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Events5 June 2024 by Team 231 Viewed

A Celebration of Elegance: The 8th Concorso d’Eleganza Città di Mantova

MANTUA. The whims of the weather did not dampen the enthusiasm and emotions of the 8th Concorso d’Eleganza Città di Mantova held on Sunday in the charming setting of Villa Schiarino – Lena in Porto Mantovano. Organized with the usual professionalism of the Club 8 Volanti “Tazio Nuvolari” officials, the event received widespread praise, success, and appreciation from both participants and numerous visitors who attended throughout the day.

The contest showcased a selection of 22 highly prestigious historic cars, each one a testament to automotive beauty and historical significance. Before the evaluation phase of the competition, an engaging conference took place from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring Edgardo Michelotti, son of the renowned designer Giovanni Michelotti. Giovanni Michelotti, one of the greatest figures in automotive history, passed away prematurely in 1981 after designing over 1200 cars, many of which were common sights on roads during his era.

During the competition phase, the jury was chaired by Pietro Camardella, a distinguished designer who, during his tenure at Pininfarina, designed several iconic Ferraris, including the Ferrari F40, the 456, and the Mythos prototype, which had its worldwide debut at Palazzo Te in Mantua. 

The judging committee members, in addition to Camardella, included Andreas Scheidl (carrozzieri-italiani.com) for style, Andrea and Stefano Maieli, renowned artisans from Mantua, for interiors, body  shop and classic cars restorers Marco Mondini and Alessandro Scartapatti, also from Mantua, for exteriors, Fabio Tittarelli from Aci Storico, and Aga Rossi for mechanics. These experts conducted their inspections and evaluations with utmost professionalism and seriousness, meticulously examining each car’s style, bodywork, interiors, and mechanics.

The participating cars ranged in age from the 1920s to the late 1990s, displaying incredible beauty and elegance. Highlights included two OM Superba 665s, a Fiat 514 MM (one of only seven produced by the Turin company), two special Fiat Balillas (by Carrozzeria Viotti and Fiat-Simca), and a magnificent 1947 Lancia Aprilia Cabrio Pinin Farina, which was later crowned queen of the contest. Other notable cars included the Fiat 1400, the last car owned by the legendary Tazio Nuvolari, an MG TD bodied by Vignale and designed by Michelotti (a unique specimen in the world), and a Gaz Volga M21, a Soviet car unique in Italy in civilian livery. The event also featured stunning cars from the 1960s and 1970s, such as Mercedes, MG, Bentley, and Jaguar. Among them was a Maserati Quattroporte Frua in a fantastic metallic color that changed with the day’s brightness, and the iconic black Jaguar E-Type of Diabolik, known for its sleek wedge shape.

From the group of class winners, the Gaz Volga M21, dramatically rediscovered in Kharkiv, and the Best of Show, the 1947 Lancia Aprilia Cabrio Pininfarina with its princely mechanics and lines, emerged as special awards from the Jury and Aci Mantova (see here all winners). In the mid-afternoon, prompted by bad weather, the event organizers, with the assistance of Giuseppe Pottocar, director of Aci Mantova, provided each participant with a personalized commemorative cup and awarded the most coveted prizes. After the final applause, everyone hurried away to escape the rain that, unfortunately, accompanied many participants to their destinations.

Despite the weather’s caprices, the 8th Concorso d’Eleganza Città di Mantova proved to be a resounding success, celebrating the timeless beauty and historical significance of these magnificent automobiles.

the author

Team

Since 2019, carrozzieri-italiani.com have curated the ultimate database showcasing the finest Italian coachbuilders. Immerse yourself in a world of timeless design, precision engineering, and the rich heritage of Italy's automotive excellence.

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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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