Bertone, one of the big 3 Italian automotive design houses, was founded in 1912. The other two mythic giants being Pininfarina, and Ital Design Giugiaro whom I've actually had the pleasure of collaborating with and is now owned by VW. With Lilli Bertone, designer Nuccio Bertone's widow, thankfully heading the company again and Michael Robinson as Exectutive Brand and Design Director, Bertone had shown up at this years Geneva Auto show with their awesome Jaguar B99 concept. This inspired me to dig a bit into their history, most of us know about their fabulous BAT (Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica) series of concepts from the 50s, but its the concepts from the 70s and early 80's still blow me away. The feeling the designers must have had when they were developing these must have been unbelievable.
Warning, you might want to turn down your speakers before playing, these videos come equipped with period soundtracks. Check them out after the jump!
1970 Lancia Stratos Prototipo 1974 Bertone Bravo 1976 Bertone Rainbow 1980 Bertone Athon 1984 Bertone RamarroCreate a Core77 Account
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Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtH9tU0kE5c
Also, YES, the Carabo is probably the most badass of the bunch and should be included here. Great list! I love these videos, and the designs are classic. I dont know what happened to exotic car design, but this was the golden age. Pure. Beautiful. WILD!
I love the roof on the Rainbow though. I always thought that Fiat and Porsche had it right with the 914 and the X1/9.
Mr-914
Carabo and Tetsudo are much more finished designs, Rainbow looks like a bad kit car made by a high school metal shop class