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News17 August 2024 by Andreas 78 Viewed

Automobili Pininfarina Unveils Battista Targamerica

battista targamerica

Automobili Pininfarina has unveiled its latest marvel, the Battista Targamerica, a groundbreaking coach-built electric hypercar that marks the world’s first of its kind to be delivered to a client. This unique one-off vehicle made its debut at The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering, during the prestigious Monterey Car Week, where its exclusive design was showcased to a captivated audience of automotive enthusiasts.

The Battista Targamerica is the epitome of Automobili Pininfarina’s vision of “Dream Cars, Made Real,” representing the first coach-built car commissioned by a client. Designed and built in close collaboration with a renowned car collector and existing Battista owner, this bespoke masterpiece incorporates an extensive list of personalizations, making it a one-of-a-kind work of art.

Constructed by the master artisans at the Automobili Pininfarina atelier in Cambiano, Italy, in partnership with Pininfarina SpA, the Battista Targamerica reflects the client’s individuality, personality, and lifestyle. After its unveiling, the car will reside in one of the world’s most curated collections of rare and high-performance automobiles.

The car’s striking silver and blue color scheme is complemented by a re-engineered, roofless body profile, ensuring an exhilarating open-top driving experience. True to the brand’s award-winning PURA design philosophy, the vehicle blends futuristic aesthetics with timeless luxury, standing as both a technical achievement and a personal expression of its owner.

Paolo Dellachà, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina, hailed the momentous occasion: “This is a seminal moment, delivering our first coach-built one-off vehicle to a client. Battista Targamerica, like no other vehicle before, demonstrates the infinite possibilities our highly skilled team can design and engineer.”

The design takes cues from the 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spider, another famous one-off car created by Pininfarina for Gianni Agnelli. The Battista Targamerica’s elegant silver exterior, enhanced with blue and black detailing, is a clear tribute to the Testarossa Spider, emphasizing simplicity and elegance. Even the car’s rear luggage compartment features horizontal lines reminiscent of the classic design.

Commissioned during Monterey Car Week in 2023, the Battista Targamerica took precisely one year to develop from concept to completion. One of its most unique features is a bespoke cigar holder and humidor, built into the cabin between the seats. This custom aluminum and glass element speaks to the fusion of luxury and technology that is embedded within the car’s DNA.

The car’s name, Battista Targamerica, reflects both its roofless design and its intended home in the United States. Its five driving modes—Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa, and Carattere—are symbolized by illuminated backlighting that corresponds to each mode’s color scheme.

Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, commented: “The Battista Targamerica is at the frontier of design. An exceptional vehicle that stands at the vanguard of performance and luxury… This is the service we provide to clients, and the team has more than delivered.”

The exterior is finished in Argento Liquido Gloss with Iconica Blu Gloss accents, while bespoke details like ceramic-polished five-spoke alloy rims and hand-painted pinstripes on the rear underwing add further exclusivity. Inside, the cabin is trimmed with luxurious tan leather, bespoke luggage, and personal design details specific to the owner.

Powering the Battista Targamerica is the same electric drivetrain that propels the Battista, making it one of Italy’s fastest road-legal cars. With 1,900 horsepower and 2,340Nm of torque from its four independent electric motors and 120kWh lithium-ion battery, the hypercar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than two seconds, with a top speed exceeding 300 km/h.

Andrea Crespi, Chief Technical Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, praised the team’s engineering prowess: “This commission forced us to challenge ourselves… pushing the team to deliver a creative, one-of-a-kind solution to meet our client’s needs.”

The creation of Battista Targamerica highlights Automobili Pininfarina’s decades of expertise in bespoke design and craftsmanship. The company, headquartered in Cambiano, Italy, employs a team of over 100 specialists from more than 20 nationalities, exemplifying their dedication to the art of luxury car-making.

n the realm of high-performance, luxury electric vehicles, Automobili Pininfarina continues to set the benchmark for what’s possible in bespoke automotive design. The Battista Targamerica is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering unique masterpieces tailored to the distinct tastes and personalities of its elite clientele.

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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