Topic: Italian coachbuild - the last years of Monterosa, 1959-1960

[Iluvatar]

In the final years of its life, in the late 1950's, Carrozzeria Monterosa engaged in more top-end creations, probably in an attempt to survive by diversifying production, which had until then focused on middle and lower-end models and on estate cars.
The transition to this category of prestigious and expensive cars began in 1959 with the presentation of an elegant saloon derived from the Fiat OSCA 1500 shown at Turin in 1960, designed by Giovanni Michelotti.
The lines were very clean and sporting, with the small peak and steeply-raked front pushing forwards; it was updated in some detail areas for the second series in 1960, and in the same year Monterosa tried some designs on the luxurious Fiat 1800, relying on the talent of Michelotti.  The designer, with a lot of imagination, used highly unconventional lines, maybe not the best idea bearing in mind the crisis in the coachbuilding industry.





As expected this convertible, with its unusual side trim line rising at the front rather than at the rear, and with very unusual headlamp treatment, remained just a one-off styling exercise.
The idea of moving up-market ended with a single design exercise based on the prestigious chassis of the Maserati 5000GT.
Chassis 103.006 was the third built and the only one completed in 1960, fitted with an appropriate body for this type of car.
The general lines were similar to the previous 1500 Coupe but with a completely different front end with twin headlights and an elaborate grille recalling Maserati cues and featuring the Trident symbol of the Modena factory.  



Despite these generally successful attempts to save the company the Sargiotto factory closed in 1961, leaving this final car as its swansong.

You can find the original italian text here: http://icbdb.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/gli-ultimi-anni-di-monterosa-1959-1960/
Thanks to Carnut for the translation!! 

[Iluvatar]

I think I will update this article with other pieces of Monterosa history...

[Carnut]

I'll put it into proper English for you when I get the chance tomorrow or on Thursday.
Google Translate English is a language all its own...

[Carnut]

This refers to the top picture of the coupe:

In the final years of its life, in the late 1950's, Carrozzeria Monterosa engaged in more top-end creations, probably in an attempt to survive by diversifying production, which had until then focused on middle and lower-end models and on estate cars.
The transition to this category of prestigious and expensive cars began in 1959 with the presentation of an elegant saloon derived from the Fiat OSCA 1500 shown at Turin in 1960, designed by Giovanni Michelotti.  The lines were very clean and sporting, with the small peak and steeply-raked front pushing forwards; it was updated in some detail areas for the second series in 1960, and in the same year Monterosa tried some designs on the luxurious Fiat 1800, relying on the talent of Michelotti.  The designer, with a lot of imagination, used highly unconventional lines, maybe not the best idea bearing in mind the crisis in the coachbuilding industry.

[Carnut]

This refers to the convertible:

As expected this convertible, with its unusual side trim line rising at the front rather than at the rear, and with very unusual headlamp treatment, remained just a one-off styling exercise.

And this refers to the bottom picture, the Maserati:

The idea of moving up-market ended with a single design exercise based on the prestigious chassis of the Maserati 5000GT.  Chassis 103.006 was the third built and the only one completed in 1960, fitted with an appropriate body for this type of car.  The general lines were similar to the previous 1500 Coupe but with a completely different front end with twin headlights and an elaborate grille recalling Maserati cues and featuring the Trident symbol of the Modena factory.  

Despite these generally successful attempts to save the company the Sargiotto factory closed in 1961, leaving this final car as its swansong.

[Iluvatar]

Thanks!!!! 

[Iluvatar]

First post edited...
A question for moderators-adimin: can I add on the original italian article (http://icbdb.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/gli-ultimi-anni-di-monterosa-1959-1960/) a link to this page?

[Otto Puzzell]

Yes, you can. I've also (belatedly) promoted you to the rank of AutoPuzzles Feature Writer.

Your article is also featured here:

http://www.autopuzzles.com/

Thank you for this great contribution to AutoPuzzles

[Iluvatar]

Yes, you can. I've also (belatedly) promoted you to the rank of AutoPuzzles Feature Writer.

Your article is also featured here:

http://www.autopuzzles.com/

Thank you for this great contribution to AutoPuzzles

Great!!! Thanks!!!!!