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…
Simca 929XB Bertone
The Simca 929XB designed by Bertone.
Vehicle Overview
The Simca 929XB stands as a testament to the intricate dance of automotive design, where ideas travel across borders and evolve through collaboration and competition. Born from the fertile imagination of Bertone and inspired by BMW’s E3 Prototype, this elegant sedan tells a story of ambition and innovation. In the heyday of BMW’s New Six series, which epitomized luxury and sophistication in the late 1960s and mid-1970s, Bertone received a compelling invitation from Wilhelm Hofmeister, BMW’s head of bodywork. Tasked with styling the forthcoming E3 saloon, Bertone’s Italian proposal, though not successful, left an indelible mark on Hofmeister’s mind. When he ascended to the position of design department head, he championed Bertone’s cause, recognizing the potential of their design prowess. Undeterred by initial setbacks, Bertone found another avenue for their vision in France. Simca’s design office, under the leadership of Bob Anders, was engaged in a fierce competition to shape the future of large sedans for Rootes, intended to lead Chrysler Europe’s new lineup. Amidst uncertainty within American management, Anders sought to bolster their position by presenting alternatives, including one from Bertone. The Simca 929 XB emerged from this collaboration, with Bertone infusing subtle modifications to the original BMW design. Yet, despite the elegance and innovation it brought to the table, both French and American executives remained hesitant, ultimately favoring other options presented to them. The journey of the Simca 929XB encapsulates the complex dynamics of the automotive industry, where design concepts transcend borders and evolve through a constant interplay of creativity, competition, and market forces. While the 929XB may not have reached the heights envisioned by its creators, its legacy endures as a symbol of the quest for excellence and the pursuit of automotive innovation. As automotive enthusiasts look back on this chapter of design history, they are reminded of the countless untold stories and unrealized potentials that shape the evolution of automotive design.
Technical Specifications
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Body
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Year1966
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MakeSimca
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Model929XB
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CoachbuilderBertone
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