The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Riley RMB Vignale one-off designed by Michelotti.
The Riley RMB Vignale stands as a rare gem in automotive history, a bespoke creation born out of the collaboration between renowned designer Giovanni Michelotti and Carrozzeria Vignale in 1951. Built upon the chassis of the esteemed Riley RMB, this one-off masterpiece was commissioned by a discerning patron seeking a vehicle as unique as their tastes. Michelotti’s design breathed new life into the Riley RMB, transforming its aesthetic with elegant lines and refined proportions. The result was a stunning work of automotive artistry, meticulously crafted to reflect the owner’s vision of luxury and exclusivity. Debuting at the prestigious 1951 Concorso d’Eleganza di Roma, the Riley RMB Vignale captured the hearts of enthusiasts and judges alike, earning the coveted category prize. Its graceful presence and impeccable craftsmanship garnered admiration, solidifying its status as a true automotive masterpiece. Following its triumph in Rome, the Riley RMB Vignale continued to dazzle audiences, making a notable appearance at the 1952 Turin Auto Salon. There, it captivated onlookers with its timeless elegance and sophisticated design, further cementing its reputation as an icon of automotive excellence. Interestingly, the same captivating body design crafted by Michelotti found another home atop the chassis of the Lancia Aurelia B50 Coupé Vignale. Produced in limited numbers, this rare variant shared the Riley RMB Vignale’s exquisite styling cues, showcasing Michelotti’s unparalleled talent for creating automotive works of art. The Riley RMB Vignale and its Lancia counterpart represent a convergence of craftsmanship, innovation, and design excellence. Each a testament to the collaborative efforts of talented artisans and visionary designers, these vehicles stand as enduring symbols of automotive luxury and sophistication. Despite their rarity, the legacy of the Riley RMB Vignale and the Lancia Aurelia B50 Coupé Vignale lives on, inspiring admiration and awe in automotive enthusiasts around the world. Their timeless beauty serves as a reminder of a bygone era, where craftsmanship and creativity converged to create automotive masterpieces that transcend the passage of time.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
