Over a century of outstanding design came to an end in 2015 when Bertone, the legendary Italian coachbuilder behind automotive marvels like the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos, and Alfa Romeo BAT series, declared bankruptcy. (The Bertone family has not been involved in the company’s subsequent revival.)
However, Bertone came up with one final concept—called simply the ‘Nuccio’ —to commemorate the brand’s 100th anniversary before it closed. Its unique exterior is wrapped around Ferrari internals, and the concept is currently up for sale through RM Sotheby’s. And to be honest, the Bertone Nuccio is a rather odd-looking swan song for the company.
According to reports, the concept was influenced by the iconic 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero and was named for Nuccio Bertone, the son of founder Giovanni. The Nuccio makes an effort to resemble the Stratos Zero’s wedge shape, but its lines are not as clean or seamless. It does however have the same impossible low, flat profile, with the back end sitting higher than the front and the windscreen and A-pillars appearing uncomfortably lengthy.
The Nuccio doesn’t have many striking angles, but it does have some memorable details, such as the organic cuts that adorn the front bumper, side sills, rear wing, and bodywork behind the side windows that resemble the veins on a leaf.
The car’s orange roof dons a geometric pattern and envelopes the cockpit like a tent, and the full-width headlights also serve as a forward-facing brake light, illuminating blue under deceleration to alert pedestrians that the Nuccio is slowing down.
All of the work was done internally, and the build process took Bertone three and a half months. The Nuccio was first shown at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show as a static display, before the company finished a separate operational Nuccio to show at the 2012 Beijing auto show.
There were a few modifications with this driveable Nuccio—like a pair of headlights above the main, full-width light bar that curiously resemble the Ferrari F430’s headlights. This is because the F430’s mid-mounted 4.3-liter V-8 engine and six-speed Graziano automatic manual gearbox, provides the powerplant for the Nuccio. Additionally, a simple single wiper was added for effect and the windscreen was expanded.
Three years later, Bertone declared bankruptcy, making the Nuccio Bertone’s swan song design. When a functioning Nuccio was displayed at car shows, the design house attempted to find a customer but was unsuccessful, most probably possibly a result of its unconventional appearance. After a few of Bertone’s belongings were put up for auction in 2018, it was purchased by a private individual who has had it in his collection ever since.
According to the listing, the majority of the 18,099 kilometres on the odometer came from the donor Ferrari F430. Although the Nuccio isn’t the most beautiful design, it is an intriguing historical document because it was the last authentic Bertone production. Additionally, this anomaly is genuinely unique and has a magnificent 483-hp Ferrari V8 engine. According to RM Sotheby’s, the Nuccio might sell for up to $585,000 at the current exchange rate.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
To be honest, it’s a shame that Bertone, after 100 years in business, had to go out like this—unveiling an (sorry!!) ugly duckling. You can almost feel the pain coming from the designer as he contemplates bankruptcy. The only saving grace is that it is a true Bertone design and that it envelopes a Ferrari F430 chassis and V8 powertrain.