Rossellini by Castagna: A Masterpiece of Italian Coachbuilding

ONE-OFF - In 1994, a former Zagato's designer Gioacchino Acampora breathed new life into the storied name of Carrozzeria Castagna. After securing the rights to the historic brand, he introduced an Alfa Romeo 75-based prototype named the "Vittorio" at the Geneva Motor Show. This marked a significant moment for Castagna, setting the stage for future innovations.

The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

After a quieter period, Castagna returned to the spotlight at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing both the Castagna G.C., also known as 'Ginevra,' and the Castagna Rossellini. The G.C., a sleek two-door, two-seater, was built on an Alfa Romeo chassis and featured rear-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Rossellini drew inspiration from the company’s earlier concepts, particularly the Auge concept, a 1995 model featuring a custom body on a Maserati 3200GT chassis, with reworked dashboard controls.

The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Yet, it was the unveiling of the Rossellini that truly captured attention. This unique Barchetta styled car, named in honor of the famed Italian director Roberto Rossellini, was an homage to his deep appreciation for Ferrari cars. Rossellini, known for his discerning taste, had previously ordered several custom Ferraris, with the Ferrari 375 MM Bergman Coupe by PininFarina being among the most celebrated.

The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The 2003 Castagna Rossellini is more than a vehicle; it is a tribute to Rossellini’s legacy. This bespoke creation made its debut at the "Concorso di Villa d’Este" in Cernobbio, Italy, from April 25th to April 28th, 2003. It stands as a testament to Italian craftsmanship and design, seamlessly combining elegance with performance. Built on a Ferrari 550 Maranello chassis, the Rossellini features a 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing a formidable 720 horsepower.

The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

The design of the Rossellini is nothing short of spectacular. Its exterior is characterized by sweeping lines that flow from a traditional front grille, merging into the headlamps and continuing rearward to embrace the rear lights. The integration of these elements culminates in the exhaust tailpipes, creating a cohesive and dynamic look. The car also boasts a large, sculpted bonnet, prominent side air scoops, and an innovative cockpit cover, all reflecting Castagna’s distinctive design philosophy.

The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

A standout feature of the Rossellini is its double-bubble roof, which elegantly arches over the cockpit, adding to the car’s unique appearance. This design element not only enhances the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also pays homage to the classic Barchetta style.

The Castagna Rossellini, along with its sibling, the Castagna G.C., both made their debut at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Story-Cars)

Castagna’s dedication to blending traditional automotive styling with cutting-edge performance is evident in the Rossellini. The car exemplifies the artistry of Italian coachbuilding and offers a glimpse into the future of bespoke automotive design.

Since then, Castagna has continued to innovate with new projects on the horizon. Nevertheless, the Rossellini remains a standout example of how classic elegance can seamlessly blend with contemporary performance, carrying forward Castagna’s legacy of creating automotive masterpieces. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | WEBCARSTORY | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOMOTIVEDESIGNCONFERENCE ]

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