⚒️MAESTRO Legacy - When we think of Italian names in the automotive world, many renowned figures might come to mind. However, one name that might not be as familiar is Ilario Bandini. Born in 1911 in the small town of Forlì, Italy, Bandini grew up as the son of a farmer. Despite his humble beginnings and limited formal education—having only taken a mechanic course—he went on to become an influential figure in the world of motorsports and car manufacturing. His journey from a self-taught mechanic to a celebrated car builder is as remarkable as it is inspiring.
The
Bandini 750 Sport Siluro featured with a widened front fender and a
shrill loudly screaming 750cc engine managed to won the SCCA class
championships in 1955 and 1957. (Picture from: CarType)
Bandini was not just a car builder; he was a passionate inventor. His curiosity and hands-on experience led him to create numerous innovations, some of which he patented. This dedication to his craft earned him an honorary degree from an American university, recognizing his contributions to engineering.
His involvement in the automotive world wasn't confined to the workshop; Bandini was also an accomplished racer. Behind the wheel of cars that his team had meticulously crafted, he won numerous races, particularly in hill climb events. Among his many accolades were two national SCCA championships in the H Modified class, secured in 1955 and 1957.
Ilario Bandini behind the wheel of his first car, the 1947 Bandini 1100 uses a modified Fiat 1100 engine, the body made of
hand-hammered aluminum and its chassis of aviation-grade tubular steel. (Picture from: ItalyOnThisDay)
The Bandini name became synonymous with racing, especially after the end of World War II. From 1947 onwards, Bandini's small racing cars, which were immensely popular during the post-war era, became a fixture in the motorsports scene.
The
Bandini 1100 Siluro of the 1951 uses a modified Fiat 1100 engine, the
body made of hand-hammered aluminum and its chassis of aviation-grade
tubular steel. (Picture from: CarType)
These vehicles, along with a few sports coupes and touring cars, were the products of Bandini Automobili, the company Ilario founded in 1938. Despite its small size, with only 15 mechanics at its peak, the company was highly productive. During the 1950s, they managed to produce one car each month—a testament to their skill and efficiency.
Ilario Bandini (1911-1992), a great man who has many talents such a businessman, auto engineer, designer and racing driver who went on to construct some of Italy’s most beautiful racing cars. (Picture from: ItalyOnThisDay)
The first car to bear the Bandini name was the Siluro, a vehicle that quickly gained attention. It was powered by a modified Fiat 1100 engine and had a body crafted from hand-hammered aluminum, paired with a chassis made of aviation-grade tubular steel. The Siluro's success, particularly in America, marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bandini Automobili. The car's distinctive features, including its widened front fender and a high-pitched 750cc engine, helped it clinch the SCCA class championships in 1955 and 1957. Notably, the Crossley engine, slightly modified by Bandini, gained fame thanks to the DOHC heads that Bandini had developed.
1951 Bandini 750 Sport Siluro roadster uses a modified 750cc American Crossley engine and fiberglass bodied by Devin Monza. (Picture from: CarType)
Innovation was at the heart of Bandini's work. In 1954, the company produced a Formula 3 racing car equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, a feature that was also seen in the 1951 Jaguar C-type. Bandini's cars were not just confined to Italy; they made their mark internationally as well. The Zagato-bodied Bandini GT, for instance, competed in prestigious races like the Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Another coupé version, equipped with a 1,000cc engine, was crafted by Corna and further showcased Bandini's engineering prowess.
1955 Bandini 750 Coupe Zagato sports car ever raced in the Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring events. (Picture from: CarType)
Even as Bandini continued to race in Italy, his factory was busy developing new cars. One of the most striking was the Bandini Sports International 'Saponeta' from 1957. This two-seater sports car had a unique design that earned it the nickname 'Little Soap.'Its tubular steel frame was designed to accommodate engines up to 1.0 liter, making it both powerful and agile.
1957 Bandini Sports International 'Saponeta' was a striking body design two-seater
sports car (that's why it called saponeta) and tubular steel frame
which is able to accommodate the space of the engines up to 1.0 liter. (Picture from: CarType)
While many of Bandini's cars featured upgraded Fiat engines, he also built vehicles powered by American Crossley engines. During the period between 1947 and 1952, the four-cylinder Crossley engine was far from outdated. Bandini often enhanced these engines with custom-built cylinder heads and other components, showcasing his engineering skill.
1968 Bandini 1000 Saloncino plays an important role in the production history of Bandini Automobili, as the company's first sports coupé. (Picture from: CarType)
Bandini's legacy extended beyond just cars. In 1959, he completed a series of engines ranging from 850cc to 1,000cc, and even a 1,300cc 16-valve engine. Remarkably, at the age of 80, he finished his final 1,000cc 16-valve supercharged engine in 1991, just a year before he passed away. His company also ventured into other areas of automotive manufacturing, producing handmade steering wheels in the 1960s and wheels in the 1970s, all of which bore the Bandini signature.
The Bandini 1000 Turbo is a hand-built berlinetta, built in 1992 by Ilario Bandini as his last design and represents the ultimate evolutionary step of his long career as well. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The 1960s saw Bandini exploring new frontiers in automotive design. As mid-engined cars became increasingly popular, Bandini was among the first to adopt this layout in both spider and coupé styles. These cars were designed for both the racetrack and the enthusiastic weekend driver. Bandini Automobili continued to produce one-off cars well into the 1980s, a testament to the enduring appeal and quality of their craftsmanship.
Today, it is believed that around 46 Bandini-made cars still exist, each one a piece of automotive history. To honor Ilario Bandini's contributions to the world of racing, his hometown of Forlì dedicated a plaza to him in 2002, naming it Piazzale Ilario Bandini. It's a fitting tribute to a man whose talent and passion have left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The story of Ilario Bandini serves as a reminder that with passion, determination, and innovation, one can achieve greatness, even starting from the humblest of beginnings.*** [EKA [28012021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTYPE | WIKIPEDIA | ITALYONTHISDAY ]
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Today, it is believed that around 46 Bandini-made cars still exist, each one a piece of automotive history. To honor Ilario Bandini's contributions to the world of racing, his hometown of Forlì dedicated a plaza to him in 2002, naming it Piazzale Ilario Bandini. It's a fitting tribute to a man whose talent and passion have left an indelible mark on the automotive world. The story of Ilario Bandini serves as a reminder that with passion, determination, and innovation, one can achieve greatness, even starting from the humblest of beginnings. *** [EKA [28012021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTYPE | WIKIPEDIA | ITALYONTHISDAY ]
