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A Closer Look21 July 2024 by Andreas 388 Viewed

The Fiat Bravo Concept Cars

fiat bravo concept cars

When Fiat launched the Bravo in 1996, the Turin-based automaker invited Italian coachbuilders to showcase their own coupe interpretations of the vehicle at the Turin Motor Show. This followed the tradition set by the Cinquecento and the Punto. The show became the perfect stage to witness the ingenuity and creativity of Italian designers, with 25 concept cars making their debut, 17 of which were based on the new Fiat models. Among these, ten were ‘official’ sponsored by Fiat and displayed as a group—while seven were ‘unofficial,’ the result of independent interpretations by various coachbuilders. The ‘official’ section featured five coupes, two compact minivans, a four-door pickup, a recreational vehicle, and a special taxi. In this article, we will explore the most fascinating concepts based on the Fiat Bravo, revealing how each coachbuilder infused their unique style to transform a production car into a work of art on wheels. These were the Fiat Bravo Concept Cars:

Bertone Enduro

The Fiat Enduro by Bertone redefined the SUV concept by adapting the Bravo chassis for off-road use. With its four-wheel drive, elevated ground clearance, and rugged design, the Enduro was built to tackle tough terrain while maintaining a sporty, compact appearance. The 2000 cc engine delivered 147 horsepower, ensuring strong performance. Bertone’s focus on off-road capability also led to the creation of the Enduro-Raid variant for rally racing, showcasing its versatility.

Boneschi Taxi-Help

Following the Baby-Taxi based on the Fiat Cinquecento presented in 1992, Boneschi’s Taxi-Help built on the Fiat Bravo chassis to create a spacious and accessible taxi designed specifically for disabled passengers. This large cabin concept featured extensive glass surfaces and windows, ensuring a bright and airy interior. The design emphasized ease of access and comfort, making it an innovative solution for improving mobility and inclusivity in urban transportation.

Coggiola Sentiero

Carrozzeria Coggiola’s Fiat Brava Sentiero presented a fresh take on vehicle design by blending practicality with style. This concept was designed to offer a versatile alternative to traditional pickups, featuring seating for five and a spacious cargo area. The Sentiero stood out with its off-road bumpers, which added a rugged edge while maintaining its passenger-friendly design. Coggiola’s proposal highlighted the potential of adapting the Brava platform to create a vehicle that combined traditional comfort with enhanced functionality, showcasing their innovative approach to automotive design.

Fioravanti Flair

The Fiat Bravo Flair by Fioravanti was a bold exploration in aerodynamic design. Named “Flair” for “fluid air,” it focused on optimizing aerodynamics to improve driving dynamics and efficiency. Building on previous studies, the Flair featured advanced aerodynamic brakes that deploy automatically at high speeds to enhance braking performance. Its sleek 2+2 coupe design included transparent engine hood surfaces, a retractable wiper system, and a deployable front spoiler. The Flair also used a high-intensity LED rear strip and replaced side mirrors with rear-facing cameras, showcasing Fioravanti’s innovative approach to blending aerodynamics with style.

Giannini Windsurf

When Fiat launched the Bravo in 1996, the Turin-based automaker invited Italian coachbuilders to showcase their own coupe interpretations of the vehicle at the Turin Motor Show. This followed the tradition set by the Cinquecento and the Punto. The show became the perfect stage to witness the ingenuity and creativity of Italian designers, with 25 concept cars making their debut, 17 of which were based on the new Fiat models. Among these, ten were ‘official’ sponsored by Fiat and displayed as a group—while seven were ‘unofficial,’ the result of independent interpretations by various coachbuilders. The ‘official’ section featured five coupes, two compact minivans, a four-door pickup, a recreational vehicle, and a special taxi. In this article, we will explore the most fascinating concepts based on the Fiat Bravo, revealing how each coachbuilder infused their unique style to transform a production car into a work of art on wheels.

I.DE.A Vuscia

The Fiat Bravo Vuscià by I.DE.A Institute, designed by Justyn Norek, featured a lengthened wheelbase and an overall length of 4.45 meters. This versatile concept could seat up to six passengers or provide a generous cargo area for two. Its design emphasized spaciousness and adaptability, making it ideal for modern leisure use. Despite its practical features, the Vuscià’s slim snout and overall appearance were not universally praised for their beauty. Reintroduced in 2003 under the Chinese brand Changan as the Jiexun, the Vuscià’s innovative design demonstrated its lasting appeal and practicality.

Italdesign Formula Legram

The Fiat Bravo Formula Legram by Italdesign was an elegant 4-seater coupé designed to complement the Formula 4 and Formula Hammer. Italdesign’s proposal featured smooth, 1960s-inspired lines and achieved a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.255. The design paid homage to the Fiat Bravo and Brava, with a distinctive grille and integrated light clusters combining indicators, high beams, low beams, and fog lights into a single element.

Maggiora Armadillo

The Fiat Bravo Armadillo, designed by Centro Stile Fiat and Maggiora, featured a unique 3+2 seating configuration, a flat interior floor, and a low drag coefficient of 0.17. This mini-MPV aimed at urban mobility combined a friendly aesthetic with practical design. The spacious interior and versatile layout catered to city dwellers, making it suitable for daily commutes and small family outings. The aerodynamic efficiency of the Armadillo improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, showcasing how thoughtful design and engineering can create a practical and environmentally friendly city car.

Pininfarina Sing / Song

The Fiat Sing and Fiat Song, both designed by Pininfarina on the Fiat Bravo chassis, highlighted distinct styles. The Sing offered a sporty look with aerodynamic lines, a bold front, and performance enhancements like a tuned suspension. Its interior combined advanced technology with a driver-focused design.

Zagato Bravo Bis

The Fiat Bravo Bis, designed by Zagato, reimagined the SUV Coupe genre with a stylish blend of retro and modern design. Drawing inspiration from the classic Fiat 8V rather than the Tipo-based coupe or earlier Fiat models, the Bravo Bis featured sleek, aerodynamic lines highlighted by a sophisticated silver paint job. A distinctive off-road touch came from the covered spare tire mounted on the back, enhancing its rugged appeal. Additionally, the tail lights were sourced from the original Fiat Bravo, linking the concept to its heritage while emphasizing its retro theme.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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