Turin has long been a global epicenter of automotive design, a city where innovation and artistry have shaped the industry for over a century. From the early 1900s, beneath the iconic Mole Antonelliana, timeless vehicles have been crafted, making Turin the undisputed heart of Italian car design. Today, this legacy continues within the newly established “Vehicle Valley” of Piedmont.
To honor this rich tradition, the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) hosted the first edition of the “Turin Design Tribute” on February 20 at its headquarters in Villa Rey. The event recognized key figures who have played a pivotal role in shaping automotive history.
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the “FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame” award to Paolo Martin, a legendary designer whose career began in 1960 at Studio Michelotti. Martin’s journey took him through some of the most prestigious Italian design houses, including Bertone—where he contributed to the interiors of the Alfa Romeo Montreal—and Pininfarina, where he became head of the design center at just 24 years old. His portfolio includes iconic creations such as the Sigma Grand Prix, Dino Ferrari Berlinetta Competizione, Fiat 130 Coupé, Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Rolls-Royce Camargue, and the futuristic Ferrari Modulo of 1970. After leaving Pininfarina in 1973, Martin worked at Ghia before embarking on a career as an independent designer, expanding his expertise into motorcycles with brands like Benelli and Moto Guzzi.
The “FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame” is an initiative by the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, which annually honors automotive personalities nominated by national federations like ASI. Given Italy’s deep-rooted motoring culture, the country has no shortage of extraordinary figures who have shaped the industry with their vision and craftsmanship.
The event continued with the presentation of the ASI Designer Award to Fabrizio Giugiaro, recognized for his ability to continuously redefine automotive aesthetics and functionality while anticipating technological and social shifts that shape the future of mobility.
Adding to the evening’s significance, a commemorative plaque was awarded to the Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro Collection. This marks the collection’s inclusion as the 300th official site in ASI’s heritage network, a program dedicated to preserving and celebrating automotive history through meticulous restoration and conservation efforts. The Giugiaro Collection is more than a display of automobiles—it tells the story of design evolution from the economic boom of the 1960s to the present day. Comprising around 40 vehicles, the collection features both production models and unique prototypes, including one-offs and design studies, with recent additions from GFG Style, the brand founded by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro in 2015.
The evening concluded with the official launch of the 2025 ASI Grifo d’Oro Competition, an initiative aimed at discovering young talents in car design. Inspired by the legendary “Grifo d’Oro Bertone” contest first held in 1965, the competition remains faithful to its original spirit while being updated for today’s automotive landscape. Nuccio Bertone, a visionary entrepreneur and renowned talent scout, emphasized in 1965 the importance of ensuring designs accounted for technical feasibility, driver ergonomics, wheel movements, and regulatory constraints, steering away from purely conceptual flights of fancy.
The event was hosted by ASI President Alberto Scuro and FIVA President Tiddo Bresters, welcoming esteemed guests and institutional representatives, including Turin’s Deputy Mayor Michela Favaro and regional officials Matteo Marnati and Andrea Tronzano. Automotive journalists Massimo Condolo, Franco Daudo, and Roberto Valentini moderated insightful discussions with key figures, offering a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the enduring legacy of Turin’s automotive design excellence.
