Cars - Italy: books - history and models

Berlinetta `60s : Exceptional Italian Coupes of the 1960s

This book presents a selection of the most remarkable Berlinettas of the 1960s, photographed around the world by Xavier de Nombel.
After his earlier work on 1950s coupés, the author now focuses on a decade in which car shapes moved from classic lines to modern design. His images, from the lively Osca to the bold Carabo, show his personal view of this creative period.

Alongside these photographs, Christian Descombes explains the major changes in Italian coachbuilding. He describes how workshops known for hand-built cars gradually shifted to industrial methods, moving from serving wealthy private clients to working with major international manufacturers.

The book also includes an exceptional contribution by Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the key figures of this era. He offers an inside perspective on the evolution of Italian automotive design from the post-war years through the 1960s.

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ASA - L'epopea della «Ferrarina»

The ASA 1000 GT coupe, known among enthusiasts as the "Ferrarina" due to its Ferrari chassis and mechanical components, represents the flagship model of a small Milanese manufacturer whose history has rarely been documented.

This book traces the brief but eventful story of ASA, founded in 1962, through the few models it produced. These include the 1000 GT coupe and spider crafted by Bertone, the GTC version, and the 411 of 1965, released two years before the company ceased operations.

The narrative is supported by original documents, firsthand accounts from people involved at the time, and rare, previously unpublished archival photographs. It offers readers a detailed look at the design, production, and legacy of one of Italy's lesser-known but highly distinctive automotive marques.

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Dallara - From Emilia to the conquest of the world / Dall'Emilia alla conquista del mondo

Before turning thirty, Giampaolo Dallara designed the Lamborghini Miura, a groundbreaking supercar that redefined its era and left competitors behind.

Later, Dallara's cars achieved historic success at the Indianapolis 500, winning nineteen editions, and more recently, he introduced the Dallara Stradale, a 400 hp supercar produced in series at his versatile factory in Varano de' Melegari, Parma.

This book traces Dallara's remarkable career, driven by a passion for motorsport and innovation. From his early work in Ferrari's racing department to building the world's leading racing car manufacturer, it details his technical skill and vision.

Over 320 pages, the book explores how a small workshop grew into a company with more than 700 employees, highlighting the man behind the machines - both a brilliant engineer and a person of notable human depth. Richly illustrated, it celebrates Dallara's contributions to automotive design, racing, and supercar development.

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Intermeccanica - The Story of the Prancing Bull (Second Edition)

This book is the definitive biography of Frank Reisner and his incredible sports car company, Intermeccanica - responsible for some of the most beautiful sports cars ever built. Frank Reisner, a Hungarian-born Canadian educated chemical engineer, turned a youthful passion for cars into one of the most famous small production sports car building companies in the world. From modest beginnings based in the automotive mecca of Turin, Italy throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, Intermeccanica conceived, designed and produced a dozen different models that shook the motoring world and went on to find homes in museums and collections from Europe to the United States to Japan.

Most notable of these models are the Apollo, the Italia and the Indra. From there, it was on to California, where Reisner revolutionised the Porsche replicar market with his groundbreaking fibreglass Speedster design, followed by the Roadster RS, which the company continues to produce at its Vancouver, BC, Canada headquarters.

Along the way, Reisner and Intermeccanica dealt with, and in one case sued, the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, all the while maintaining an independent streak and maverick spirit that would come to define the man and his company.

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Le ambulanze italiane

This book presents a richly illustrated history of rescue vehicles from the late 19th century to the 1980s. Featuring 218 photographs, it shows the evolution of ambulance design and layout for both civilian and military use.

The collection spans horse-drawn and hand-pulled carriages through to modern motorized "Life-Cars, " highlighting the work of Italy's most important coachbuilders. Historical images reveal how form and function evolved over time to meet new medical and operational requirements.

Several color photographs feature recently restored vintage ambulances preserved at the Misericordia di Prato, demonstrating the care taken to maintain these historic vehicles.

This volume provides both enthusiasts and scholars with a detailed visual record of the development of rescue transport over nearly a century.

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