The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Touring Superleggera Veloce12 has garnered a prestigious nomination for Bespoke Car of the Year at the 2024 Historic Motoring Awards, presented by Octane Magazine and sponsored by Lockton. This honor shines a spotlight on Touring Superleggera’s commitment to merging design innovation with the legacy of fine Italian craftsmanship.
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.
When we think of cars today, we often focus on sleek designs, electric vehicles, and cutting-edge technology. But to truly understand how far the automotive world has come, we need to look back to cities like Turin, where the roots of the industry run deep. Turin’s automotive industry is more than just a production hub—it’s a reflection of the city’s history, culture, and identity.
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 Alfa Romeo Duetto, one of the most iconic roadsters ever produced, represents a confluence of Italian design, engineering prowess, and a unique moment in automotive history. Its design genesis reflects not only the artistic innovation that defined mid-20th century automotive styling but also the commercial and industrial pressures of the era. The car’s journey from conception to international fame is a testament to the creative brilliance of Pininfarina and Alfa Romeo’s bold vision.
The Superleggera system, developed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, stands as one of the most innovative achievements in the history of automotive design. This revolutionary construction method, guided by the motto “Weight is the enemy – Air resistance is the obstacle,” was more than just a new way of building cars; it was a transformative approach that redefined car manufacturing, blending cutting-edge engineering with elegant aesthetics.
In 1950s Italy, Space Age Car Design, inspired by the optimism of space exploration and technological advancements, introduced sleek, futuristic aesthetics to consumer products, from automobiles to fashion and animation.
Italian coachbuilders have long been the pioneers of automotive design, known for blending art and engineering in a way that no other country has replicated. From iconic brands like Pininfarina and Bertone to lesser-known but equally significant names, Italy’s carrozzerie (coachbuilders) have shaped the world of automotive elegance and innovation.
When people think of classic cars, their minds often wander to the stylish, curvy icons of the 1960s and early 1970s—the muscle cars, sleek European sports cars, and beloved roadsters that captured a golden age of automotive design.
Touring Superleggera has announced the launch of the Veloce12, an exclusive, meticulously handcrafted Grand Tourer that marries the classic elegance of Italian coachbuilding with cutting-edge engineering. Inspired by the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the Veloce12 is a modern marvel that harks back to Touring’s storied past while pushing the boundaries of contemporary automotive design.
Touring Superleggera is set to participate in two of the year’s most prestigious automotive events, where the brand will unveil its latest vehicle, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
The stunning backdrop of Villa d’Este hosted another extraordinary edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where historic cars and concept vehicles enchanted the audience and judges alike. This year, the “Best of Show” title was awarded to a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 bodied by Figoni, while the public bestowed the “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este” upon a 1995 McLaren F1.
