Gio Ponti (1891-1979) is the creator of numerous iconic objects, including the 32-storey Pirelli skyscraper in Milan, which is considered one of the most elegant skyscrapers in the world, and the famous "Superleggera" chair, which is a symbol of lightness from both an aesthetic and physical point of view. In 1928, he co-founded the influential architecture and design magazine Domus, which celebrates its 90th birthday in 2018 and supports Grand Basel as a cultural partner.
The revolutionary "Linea Diamante" vehicle
In 1953, Ponti - with the support of his colleague Alberto Rosselli - designed a vehicle based on design principles that had never before been used in the automotive industry. Starting with an aerodynamic teardrop shape, they quickly developed the more angular "Linea Diamante" (diamond-shaped line).
For Ponti, his new design was an inevitable reaction to the stolid design of the time: cars were characterized by wide, bulbous shapes, small windows and dark interiors. In comparison, he pursued an architectural-influenced approach with flat body parts and windows as well as a lush glass section that was intended to create a light-flooded interior.
The well thought-out bodywork was intended to emphasize the functional aspect of the car and was aimed at a generously dimensioned passenger compartment and a spacious trunk. The clever innovation of an all-round rubber bumper - with sprung "bumpers" at the front and rear - was also to result in a special collaboration with tire manufacturer Pirelli.
At that time only up to 1:10 scale
Originally, the car was to be built on the chassis of an Alfa Romeo 1900 saloon, which is why Ponti initially sought a partnership with the Milan-based company Carrozzeria Touring. He later approached Fiat to produce a small car, but the design was rejected. Two decades later, the design ideas of Ponti's vehicle concept could be found in numerous cars: Clear proof of his genius and vision!
To date, only models up to a scale of 1:10 of Ponti's car have been produced.
Finally in original size
In 2018 - 65 years after Gio Ponti conceived the innovative shape - the fascinating vehicle was brought to life thanks to the efforts of "The Automobile by Ponti" project.
The full-size model of the "Linea Diamante" vehicle, on display for the first time at Grand Basel, was built by a team of designers led by Roberto Giolito, Head of FCA Heritage, based on Ponti's original drawings: A fitting tribute to the extraordinary design talent of Gio Ponti. Pirelli contributed historic tires with the correct specification for an Alfa Romeo 1900 as a reference to the first collaboration with Ponti in 1953.
"Grand Basel is not just another motor show, but a unique opportunity to start a discourse on all artistic and inspirational aspects in the automotive context," says Prof. Paolo Tumminelli, Chairman of the Grand Basel Board of Trustees.
"Throughout history, the automobile has influenced and been influenced by design, architecture and art. 'The Automobile by Ponti' project is the epitome of these manifold interrelationships," explains Prof. Tumminelli, who launched the project in 2017.
"We are extremely pleased to be able to show Ponti's 'Linea Diamante' vehicle as a full-size model for the first time at Grand Basel. This is exactly the kind of exhibit we promised our visitors: something unexpected that they have never seen before," notes Mark Backé, Global Director of Grand Basel.
Salvatore Licitra, representative of the Gio Ponti Archives and grandson of Gio Ponti, adds: "The fact that this design is taking shape for the first time 65 years after the original drawings were made is truly remarkable. At the time, the car was considered too radical, but many of its features were a fundamental part of car design two decades later."
The finished 1:1 scale model will be shown at the first Grand Basel Show on September 6-9, 2018 in Basel, Switzerland. You can look forward to it!
Further information on the Grand Basel can be found on the organizer's website.