The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
Everyone has heard stories about the Sultan of Brunei’s immense and almost mythical car collection, but few details have ever been confirmed. Shrouded in secrecy, this legendary fleet of rare and bespoke automobiles has fascinated enthusiasts for decades. Recently, a handful of insider photos emerged online, offering a glimpse into the hidden treasure trove.
The 90s was not exactly a golden age for Bugatti. The brand rolled out just one production car under Romano Artioli, who took over in 1987. But hold up—Bugatti wasn’t short on wild ideas. They dreamed up some seriously awesome concept cars, even if they never hit the road. It’s a shame because there were at least four models that were so cool they made you wonder: why didn’t Bugatti build these? Let’s start with their actual production car, the EB 110.
The BMW M1 holds a unique place in automotive history. As the first production car from BMW’s Motorsport division, the M1 was intended to showcase the company’s engineering prowess and racing pedigree. However, despite its striking looks, impressive performance, and significant impact on the BMW brand, the M1’s journey was fraught with challenges, including financial turmoil, production delays, and regulatory hurdles. Today, the M division has evolved into a symbol of high-performance street cars, but the M1’s legacy remains one of both triumph and failure.
The prestigious Carrozzieri Italiani Car of the Year 2024 award has been claimed by the stunning Touring Veloce12, a design that exemplifies the very best of Italian automotive craftsmanship. This marks the third time that Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has won this accolade, following their victories with the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale in 2023 and the Touring Arese RH95 in 2021. The competition, renowned for showcasing the finest creations from Italy’s top coachbuilders, saw an exciting showdown between some of the most innovative and exquisitely designed vehicles of the year.
While BMW is celebrated for its impeccable German engineering, some of its most unique creations have emerged from collaborations with renowned Italian design houses. These partnerships have resulted in stunningly rare cars that combine the precision of German performance with the flair and artistry of Italian styling. From experimental concepts to luxurious grand tourers, these lesser-known BMWs offer a captivating look into the brand’s design diversity. Here are 10 extraordinary BMW models with Italian designs that have slipped under the radar.
Caterham Cars has shifted gears in its ambitious Project V, acknowledging the enduring appeal of combustion engines in the development of the highly anticipated sports coupé.
In the world of automotive design, fuoriserie stands as a symbol of bespoke craftsmanship, luxury, and exclusivity. The term, which translates to “out of series” in Italian, refers to vehicles that are custom-built outside the regular production lines of major car manufacturers. Rooted in the early days of the automobile industry, when wealthy clients sought unique designs tailored to their tastes, fuoriserie cars have always been an expression of individuality and artistic vision. In Italy, the tradition of coachbuilding has been upheld by renowned carrozzieri (coachbuilders), who take the chassis and mechanics of a car and transform them into something completely distinct.
The Fiat Bravo Concept cars, unveiled in 1996, showcased the creative prowess of Italian coachbuilders invited by Fiat to reinterpret their new model. Following the tradition set by previous Fiat designs like the Cinquecento and Punto, the Turin Motor Show served as a vibrant platform for these innovations. Out of 25 concept cars debuting at the event, 17 were based on the new Fiat models. Among these, ten were ‘official’ Fiat-sponsored concepts displayed as a group, while seven represented independent, unofficial interpretations by various coachbuilders.
At the prestigious Auto China 2024 event in Beijing, car enthusiasts and industry insiders alike were treated to a groundbreaking revelation: the world premiere of Italdesign’s Quintessenza. Representing a fusion of human ingenuity and natural inspiration, the Quintessenza embodies a harmonious relationship between humans and the elements, offering a fresh perspective on automotive design and functionality.
As the world gathers at Milano Design Week, Italdesign emerges with an unparalleled showcase, debuting the 1:1 physical model of the Asso di Picche in Movimento. A testament to precision and artisanal mastery, this model transcends digital renderings to embody the essence of Italdesign’s vision and commitment to excellence. On display from April 15-21, this remarkable creation beckons enthusiasts and industry insiders alike to witness automotive history in the making.
As Italdesign celebrates its 56th anniversary, the renowned design and engineering company is set to dazzle the world with two groundbreaking world premieres. In a nod to the iconic Marco Polo’s historic journey, the company is unveiling Asso di Picche in Movimento and Quintessenza at prestigious events in Milan and Beijing, respectively.
The Nazca M12, a visionary collaboration between Italdesign and BMW, is an automotive masterpiece unveiled in the early 1990s. Its sleek design, influenced by Group C racing, is complemented by groundbreaking features like a carbon fiber chassis and a 5.0-liter V12 engine. With only three units produced, the Nazca M12 stands as a rare collector’s gem, showcasing the harmonious blend of Italian creativity and German engineering precision.
