The story of Bertone: the most controversial coachbuilder ever
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
A Lancia Astura Superluminosa by Bertone from 1933.
The Lancia Astura Superluminosa Bertone, built in 1933, stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Italian automotive design during the pre-war era. Named “Superluminosa” (Super Bright) for its stylish and pioneering sunroof feature, this model showcased the forward-thinking approach of Carrozzeria Bertone, which had introduced the “Superluminosa” concept a year earlier with the Fiat Ardita. The bright sunroof not only added a unique aesthetic appeal but also enhanced the functionality of the vehicle, flooding the cabin with natural light and setting a new standard for luxury features in automobiles of that period. Built on the Lancia Astura chassis with a wheelbase of 3330 mm, the Superluminosa was powered by a V8 engine, initially displacing 2604 cc and producing 72 horsepower at 4000 rpm. This engine configuration provided a solid balance of performance and refinement, aligning with Lancia’s reputation for engineering excellence. In subsequent iterations, during the third and fourth series of the Astura from 1933 to 1939, the engine displacement was increased to 2973 cc, boosting the power output to 82 horsepower. This enhancement reflected Lancia’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving demands of the luxury car market. The design of the Lancia Astura Superluminosa was the work of Mario Revelli di Beaumont, a renowned freelance designer known for his collaborations with Carrozzeria Bertone. Revelli’s influence is evident in the vehicle’s sophisticated and elegant lines, which embodied the understated luxury typical of high-end Italian automobiles of the era. His design philosophy, combined with Bertone’s innovative approach to automotive bodywork, resulted in a car that was not only visually striking but also technologically advanced. The Lancia Astura Superluminosa Bertone remains a significant piece of automotive history, representing the synergy between engineering prowess and artistic design that characterized the golden age of Italian coachbuilding. Its unique combination of style, innovation, and performance made it a symbol of sophistication and a forerunner in the evolution of luxury car design. Today, the Superluminosa is celebrated as an icon of pre-war automotive elegance, reflecting the ingenuity and creativity of the Italian automotive industry.
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
Missing or wrong informations?
Carrozzieri-Italiani.com relies on thousend of users who help to populate the database. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the informations. Contact us if you want to contribute.