The story of Bertone: the most controversial coachbuilder ever
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
Fiat 1500 Lusso Speciale Bertone
A Lusso Speciale version of the Fiat 1500 cabriolet built by Bertone in 1938.
Vehicle Overview
The Fiat 1500 Lusso Speciale Bertone, built in 1938, is a remarkable example of pre-World War II Italian automotive design. This special version of the Fiat 1500 cabriolet was reimagined by the renowned coachbuilder Bertone, adding a touch of elegance and exclusivity to the already distinguished Fiat 1500 series. The Lusso Speciale was distinguished by its unique “prua” front grille, a design feature that made the car stand out even among other luxury vehicles of the time. The “prua” grille, characterized by its sleek and streamlined shape, added an element of sportiness and sophistication to the Fiat 1500 Lusso Speciale. It helped convey a sense of forward momentum, even when the car was stationary. This grille design was a hallmark of Bertone’s style, representing the company’s ability to balance aesthetic appeal with functional design. The Lusso Speciale, with its refined details, captured the spirit of Italian automotive craftsmanship, blending luxury with the grace of convertible motoring. In the late 1930s, Italy’s automotive landscape was dominated by a rivalry between two distinct schools of thought: the owners of Lancia Aprilia cars and those who drove Fiat 1500s. These two groups of motorists represented different preferences in terms of design, engineering, and the experience of driving. The Lancia Aprilia was known for its advanced engineering and understated luxury, while Fiat’s 1500 series, including the Lusso Speciale, was appreciated for its solid construction and elegant design. The Fiat 1500 Lusso Speciale, with its Bertone-crafted body, leaned toward the more luxurious, stylish side of the spectrum, appealing to those who valued the beauty and craftsmanship of the car’s design. The rivalry between these two groups reflected broader preferences in Italian automotive culture—where performance and aesthetics were key considerations, often blending into fierce debates about which brand offered the ultimate in driving pleasure and prestige. Ultimately, the Fiat 1500 Lusso Speciale Bertone stands as a significant example of pre-war Italian luxury cars, capturing the elegance of its time while reflecting the creative spirit of Bertone’s craftsmanship and the broader automotive rivalry that defined the era.
Technical Specifications
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Body
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Year1938
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MakeFiat
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Model1500 Cabriolet
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CoachbuilderBertone
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Units built1
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