973 to 1984, stands as one of Ferrari’s most radical shifts in design and engineering, thanks to the collaborative work with Pininfarina. The BB was Ferrari’s first mid-engine road car, marking a significant departure from Enzo Ferrari’s long-standing preference for front-engine designs. Its introduction signified a new chapter for Ferrari, aligning more closely with the trends set by other supercar manufacturers at the time.

Origins and Design Inspiration

Designed under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti, the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (the first iteration of the BB series) debuted at the 1971 Turin Auto Show, and production began in 1973. One fascinating anecdote about the car is that its “BB” initials reportedly stood for Brigitte Bardot, the famous French actress, which was a codename used during development and remained with the model​.

The BB’s design was sleek and revolutionary. It featured a wedge-shaped, low-profile body, which became a staple of 1970s supercar aesthetics. One of its unique design elements was the bicolored bodywork, with a black lower section that visually slimmed the car while emphasizing its elongated shape. Its pop-up headlights and minimalist, flowing lines were indicative of Pininfarina’s ability to combine functionality with elegance, helping the car stand out from its competitors​.

Mid-Engine Innovation

Before the BB series, Ferrari had always adhered to front-engine layouts for its road cars, famously stating, “Never put the cart before the horse.” However, the mid-engine layout, which Ferrari had already used in its Dino models, became necessary as rivals like Lamborghini began popularizing the mid-engine format in supercars.

The 512 BB (introduced in 1976) featured a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, mounted in the middle of the car, right behind the driver, delivering 360 horsepower. While this engine was commonly referred to as a “Boxer,” it was technically a 180-degree V12, not a true Boxer engine. In a true Boxer engine, opposing pistons move in opposite directions, but in the 512 BB, they moved simultaneously in the same direction​ This flat configuration allowed for a lower center of gravity, which significantly improved the car’s handling.

Performance and Engineering Marvels

The 512 BB was more than just a stylish car—it was a high-performance machine capable of a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The car’s engineering wasn’t just limited to its engine. It featured independent suspension on all four wheels and a sophisticated five-speed manual transmission mounted below the engine, showcasing Ferrari’s commitment to performance.

Over the years, the BB saw several iterations. The BB 512i, introduced in the early 1980s, swapped the carburetors for Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, which lowered emissions and improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much power. Although the power dropped slightly to 340 hp, it remained one of the fastest road cars of its era​.

Legacy and Influence

The BB series laid the groundwork for Ferrari’s later mid-engine supercars, such as the Ferrari Testarossa, which succeeded the BB 512i in 1984. It also marked a significant shift for Ferrari, transitioning from the era of front-engine grand tourers to mid-engine supercars.

Today, the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer remains a prized collector’s item. Its combination of cutting-edge design by Pininfarina, revolutionary mid-engine layout, and Ferrari’s racing heritage makes it one of the most iconic cars in the brand’s history. With only 387 units produced of the original 365 GT4 BB, and slightly more of the later 512 BB and BB 512i models, its rarity further solidifies its place in the pantheon of classic supercars.

The Ferrari BB, both for its groundbreaking design and engineering, represents one of Ferrari’s most influential models. Its innovations in the mid-engine supercar market, coupled with Pininfarina’s masterful styling, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors to this day.

Which Ferrari model is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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