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…
With the objective of reviving the fortunes of the Mini in Italy; Leyland Innocenti gave Bertone the responsability of completely redesigning the famous British utilty car, starting with the basic mechanics, wich had remained unchanged – front wheel drive, tranverse 998 cc engine (49 hp at 5600 rpm) and 1275 cc (65 hp at 5600 rpm), independent wheel suspension with elastic elements in rubber, 2040 wheelbase. The result was of notable aesthetic effect and the little car had more room inside and in the boot; the horizontal radiator grill incorporated rectangular headlight and wrap-around flashers; The sloght suggestion of a spoiler at the end of the roof group was a curious feature. As a result of the widening of the front and rear track to 1255/1250 mm, the width of the Mini 90/120 was increased from 1410 to 1500 mm, while the increase in the car’s lenght was more contained ( from 3050 to 3120 mm). All together , the redesign was positive but not an operation that enjoyed the succes it could have expected.
The beginning of Bertone Bertone was founded in November 1912, when Giovanni Bertone, then aged 28, opened a workshop specialising in the construction and…
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