10 Italian cars that have made the history of design

The car has never been considered just a simple transport vehicle, perhaps because of the emotions it can stir in those who drive it, perhaps because of the sense of freedom it can give, or perhaps because of its more or less refined aesthetics. Over the years it has become a racing car, a protagonist of films, a canvas of works of art and much more, the car is becoming increasingly important on a cultural and stylistic level. In this article we have selected 10 Italian cars that have made the history of design and of our country.

Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider - 1955

In those years close to the economic boom, the Turin-based company strengthened the link between elegance and sportiness, which made it famous all over the world. The great popularity of this model, considered among the most elegant and fastest racing cars ever, able to reach 180 km/h, is enhanced by Dino Risi's 1962 masterpiece "Il sorpasso" (The Overtaking), where a young Vittorio Gassman drives an Aurelia B24 Convertible with swagger throughout the film, which also becomes the protagonist of the film until the dramatic epilogue.

Fiat 500 - 1957

At the height of the Italian economic miracle, the new Fiat 500 contributed to mass motorization in Italy and, in fact, was the first citycar. Available in various versions, from the more sporty (Abarth) to the cooler summer vibes (Jolly by Ghia), it actually accompanied many new drivers of the time in their first steps of driving. 

Alfa Romeo Spider “Duetto” - 1966

The Alfa Romeo Spider, which became known as the "Duetto" was launched on the market in 1966. Equipped with a 1.6cc 4 cylinder engine with exciting performance, it was designed for a specific target: young people and the new bourgeoisie. The pure Italian style of soft, clean forms, provided by Pininfarina, embodied the dreams and aspirations of a new social class that was riding a wave of well-being generated by the economic boom that was developing in those years in Italy. With this model, Alfa Romeo was able to make many generations of Italians dream. We told you about a Duetto-based restmod signed Garage Italia here.

Lamborghini Miura - 1966

Ferruccio Lamborghini, during the development phase of the Miura concept, decided to focus on innovation and design, a choice that would later prove to be masterfully exploited. No road car of the time was so beautiful and futuristic. Low and compact, aggressive but seductive, with a 350 hp V12 engine, it can be considered as the first road car born from mass production, with all the characteristics to win on the track.

Ferrari 308 GTS - 1977

An open version of the GTB, it has all the styling of the Ferraris of the time: retractable headlights, five-spoke rims and NACA air intakes. It immediately became a symbol of the 70s and 80s and in fact it was one of the longest-lived lines in the history of the Prancing Horse. It owes part of its success to its presence in the American TV series "Magnum P.I.", where the young Tom Selleck plays the role of a private investigator driving the Ferrari 308 GTS.

Fiat Panda 4x4 - 1983

4x4 version of the popular Panda, this version is able to tackle any type of terrain thanks to its efficiency and lightness. Born for off-road use, it has represented (and still does) an approach to life with simplicity, fun and tenacity. We told you about the restmod also signed Garage Italia by Panda 4x4 here.

Lamborghini LM002 - 1986

Lamborghini, in a period of crisis, intuits the potential on the market of a vehicle outside of any scheme to differentiate the offer: thus was born what can be considered the first SUV, 35 years ahead of the new Urus. Leather and wood interiors, V12 engine, big off-road wheels and a squared body are the key words of the LM002, which immediately conquered the market becoming a status symbol and finding customers in the show business, sport and Arab countries. It is amazing the ability to combine luxury, performance and adventure in this model.

Ferrari F40 - 1987

Born to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the house in Maranello, it is considered the first supercar of the modern era. It is in fact a real racing car adapted to the needs of the road, with a high technological content and extreme performance. The most desirable Ferrari of the 80's - 90's but for many people unreachable, due to the high list price and the astronomical prices reached by the auction houses already in those years. The extraordinary aerodynamic lines, the new materials used and the stunning performance made the F40 a real cult object.

Lancia Delta Integrale HF Evoluzione - 1991

The four-wheel drive Lancia Delta is the Lancia's sports model that has collected more victories and titles in the World Rally Championship and also for this reason has made many fans dream of yesterday and today. The Delta Evoluzione, compared to previous versions, is more rounded, more set up, more bad. The almost vertical wing and the oversized wheel arches make it look ready to race. It soon becomes the car most loved by rally fans for its breathtaking performance: 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and top speed of 221 km/h.

Maserati MC12 Stradale - 2004

The Maserati MC12 Stradale is one of the most extreme - and a bit crazy - supercars ever built, created with the help of Michael Schumacher. It was produced in just 50 examples and sold to the public for 720,000 euros. The MC12 did not betray the Maserati spirit that wanted every Trident-branded car carefully finished . The interior features blue leather trim, many carbon components and details in Brightex, a synthetic material considered too refined and expensive even for the fashion industry.The absence of a radio or CD player system proudly forces the lucky passengers to enjoy only the sound of the V12 engine.