Bertone Barchetta: Fast Look, Slow Reality

Classic Revival - The allure of classic Italian automotive design often evokes visions of sleek, minimalist vehicles that blend elegance with performance. One such design inspiration is the barchetta, an iconic body style that emerged in the 1950s. Characterized by its small, roofless form, it became synonymous with the charm and excitement of racing.

The 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept is built in order to celebrate the Bertone's 95th anniversary. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The barchetta's open design offers a sense of freedom, reminiscent of Italy’s rich automotive history and the thrill of the road. But the story doesn’t stop there. Fast forward to 2007, when Bertone, a prestigious Italian automotive coachbuilder, revived the concept with the Bertone Barchetta, a modern tribute to this vintage design. 

The 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept posed along with its inspiration source the 1947 Fiat 500 Barchetta racing car made by Nuccio Bertone himself. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Bertone, known for its innovative and stylish automotive creations, has long had a connection with Italian car brands, particularly Fiat. This relationship, spanning over eight decades, led to the creation of numerous successful models. The Bertone Barchetta was no exception. To celebrate the 95th anniversary of Bertone, the company introduced the concept car that was inspired by the classic Fiat 500 Barchetta, designed by Nuccio Bertone in 1947. The modern Barchetta maintained a strong link to its historical roots while embracing cutting-edge design and technology.

Nuccio Bertone on the wheel of the Fiat 500 Barchetta and his mechanic in a period race who participate with his selfmade racing car. (Picture from: HistoricAutoPro)

The Bertone Barchetta concept car is built upon the chassis and mechanical components of the Fiat Panda 100 HP. Despite the relatively humble origins of its base model, the Barchetta exudes sophistication and sportiness. Bertone’s philosophy has always been about merging technology with elegance, and this car is no different. The minimalist design of the Barchetta, with its sleek lines and open cockpit, perfectly captures the essence of Bertone's long-standing approach to automotive styling.

The 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept is featured with a unique rear-opening scissor-type doors. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Visually striking, the Barchetta features a body made from two hand-beaten aluminum shells, which are connected by a large glass surface running along the door. The rear-opening scissor-type doors, patented by Bertone, serve as a standout feature of the vehicle. These doors, hinged at the rear wheel arch as You can see on the Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept that is built by the company in the 2010, are a signature element of the company’s design language. In addition to this, the front of the car is defined by sharp LED lighting, and the back boasts framed LED elements that further emphasize the car's futuristic look.

The 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept has an adjustable dashboard with two open-mounted rails painted white also with two seats upholstered in genuine leather. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

Inside, the design of the Bertone Barchetta is a nod to the original 1947 Fiat 500 Barchetta, with two fixed, sculpted seats made from leather and directly integrated into the metalwork. The interior is minimalist but functional, with a center console that features a storage tray and an iPod dock for modern convenience. The dashboard is adjustable and features open-mounted rails painted in white, while the gearshift is crafted from a solid billet of aluminum, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship that Bertone is known for.

The 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept has a small luggage compartment with a cover trimmed in the same genuine leather used for the interior. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Despite its stunning design, the Bertone Barchetta concept did not quite live up to the high-speed performance of its 1947 predecessor. Although the car retained the Fiat Panda's small 1.4-liter engine with 100 hp, it was clear that the Barchetta was not meant to compete with supercars. Instead, it was a celebration of design, innovation, and the enduring connection between Bertone and Fiat, demonstrating that sometimes, it's not just about speed but about creating a masterpiece that tells a story.

The 2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept is stands out with a bodywork consisting of two hand-beaten aluminum shells joined by a large glass surface that crosses the door. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The Bertone Barchetta made its debut at the 2007 Geneva International Motor Show, where it was celebrated for its striking design and homage to classic automotive history. While it may not have been the fastest car on the road, it captured the imagination of those who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind every curve and detail. In a world filled with mass-produced vehicles, the Bertone Barchetta stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of Italian automotive design, a spirit that continues to influence car culture today.

In the end, the Bertone Barchetta is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to the passion, history, and artistry that define Italian automotive design. It reflects the timeless appeal of classic racing cars while embracing the future with innovative technology and craftsmanship. Even though it may not have been the fastest car, the Bertone Barchetta remains a symbol of how design and history can come together to create something truly special.*** [EKA [08112020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | SUPERCARS.NET | AUTOBLOG | CARANDDRIVER | ALLCARINDEX | HISTORICAUTOPRO ]

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