Titania Veltro, one of Franco Scaglione's most inspired designs

Forgotten ONES - The world of automotive design is filled with fascinating stories of unique and one-of-a-kind vehicles that have left a lasting impression, even if they never reached mass production. Throughout history, many car manufacturers and designers have created masterpieces that, for various reasons, disappeared from the public eye. One such car is the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe, a rare prototype from 1966. Before diving into the story of this exceptional car, it’s important to acknowledge how the world of sports cars has been shaped by visionaries who have pushed the boundaries of design and performance. And it is within this context that the Titania Veltro emerges, a car that represents both the creative genius and the unpredictability of automotive history.

The 1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) was shown for the first time at the 48th Salon de Turin in 1966. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe is more than just a car; it represents a bold symbol of innovation, crafted by the Italian automotive company Intermeccanica. Founded by Frank Reisner in 1959, Intermeccanica gained recognition for producing performance vehicles that combined Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering. What sets this car apart, however, is the distinction of being designed by Franco Scaglione, one of the most renowned automotive designers of his era. Scaglione was behind many legendary car designs, including the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale and the Abarth 1500 Biposto Coupe, the first concept car in the B.A.T. (Berlina Aerodinamica Technica)series. His deep mastery of aerodynamics and aesthetics made him one of the most sought-after designers of his time.

The 1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) also featured longitudinal slots in the hood as air extract. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe was first introduced to the world at the 48th Salon de Turin in 1966. What made this car stand out was its sleek and elongated body, which gave it a futuristic and almost otherworldly appearance. It featured distinctive design elements, such as a Vanwall-esque air intake and longitudinal slots on the hood to extract air, contributing to its aerodynamic prowess. The car's power came from a British Ford 106E engine, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 124 mph, impressive for its time. While it was clearly ahead of its time in terms of design, it never made it past the prototype stage.

The 1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) dubbed as one of Franco Scaglione’s most inspired designs. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Franco Scaglione’s work on the Titania Veltro highlighted his interest in aerodynamics, an area that was still emerging in the 1960s. His expertise in this field was evident in many of his other works, but the Veltro offered him a unique opportunity to experiment with these concepts on a new level. As referenced in the book Intermeccanica: The Story of the Prancing Bull, the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe taught Scaglione valuable lessons in aerodynamics that would influence his later designs. Interestingly, some experts have drawn parallels between the Veltro and another notable sports car prototype, the 1970 Costin Amigo. Both vehicles shared similar aerodynamic principles, although neither achieved commercial success. Still, they remain remarkable examples of automotive innovation.

The 1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) used a British Ford 106E engine, that made it able to run up to top speed was nevertheless 124 mph. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

What makes the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe even more intriguing is its mysterious disappearance. Despite its debut at a prestigious auto show, the car never entered production, and its whereabouts are currently unknown. Unlike many prototypes that are stored in museums or private collections, there is no record of when or where this particular car was last seen. For automotive enthusiasts and historians, this only adds to the allure of the Veltro. It represents a lost piece of automotive history, a car that could have had a significant impact but instead faded into obscurity.

The 1966 Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe (Intermeccanica) appeared very elongated with a diminutive Vanwall-esque air intake. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Although the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe may never be seen again, its legacy lives on through the work of Franco Scaglione and the innovations it inspired. The car serves as a reminder of the creative potential that exists in the world of automotive design, where even one-off prototypes can leave a lasting impression. Scaglione’s ability to push the limits of what was possible in car design continues to influence modern sports cars, and the Titania Veltro stands as a testament to his brilliance.

In the world of rare and unique cars, the Titania Veltro GTT 1500 Coupe occupies a special place. It may never have reached production, but its story, along with the genius of its designer, ensures that it will never be forgotten by those who appreciate automotive artistry. *** [EKA [10072020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INTERMECCANICA.ORG | FRANCOSCAGLIONE.COM | CARSTYLING.RU | COACHBUILD.COM | ALLCARINDEX.COM | WIKIPEDIA | WIKIWAND ]

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