Giovanni Michelotti, the workaholic among sheet metal cutters
Summary
According to available information, Giovanni Michelotti (October 6, 1921 to January 23, 1980) is said to have designed over 1200 cars. That is an astonishing number. And even if you include all the minor facelifts or variations, his influence is far greater than the fame of his name. The BMW 700 styled by Michelotti, for example, was the lifeline of the white-blue brand and shaped the brand image for years to come. This article explores Michelotti's work and shows some of his well-known and lesser-known designs, as well as Michelotti at work in over 90 pictures, some of which have never been shown before.
This article contains the following chapters
- There was a football break on Sunday afternoons
- Just not a committee design
- Endless list of series cars, small series and one-offs
- Global thinking and many exotics
- Hofmeister or Michelotti kink?
- "Chief designer" at Triumph
- Van Doorne's DAF with Variomatic
- "Le Marquis" as the forefather of all Alpines
- The last Michelotti
- No "Michelotti style"
- Selected series and special models
- Selected concept cars and prototypes
- Further information
Estimated reading time: 13min
Preview (beginning of the article)
According to available information, Giovanni Michelotti (October 6, 1921 to January 23, 1980) is said to have designed over 1200 cars. That is an astonishing number. And even if you include all the minor facelifts or variations, his influence is far greater than the fame of his name. The BMW 700 styled by Michelotti, for example, was the lifeline of the white-blue brand and shaped the brand image for years to come. Michelotti was born in Turin on October 6, 1921. He began his career as a 15-year-old in 1936, when he took up a position at Stabilimenti Farina. This should not be confused with Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. At that time, the profession of designer did not yet exist. Coachbuilders designed the superstructure for the chassis supplied. Depending on the customer's wishes, they were either allowed to fully express their talents or had to hold back. Giovanni Farina's trained eye quickly noticed how talented the young Giovanni was and encouraged him accordingly.
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