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Events21 January 2022 by Andreas 512 Viewed

Classic Gala Schwetzingen 2021 best of

Maserati Ghibli

Maserati Ghibli

Giugiaro managed the masterpiece at Ghia, to put the Ferrari Daytona against an adequate Maserati - the Ghibli was a sensation with a 4.7 or 4.9 liter engine.

Fiat 127 Scout

Fiat 127 Scout

The Fiat 127 is mostly forgotten by the successful trendsetters. It served Fissore as the basis for a beach wagon in the style of the Citroen Mehari or Renault Sinpar - not beautiful, but practical, fun and very rare!

Lotus Esprit S1

Lotus Esprit S1

With the Esprit, Giugiaro achieved a masterpiece in 1976, the chassis was similar to that of the DeLorean. This is the S1

Fiat 2300 S Coupé

Fiat 2300 S Coupé

The panoramic window in the rear of the 2300 S was so large that Ghia divided it into three parts. Abarth tuned three of these Coupé for GT races to approx. 160 HP - at that time a lot of power for 1200 kg. The series cars, which were designed by Sartorelli, were used more as a family GT

Fiat 600 Elaborazione Zagato

Fiat 600 Elaborazione Zagato

It was love at first sight, this Fiat 600 features a series body but it underwent a "customization" by the milanese coachbuilder. Two-tone painting, Borrani steering wheel, Abarth tuned engine and chrome decorations. The conditions were outstanding, winning the well deserved best of class 1955-1960.

Fiat 600 Berlinetta Monterosa

Fiat 600 Berlinetta Monterosa

Sister of the 600 Zagato (both share also the same owner), this little berlinetta designed by Giovanni Michelotti shows off a two-tone paint. It was built on a standard Fiat 600 chassis by the less known coachbuilder Monterosa.

DeTomaso Pantera GTS

DeTomaso Pantera GTS

Tom Tjaarda designed the Pantera as a Ford GT 40 in an Italian bespoke suit, built by Alejandro DeTomaso. The exotic mid-engine car has been a great sales success over the years.

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Prototype

Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Prototype

Luigi Segre and Mario Boano created the Karmann at Ghia in 1953, which Wilhelm Karmann enthusiastically suggested to VW boss Nordhoff - he hardly suspected that this coupé would be built from 1955 to 1973. This is the concept car which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

Opel Diplomat CD Frua

Opel Diplomat CD Frua

Opel chief designer George Gallion was good friends with GM chief designer Bill Mitchell and both wanted a Diplomat sports car. The Diplomat CD stood against the C111 at the IAA 1969. Frua turned it into a roadworthy prototype.

Glas GT

Glas GT

The Glas GT was a Coupé produced from 1964 to 1967, for the bodywork we used Pietro Frua who designed a coupé with a very sporty appearance and line.

Ghia 450 SS Spider

Ghia 450 SS Spider

Luigi Segre did everything al Ghia boss to keep the connection with Chrysler. The Ghia 450SS looked like an Italian Thunderbird with an aluminum body, but without a dealer network it was unsuccessful.

Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica

Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica

Carrozzeria Viotti built this one-of-a-kind sports sedan with 2 doors in 1939, the streamline design was created by freelance designer Mario Revelli di Beaumont. Winner of the Classic Gala Trofeo Italia.

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d'Este

This coupé based on the Alfa Romeo 6C, named after the Concorso d'Eleganza on Lake Como, with its large wheels is one of the most elegant pontoon GTs in the world, built by Touring Milano

BMW 328 Spider Vignale

BMW 328 Spider Vignale

Certainly one of the most anticipated automobiles at the event! The BMW 328 Spider was rebodied by Vignale in 1949 and was unknown to most of all car enthusasts till the Concours d'Elegance of Schwetzingen 2021. Well deserved the 2nd best of show price behind the Chrysler GS Special Ghia.

Chrysler Ghia Special

Chrysler Ghia Special

The star of the Show! One of only two built GS1 Coupès with two individual seats in the rear, while the remaining 13 copies were equipped with a full-length bench. Class winner Pebble Beach 1959 and now Concours d'Elegance in Schwetzingen 2021!

The 17th Int. Concours d’Elegance Automobile 2021 in Schwetzingen ended in triumph! Among the protagonists were numerous cars bodied and designed by Italian coachbuilders. We have collected the best in this gallery. We are looking forward for next year’s edition.
Here is the link to the event: Classic Gala

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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