The Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, TN is currently holding an exhibit called Bellissima: The Italian Automotive Renaissance 1945 – 1975, which celebrates the dynamic and innovative coachbuilt and concept cars of the post-war period.  Wartime work in aeronautics helped Italian engineers and designers become familiar with principles such as lightweight body construction and streamlining, the use of advanced materials, and powerful, high-revving aircraft engines.  After the war, these skills were put to awesome use in automotive design and production, and also influenced American automotive designers.

Many of the cars in the exhibit were concept cars, and never made it to production, while others were in regular use.  The beauty of the designs speak for themselves, so this post will be mainly pictures.  But just a hint… I’ve saved my absolute favourite for last!

Tail fins, you say?  Check out the 1954 Alfa Romeo BAT7.  One of three BAT concept cars in the exhibit, this one achieved the lowest drag coefficient of .19,

 

Here we have the 1955 Maseratti A6G 2000 Zagato, of which there were only 20 ever made, and the double bubble roof makes it extremely rare.  This car was actually a barn find, and has been beautifully restored.  It was owned by an American collector who shipped it to the village of Sobico in Sicily in preparation for moving there himself.  When he decided not to relocate, the car was placed in storage in an old barn.  When it was eventually purchased by another American collector and pulled out of storage, the tires were flat and the body corroded.  After being restored, this car won it’s class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on two occasions.

 

1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic.  I’m not clear on how those front bumpers are supposed to work, but it’s certainly an original design.  The car itself is all original as well, as can be seen from the wear on the seats and a few chips and dings in the paintwork.  This one was a clearly a regular driver.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, a very rare survivor, with only 31 ever produced.  The 3 litre, 6 carburettor, V-12 engine is mounted low and far back in the chassis to improve the center of gravity.  This car finished second overall at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and sixth overall (third in GT class) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

 

1952 Lancia B52 Aurelia PF200 Spider.  I don’t have a lot of details on this one, but looking inside the awesome nosecone, it’s clear that there are louvres that can be adjusted to regulate air flow.  The ramjet design is impressively quirky in person, and the car is in pristine condition.

 

1955 Lincoln Indianapolis.  I apologise for the blurry side picture, but I had to include it because… you just have to see this thing!!  Seriously!!  This concept car shows an American twist on Italian design, and apparently this was actually considered for production, but was abandoned in favor of the Continental Mark II.  This car was owned by Henry Ford II for a time, and after restoration has won top awards at several concours.  Hmm… it doesn’t stand out enough… let’s make it orange!!

 

1970 Lamborghini Miura S

 

1955 Chrysler Ghia Gilda.  Another one that I don’t know a lot about.  Clearly a concept car, but it’s a shame those door handles didn’t make it into production vehicles!!

 

1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero.  Not my cup of tea, but unique, and looks a lot like modern solar cars to me.

 

1966 Ferrari 365 P Tre Posti, apparently Ferrari’s first full-sized, mid-engine, 12 cylinder road car, although this is one of only two built.  It was a design hit, but it wasn’t until 1974 that Ferrari offered another high-displacement mid-engine road  model.  I think this is the only mid-seater I’ve ever seen, and I’d love to see what it’s actually like to drive!

 

Ok, I’ve saved my favorite for last, and here it is, the 1968 Bizzarrini 5300 Strada!!  Just wow!!  I’m not sure what there is about it, but this car just feels like it should be mine!! Considering that it’s 52 years old, this design wouldn’t look at all out of place with the supercars of today.  Except that maybe it has more personality!  This car was never a commercial success, so only produced in small numbers, and had only limited racing success, including a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  But if you ever hear of this one being stolen… yeah, that will be me racing off into the sunset with a huge smile on my face!!

 

Look around you as you drive sometime.  Where did our sense of style, individualism, and innovation go?  And can we have it back now please?!?