Gandini.

/ Tuesday, March 27, 2012 /
CDN How did your work attract Bertone's attention?

MG Nuccio Bertone was just an acquaintance, a friend of a friend. There was an occasional meeting and out of kindness Nuccio asked me to show him my drawings [in the early 1960s]. The stuff I showed was mainly car stuff, crazy ideas but different.

CDN Why didn't you join Bertone at that time?

MG In all truth I can say Bertone would have hired me two years earlier. The real reason I didn't go before was that I wanted to work for myself, but the main reason was Giugiaro's opposition. Bertone admitted that Giugiaro said that if I had been hired he would have left. When Giugiaro did leave Bertone, Nuccio tried to hire me straight away but he didn't have my address as I was working in Milan so it took a bit longer to get in touch. But one or two months later [November 1, 1965] I started working for Bertone.

Hexagonal Epidemy

/ Thursday, March 22, 2012 /
Yes. Unfortunately new disturbing design trend of automotive industry.. HEXAGONAL EPIDEMY!



Neri & Bonacini's Mini Miura

/ Monday, March 19, 2012 /
Neri & Bonacini's Mini Miura:
Every so often, I come across cars I've never heard of but can't figure out how I could be unaware of something so beautiful!  This is one of those times.  Idly searching for interesting cars online, I suddenly found myself staring at a low-slung, sleek red machine with all the hallmarks of late 1960's Italian sports car design. The car in question is the 1968 Neri & Bonacini Studio GT Due Litri.  Like many of these forgotten cars, it was a prototype developed on a tiny budget in the hope that publicity would spur capital needed to develop the car, attract a proper engine supplier, and set up larger production. Neri & Bonacini were no strangers to modifying cars, having produced the famous Ferrari "Breadvan." Here, they sought to develop an all-new car from the ground up.They considered many possible engines, but the car in the photos is powered by a tiny Lancia V4 engine, mounted midship.  The car resembles the Lamborghini Miura from the rear, and somewhat presages the shape of the Uracco when seen fron the side view.  The pleasing front end is quite interesting for the use of pop-up headlamps.  2 prototypes were made. The car pictured is the second one, owned by John Mastroianni Sr. of Auto Turismo & Sport , New Milford, CT, and in original, unrestored condition!  I found these photos on their website, which has some great images from their shop! Some day I'll have to drop by and pay a visit!
Photo credit: Auto Turismo Sport
More info on the Studio GT and interior photos also at supercars.net
 
Copyright © 2012 Samir Sadikhov, All rights reserved