Bertone’s car design in 10 legendary models

A 70-year-long story between disruptive milestones such as the Miura and the Stratos: dive into an Italian car design myth sinking its roots in early 20th century Turin.

Innovative, controversial, original: many adjectives could describe the work of Carrozzeria Bertone, and we could keep on adding new ones to the list by just taking the time to admire its vast production. Masters like Marcello Gandini, Franco Scaglione, and Giorgetto Giugiaro designed dozens of fundamental masterpieces in automotive history - real milestones.

It was said that experts could identify a Bertone carriage by the distinctive sound it made as it passed over the city’s cobblestones.
Carrozzeria Bertone. Courtesy Archivio Quattroruote

Carrozzeria Bertone was founded in late 1912 by 28-year-old Giovanni Bertone, who opened a workshop in Turin, specializing in the construction and repair of horse carriages. It only employed three people. At the time, four-wheel motor carriages were a rarity in the city, while horse drawn transport was more common. Bertone’s carriages quickly gained recognition for their meticulous craftsmanship, sturdiness, and high quality. It was said that experts could identify a Bertone carriage by the distinctive sound it made as it passed over the city’s cobblestones.

In 1914, Giovanni’s second son, Giuseppe, was born. Everyone called him Nuccio, a nickname that would stick for life. After World War I, the workshop moved to 119 Via Monginevro, counted twenty workers, and shifted its core business – we’d say today - to the expanding automotive industry. A few years later, the first car bearing the Bertone brand was produced: the torpedo styled SPA 23S.

Carrozzeria Bertone. Courtesy Archivio Quattroruote

For over 70 years, until Nuccio’s death in 1997, the atelier collaborated with the most prestigious brands, including Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Citroën, to name a few. Join us as we retrace the history of Bertone through a gallery showcasing the 10 most sensational cars ever made, including both concept and mass-produced models.

Carrozzeria Bertone. Courtesy Archivio Quattroruote

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