carrozzieri-italiani.com

The ultimate italian coachbuilder site

Events31 October 2023 by Andreas 253 Viewed

Auto e Moto d’Epoca Bologna 2023 best of

Fiat 1100 A Cabriolet Balbo

Fiat 1100 A Cabriolet Balbo

A small cabriolet based on the Fiat 1100 A chassis built by Balbo and unveiled at the 1948 Turin Auto Salon.

Fiat 600 Berlinetta Monterosa

Unveiled at the 1956 Turin Auto Salon, this small coupé was designed by Michelotti and built by the Monterosa Coachbuilder.

Fiat 1100 E Giardinetta Viotti

A rare Giardinetta based on the Fiat 1100 E chassis built by Viotti.

Abarth 1600 Spider Allemano

The Abarth 1600 Spider Allemano was one of the first production spider made by the brand of the scorpion. It was designed by Giovanni Michelotti.

Fiat 500 Elegance Savio

The Fiat 500 Elegance, a Spiaggina designed for Savio which was the latest proposal by Mario Boano before going to manage the Fiat Styling Department. It was exhibited at the 1965 Turin Motor Show.

Touring Arese RH95

The Touring Arese RH95 Grigio Artico, the special version of the modern “fuoriserie” made by the milan coachbuilder.

Maserati Bellagio

The Maserati Bellagio Fastback, the wagon version of the Quattroporte built in only 4 speciments by Touring Superleggera.

Fiat 1100 Stella Alpina

The Fiat 1100 Stella Alpina by Carrozzeria Monviso, the flagship model of the small turin coachbuilder which was bought in the later days by Ghia.

Fiat 1100 TV Coupé Monterosa

The second Monterosa model on this list. The Fiat 1100 TV Coupé of the small turin coachbuilder is not the most elegant proposal built on the most powerful 1100 chassis.

Fiat 1500 Coupé Vignale

This Fiat 1500 Coupé was one of the last creation from Michelotti for Alfredo Vignale.

Stanguellini 1100 Berlinetta Speciale

The Stanguellini 1100 Berlinetta was born after a meeting between Nuccio Bertone and Vittorio Stanguellini. It was based on the Fiat 1100 mechanics.

Ford Mustang Zagato

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Zagato, a real gem and it was surprising to see it at the Finarte stand. A one-off elaborata version made by the milan coachbuilder.

Fiat 1100 Giardinetta Sleeping

The Fiat 1100 Sleeping is basically the italian, small equivalent of the american Chevrolet Nomad, as a two door station wagon made by Viotti.

Abarth 750 Coupé Viotti

The Abarth 750 Coupé Viotti designed by Giovanni Michelotti based on the Fiat 600 chassis.

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Alfa Romeo’s newest hypercar: the 33 Stradale built by Touring Superleggera in 33 speciments.

Lancia Aurelia B50 Lusso

The rare Lancia Aurelia B50 Lusso built by Pininfarina.

Fiat 1100E Coupé Vignale

This Fiat 1100 Coupé Vignale, designed by Michelotti was built in very few speciments and was unveiled at the 1953 Turin Motor Show.

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.

Posts You Might Like

Events 25 October 2024

1947 Mostra della Carrozzeria Italiana

Lets step back in time to the year 1947, a momentous period marked by the end of a war that left both material and moral devastation in its wake. The echoes of those challenging years are etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to have lived through them. The Mille Miglia revives, symbolizing the resilient spirit of a society yearning for recovery.

0 Comments 600 Viewed
Events 12 September 2024

Pininfarina. The Shape of the Future 90 years of style and innovation on show at the MAUTO in Turin

The MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile di Torino today inaugurates the exhibition “La Forma del Futuro” (The Shape of the Future), an extraordinary exhibition that, with the contribution of 16 exceptional cars, narrates Pininfarina’s innate ability to envisage the future and give it form by staying ahead of the times and setting trends.

1 Comments 334 Viewed
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
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.

© 2025 Carrozzieri-italiani.com
Handcrafted with love in Italy 🇮🇹