The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Neri & Bonacini Studio GT Due Litri one-off.
The Neri & Bonacini Studio GT was born from the ambitions of its namesakes in 1966, as Neri and Bonacini sought to create a road car bearing their own name. The result was the Studio GT Due Litre, a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater coupe sports car featuring an aluminum body of their own design. The Studio GT chassis was an in-house creation that showcased advanced engineering for its time. It featured a central sheet metal tub, steel tube subframes at both the front and rear, and an original suspension design. The car had a wheelbase of 92 inches, stood at an overall height of 42 inches, and had a track of 53 inches at the front and 52.5 inches at the rear. Given its grand tourer designation, the Studio GT boasted a fully trimmed and soundproofed interior, emphasizing comfort alongside performance. The body of the Studio GT was compact and sleek, featuring a fastback design. The final version included pop-up headlights and rear bodywork that bore a striking resemblance to the Lamborghini Miura, emphasizing its sporty aesthetic. Initially, the car was designed around a 1.8-litre Lancia Flavia flat-4 engine. However, due to uncertainty regarding the availability of the Lancia engine for series production, prototypes were also tested with a Ford Taunus V4 and an ATS V8 engine. Between 1966 and 1968, Neri & Bonacini produced two prototypes of the Studio GT. Unfortunately, during this period, their partnership came to an end. Giorgio Neri then independently sought an investor to purchase the second prototype along with all tooling and designs for mass production, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Consequently, the car never entered mass production. Despite its brief existence, the Neri & Bonacini Studio GT remains a fascinating chapter in automotive history. It exemplifies the innovative spirit and engineering prowess of its creators, who dared to challenge the norms of their time. The car’s unique design and technical features continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors, preserving the legacy of Neri & Bonacini’s bold vision.
