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A Closer Look14 February 2024 by Andreas 876 Viewed

The Alfa Romeo Bella concept car by Bertone

The Alfa Romeo Bella, a captivating prototype born out of the passion for historic Italian brands, stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation of the automotive world. Crafted by Luciano D’Ambrosio during his tenure as the design director at Bertone from 1991 to 2000, the Bella aimed to revive the allure of Alfa Romeo in the late ’90s. This 2 + 2 coupé, based on the Alfa Romeo 166, showcased unique design elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional Alfa Romeo aesthetics.

The Genesis of Alfa Romeo Bella

The project stemmed from the desire to reignite the splendor of Italian automotive heritage. Unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo Bella, a prototype for a potential Alfa Romeo 166 coupé, sought to gauge public interest in a distinctive direction for the iconic brand. The shortened chassis from the Alfa Romeo 166, designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, hinted at a luxurious 2 + 2 sports car, but unfortunately, it never made it to production.

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The Creative Mind Behind the Bella - Luciano D'Ambrosio

As the design director at Bertone, Luciano D’Ambrosio brought his wealth of experience, having previously worked at Italdesign Giugiaro and the Ford Style Center in Cologne. His innovative approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries of design played a pivotal role in shaping the Alfa Romeo Bella. D’Ambrosio’s collaboration with Nuccio Bertone, the visionary leader of Bertone, reflected a shared commitment to tireless exploration and a relentless pursuit of the new.

Redefining Alfa Romeo Aesthetics

D’Ambrosio and his team at Bertone aimed to break away from clichés associated with Alfa Romeo, envisioning a high-performance future for the brand. The iconic scudetto was reimagined, becoming a graphical element on the hood, while the headlights transformed into captivating, almost squinting eyes, showcasing pioneering LED technology. The sleek lines of the Bella challenged conventional Alfa Romeo design stereotypes, setting it apart in the automotive landscape.

The Bella’s exterior design was a masterful composition, drawing inspiration from the scudetto. The streamlined body, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, featured a clean rear design with two light strips flanking the rear window. The windscreen seamlessly merged into the side window, reminiscent of the Lancia Stratos, showcasing Bertone’s commitment to both heritage and innovation. The front bumper, intentionally designed with minimal visible air intakes, hinted at the future design choice of electric vehicles.

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Interior Elegance and Practicality

The interior of the Bella, adorned with red leather, hinted at comfort rather than sheer sportiness. However, the rear seats, designed as folding seats, showcased Bertone’s ingenious approach to maximize luggage space. A unique feature allowed the rear seats to be moved, creating additional room for unconventional cargo such as surfboards or bicycles. The dashboard featured a heat-absorbing material, equipped with fans that expelled the absorbed heat outside, ensuring a comfortable environment for passengers on hot summer days.

Mechanical Prowess and Unfulfilled Destiny

Built on the Alfa Romeo 166 platform, the Bella retained the original mechanics, with only minor modifications to the rear wheel area to accommodate a more compact rear light. The choice of the Busso V6 engine, boasting 225 horsepower, a manual gearbox, and front-wheel drive, highlighted the Bella’s commitment to performance. Despite its mechanical prowess, the Bella remained a prototype, never making it to commercial production.

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Legacy and Unexplored Potential

The Alfa Romeo Bella, though never destined for mass production, left an indelible mark on recent Alfa Romeo design. The concept’s versatility, combining sportiness and practicality, paved the way for future Alfa Romeo models. Unfortunately, it took four more years for Bertone’s collaboration with Alfa Romeo to materialize into the Alfa Romeo GT. The Bella’s legacy lives on as a source of inspiration for designers, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of automotive aesthetics.

The Bella prototype, running and eventually ready for production, underwent testing by journalists in Geneva. However, for reasons unknown, it remained a concept car, leaving enthusiasts and admirers to wonder about the untapped potential of this remarkable design.

Despite the Bella not making it to production, its influence can be traced in later Alfa Romeo models. The innovative design choices, such as the reimagined scudetto and sleek lines, found echoes in subsequent Alfa Romeo releases. The Bella served as a catalyst for the brand’s evolution, sparking a new era of creativity and experimentation in automotive design.

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Conclusion

The Alfa Romeo Bella stands as a testament to the passion and innovation that fueled the Italian automotive industry in the late ’90s. While it may not have graced the roads as a production model, its legacy lives on in the creative spirit it ignited within the automotive community. The Bella, with its blend of heritage and forward-thinking design, remains a symbol of what could have been for Alfa Romeo – a captivating chapter in the brand’s history that invites us to ponder the untapped potential and the roads not taken. As the automotive world continues to evolve, the Bella remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that true innovation often lies in the unexplored realms of possibility.

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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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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