This is the 1992 Bertone Blitz, a futuristic project that was centered around the idea of creating a modern zero-emissions vehicle with intriguing design elements and characteristics. The Italian industrial design company Gruppo Bertone was made famous for their 102 years of experience in design, coach-building, and manufacturing. Bertone was founded in 1912 by Giovanni Bertone as a carriage manufacturer, and has since become one of the world’s most intriguing companies in the automotive industry. This car shown here is known as the Blitz, a barchetta-style prototype vehicle that was developed by PTI Alba Tech, an engineering company founded by Italian racing car engineer, Giorgio Stirano. 25CD4 steel tubing and fiberglass panels were implemented in order to achieve their idea of a lightweight, unprecedented ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle). The bodywork of the Blitz was created using 100% composite material consisting of epoxy glass and autoclave-produced nomex. The Blitz was designed by a team of very skilled stylists led by Luciano d’Ambrosio (chief designer from 1991-2000) and the result is one that has yet to be replicated ever again, a completely bespoke design to say the least. The Blitz is said weigh in at a total of just 1433 pounds, and approximately 572 of those pounds are derived from the weight of the batteries themselves. The Blitz features elements such as front-hinged doors that open vertically, an eye-catching polka-dot themed interior, and many other exciting elements that truly made this an avant-garde design. With one of the main focuses of the Blitz being to minimize environmental concerns such as pollution and limited resources, the car was designed to have two 36 horsepower (27 kW) (continuous output) DC electric motors.
How many made? 2
Engine: two 36 horsepower (27 kW) (continuous output) DC electric motors
Debut: 1992 Turin International Motor Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: 6 seconds (claimed)
Photo credit: @archivioprototipi, @mariarosa_2100, @veronicabeast
Research: @rarecarsonly