The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Lancia Astura Coupé: The Stabilimenti Farina’s monolith.
The Lancia Astura Stabilimenti Farina, a magnificent masterpiece of flamboyant design crafted by the skilled hands of Giovanni Michelotti and meticulously assembled by Stabilimenti Farina, stands as an emblem of post-war automotive elegance. Michelotti’s creation, affectionately dubbed the “monolith” by the designer himself, left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape, creating ripples of sensation during its debut at a prestigious fashion show in Lausanne. This automotive marvel exudes a timeless allure, seamlessly blending the opulence of the era with Michelotti’s avant-garde vision. The term “monolith” aptly captures the car’s imposing presence, a symbol of solidity and grace that transcends mere transportation. The Lancia Astura Coupé became the epitome of style, leaving an enduring impression not only on the fashion show attendees but also on the wider automotive aficionado community. The front facade of the Lancia Astura Coupé serves as a harbinger of the “tank” style, a design language that would go on to influence subsequent models from Stabilimenti Farina. The carefully sculpted lines and contours of the vehicle’s front end not only captivate the eyes but also hint at a future aesthetic direction for automotive design. This visionary approach, encapsulated in the “tank” style, showcases Michelotti’s foresight and innovation. The Lancia Astura Coupé’s prominence extended beyond the fashion show runway, gracing posters of the event and solidifying its status as a symbol of flamboyant luxury. In the annals of automotive history, this 1946 model remains a testament to the creative synergy between Giovanni Michelotti’s design prowess and Stabilimenti Farina’s craftsmanship, a rolling work of art that continues to mesmerize enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Tank Style cars from Stabilimenti Farina defied automotive norms with their low-slung profiles, signaling a departure in design during the post-war era. Originally intended as a unique cabriolet masterpiece, the Tank-Style concept surprised many by evolving beyond a solitary creation. The subsequent coupé, distinguished by its low roofline and covered wheel arches, presented an avant-garde vision akin to a floating monolith.
Between 1946 and 1950 Ghia, Stabilimenti Farina and Pininfarina proposed a limited series of car bodies with a low and flowing line whose most striking feature were the covered wheel arches on the front and rear, a solution that required to widen the car to allow steering. These cars had opulent shapes, built on the chassis of various brands and conceived with the primary function of showing off the main elegance competitions so widespread at the time (Ghia’s creations made a sensation at the “Jour d’Elegance” in Lausanne in 1946).
This one is a little bit better but still not in my style. Still disappointed that Michelotti actually designed it.
A floating white monolith on wheels, how cool is that?