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The Story Behind12 September 2024 by Andreas 401 Viewed

The Italian Jaguars: Stylish Symphony of Elegance and Innovation

Italian coachbuilders, renowned for their craftsmanship and design prowess, have left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The marriage of British engineering excellence with Italian design flair has resulted in some of the most striking and unique Jaguars to date. From the golden age of the XK series to the iconic E-Type and beyond, these coachbuilt creations showcase the collaborative brilliance of two automotive cultures.

Stabilimenti Farina's trio

Stabilimenti Farina left its mark on three Jaguars in 1951/52. The “Meteor” Coupe and “Golden Arrow” convertible were based on MK VII chassis, while the “Flying Jaguar” coupe graced the XK120 chassis. Exhibited at the 35th Brussels Salon in 1952, these one-of-a-kind creations underline the fusion of British performance with Italian styling.

Jaguar XK120 Supersonic by Ghia (1953)

Strada e Corsa

Ghia‘s reimagining of the Jaguar XK120 with the famous Supersonic body, a masterpiece in design. With only three specimens in existence, the collaboration between Ghia and Jaguar showcases an elegant blend of curves and aerodynamics. The Supersonic’s allure is further enhanced by Conrero’s engine enhancements, making it a standout at the 1954 Paris Motor Show.

Jaguar XK120 Pininfarina (1955)

Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in 1955, the Jaguar XK120 Pininfarina is a testament to Pininfarina’s design finesse. Acquired by CMC in 2015, a meticulous 6,275-hour restoration ensued, reviving this classic’s former glory. The restoration, faced with challenges like replicating original paint and recreating bumpers, reaffirms Pininfarina’s commitment to preserving automotive heritage.

Jaguar XK140 by Carrozzeria Boano (1954)

Collaborating with Loewy’s design group, Boano crafted a one-off body for the Jaguar XK140. Exhibited at the 1955 Paris Salon, this design faced challenges in accommodating the XK motor, resulting in a distinctive hood bulge. Although not entirely satisfying, the Jaguar XK140 Boano remains a unique fusion of American and Italian design sensibilities.

Jaguar XK140 by Carrozzeria Ghia (1955)

Carrozzeria Ghia, known for its striking designs, bodied four XK140s, with aluminum construction reducing weight by 100kg. These bespoke XK140s, exemplifying Ghia’s artistry, featured a harmonious blend of aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal. The Ghia touch added a unique dimension to Jaguar’s lineup, showcasing the versatility of British engineering.

Jaguar XK150 by Bertone (1957)

Bertone’s XK150, part of a limited series of three, displayed a coupé that merged subtle elegance with sporty elements. With sculpted lines and an airy greenhouse, the XK150 captured the essence of Bertone’s design philosophy. This collaboration hinted at a refined, sporty direction for Jaguar, showcasing the potential for future evolutions in styling.

Jaguar XK140 by Zagato (1956)

Commissioned by an Italian Jaguar dealer, Zagato‘s rebodying of the XK140 showcased their artistry in crafting aluminum-bodied masterpieces. Unveiled at the 1957 Paris Auto Salon, the Jaguar XK140 Zagato exhibited the fusion of lightweight construction and distinctive Zagato design, creating an icon in the coachbuilding realm.

Jaguar E-Type by Drogo (1962)

The Jaguar E-Type Drogo, though unconventional in its aesthetics, represents a unique reinterpretation by Piero Drogo’s company Sports Cars. Following a crash, Drogo reconstructed the E-Type with a distinct body. While not hailed as the most beautiful E-Type, its uniqueness adds a layer of intrigue to the iconic E-Type legacy.

Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti (1963)

Born from the remains of a Le Mans D-Type, Michelotti transformed the chassis into a captivating creation. Unveiled at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti showcased a harmonious blend of classic Jaguar racing pedigree with Michelotti’s distinctive design language.

Jaguar S-Type Frua Coupé (1965)

Commissioned by Fattori & Montani, the Jaguar S-Type Frua Coupé emerged as the centerpiece at the 1966 Salon de Genève. Studio Technico Pietro Frua’s touch elevated the S-Type, merging British engineering with Italian design finesse, creating a unique and captivating iteration.

Jaguar FT 420 Coupé by Bertone (1966)

Bertone‘s collaboration with Jaguar importer Ferruccio Tarchini resulted in the Jaguar FT 420 Coupé, a four-seater masterpiece. Unveiled at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, it seamlessly blended classic Jaguar styling with Bertone’s contemporary design ethos, showcasing a balance between luxury and sporty appeal.

Jaguar Pirana by Bertone (1967)

Conceived as an ideal blend of comfort and sportiness, the Jaguar Pirana by Bertone was born from the visionary idea of John Anstey. Unveiled at the 1967 London Motor Show, the Pirana showcased elegance and sobriety, offering a unique interpretation of Jaguar’s DNA through the lens of Italian design.

Jaguar Ascot by Bertone (1977)

Marcello Gandini’s design for the Jaguar Ascot in 1977 showcased a departure from conventional Jaguar aesthetics. With straight lines and a hatchback practicality, the Ascot exhibited Bertone‘s wedge-shaped design language. The blend of Italian flair with British engineering resulted in a unique interpretation of a four-seat Jaguar coupe.

Jaguar XJ Spider Pininfarina (1978)

As an exploration of an ‘F-type’ spiritual successor, Pininfarina designed the Jaguar XJ Spider, unveiled at the 1978 British Motor Show. The prototype stimulated Jaguar’s consideration for a future sports car. With its sleek lines and V12 engine, the XJ Spider represented a bridge between the E-Type’s legacy and Jaguar’s future aspirations.

Jaguar Kensington by Italdesign (1990)

Italdesign‘s vision for the Jaguar Kensington, intended as a successor to the XJ, showcased a sleek design with a swoopy roofline. While not put into production by Jaguar, elements of the Kensington design later influenced other models, highlighting the lasting impact of Italian design on Jaguar’s evolutionary path.

Jaguar B99 by Bertone (2011)

Celebrating Bertone’s 99th year, the Jaguar B99 made its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Michael Robinson and Adrian Griffiths, the compact executive and grand tourer versions showcased a return to traditional Jaguar aesthetics, providing a glimpse into a potential future for the brand.

These Italian coachbuilt Jaguars stand as testaments to the harmonious collaboration between British engineering excellence and Italian design flair. Each creation tells a unique story, contributing to the rich tapestry of automotive history and exemplifying the boundless possibilities when two great automotive traditions converge.

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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