Bertone ceases trading
Mounting costs and legal wrangles could mean the end for Bertone
Despite generating 20m euros revenue in 2013 thanks to Chinese projects, the cumulative effects of redundancies, lawsuits from suppliers and additional court cases have proved too much for Bertone.
To see such an iconic design house cease trading is of course sad news for enthusiasts everywhere. As well as the legendary Bertone designs (Miura, Stratos, Countach), there were some lesser known stunners as well: Iso Grifo, Fiat X1/9, Cizeta V16T and Alfa Montreal to name just a few. We'll overlook the Fiat Punto Cabriolet and Daewoo Espero in this time of reverential reflection.
According to GTSpirit though, a rescue plan could be in place for Bertone. A Turkish firm has apparently expressed interest in buying it for $2.7 million and other Italian companies could be involved too. So there could be light at the end of a very dark tunnel for Bertone, any news of which we'll be sure to update you on. For now, here are some pictures of its greatest styling work. Enjoy.
[Sources: Autocar, GT Spirit. Stratos pic: LAT]
Anyway, I forgot about the 262C - they were actually assembled by Bertone, not Volvo.
As soon as I press 'submit' I'll be on a fresh page and the pop up ads will reappear. Oh Haymarket, you spoil us.
I don't mourn their passing, in fact I'm sure eventually the name will be bought by someone, somewhere.
If they are bought, hopefully they remain resolutely Italian but this depends on a number of factors including with whom they have been engaged in lawsuits...the current designers will find work elsewhere...
The brand alone must be worth something. What a waste of a marvellous history.
I would buy it if I had the cash. There has to be plenty of potential to life its value.
Rival Pininfarina has has similar issues and gone through massive restructuring, getting rid of its manufacturing operations. Even it's most famous customer, Ferrari, now has an internal design team (although still at least in part working with Pininfarina).
obviously not enough money raised...
But for the relatively small amount being asked for it, you could buy the brand, hire a few designers, get some gigs with a few manufacturers on the back of your brand and heritage and get things going again. If the new owner is cynical enough, make some leather clothing and upmarket merchandise trading on the name and association with some of the most iconic cars ever made. Pretty soon the company would be worth a lot more than you paid for it?
Maybe a private equity suit is thinking the same thing...
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