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Body Styles6 September 2024 by Andreas 730 Viewed

Virgil Exner’s “Revival Cars” Design Concept: A Tribute to Automotive Legends

virgil exner revival cars

In the rich tapestry of automotive history, few individuals have left as profound a mark as Virgil Exner. Revered for his visionary designs and groundbreaking concepts, Exner’s legacy continues to inspire generations of automotive enthusiasts and designers alike. Among his many contributions to the world of automobiles, one of the most intriguing chapters is undoubtedly his series of “Revival Cars” – a collection of designs that breathed new life into classic marques from bygone eras.

The Genesis of Exner's Revival Cars

Exner’s fascination with automotive history and innovative design led to the concept of “Revival Cars” in the early 1960s. Inspired by classic automobiles’ timeless elegance, Exner and his son, Virgil Exner Jr., collaborated to reimagine iconic marques for the modern era. The Plymouth XNR, crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia, likely served as a precursor to Exner’s vision. His goal was to honor automotive legends while pushing design and engineering boundaries. The Revival Cars concept blended nostalgia with innovation, capturing the spirit of classic automobiles while charting a course toward the future.

The Bugatti T101C Roadster Ghia: A Fusion of Legends

One of Exner’s crowning achievements in the realm of automotive design was the Bugatti T101C Roadster Ghia. Conceived in 1966, this masterpiece was the result of a collaboration between Exner, Bugatti, and the esteemed coachbuilder Ghia. With its sleek lines, graceful curves, and exquisite detailing, the T101C Roadster Ghia captured the essence of Bugatti’s storied legacy while incorporating Exner’s signature flair.

Constructed on a shortened Bugatti chassis and powered by a potent engine, the T101C Roadster Ghia was a testament to Exner’s meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Its debut at the Turin Auto Salon in 1965 marked a triumphant moment in automotive history, showcasing the timeless allure of Exner’s Revival Cars.

The Duesenberg Model D: A Resurrected Icon

In a bold nod to the golden age of luxury motoring, Exner conceived the Duesenberg Model D in 1966, resurrecting the iconic marque with modern sensibilities. Partnering with Carrozzeria Ghia, Exner breathed new life into the Duesenberg legacy, blending classic styling cues with contemporary engineering.

Featuring a potent V-8 engine, sumptuous coachwork, and a host of luxurious amenities, the Model D promised to uphold Duesenberg’s tradition of excellence. Despite garnering significant interest from automotive enthusiasts and celebrities alike, the project ultimately succumbed to financial challenges, leaving behind a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been.

The Mercer-Cobra Roadster: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Exner’s reverence for automotive history found expression in the Mercer-Cobra Roadster, a fusion of classic aesthetics and modern performance. Drawing inspiration from the timeless designs of yesteryear, Exner and his son embarked on a quest to reimagine the iconic Mercer for a new generation.

Teaming up with Caroll Shelby and Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano, Exner realized his vision with meticulous attention to detail. Adorned with brass and copper accents, the Mercer-Cobra Roadster evoked the glamour of a bygone era while embracing contemporary engineering principles. Though its production was limited, its legacy endures as a testament to Exner’s enduring influence on automotive design.

Stutz Blackhawk: The Epitome of Luxury and Exclusivity

Hyman Ltd

Exner’s penchant for revivalism reached its zenith with the Stutz Blackhawk, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic American marque. Partnering with investor James O’Donnell, Exner set out to resurrect Stutz’s legacy with a blend of American power and Italian craftsmanship.

The result was a breathtaking grand tourer, characterized by its distinctive split-windshield design and luxurious appointments. Handcrafted by Carrozzeria Padane using Pontiac Grand Prix chassis, the Stutz Blackhawk epitomized exclusivity and sophistication. Though its initial production run was limited, its impact reverberated throughout the automotive world, cementing Exner’s status as a visionary designer.

Legacy and Impact

In conclusion, Virgil Exner’s “Revival Cars” stand as a testament to his enduring legacy and innovative spirit. By reimagining classic automobiles for the modern era, Exner paid homage to automotive legends while pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. Though his creations may have been few in number, their influence continues to resonate, inspiring generations of designers and enthusiasts alike. Exner’s Revival Cars remain an enduring tribute to the timeless allure of automotive craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of classic design.

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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