Carrozzeria Bertone – Automotive Design Dynasty

For lovers of design over and above things automotive, Stile Bertone is housed in a building that just shouts 1950s Italian modernism. It’s a pleasure to approach and visit, and it is still home to a dynasty that has lasted in Turin and had a major effect on car design the world over since just after the First World War.

In fact, heading out of the city that still possesses the legacy of the greatest center of automotive design in the world and is working hard to regain that pre-eminent position, one almost wonders if a wrong turn has been taken since the company is situated in the small town of Caprie on the northwest outskirts, just off the road to Susa. You somehow assume, in advance, that it’s going to be situated somewhat closer to the industrialized automotive-orientated area to the south of Corso Francia. We were heading for an interview with the charismatic Mike Robinson, currently chief designer, but more about that later; let’s talk about Bertone, the men and the cars first.