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Bertone's BAT 11

The concept from the famous Italian design house might keep the company afloat…for now

Bertone's BAT 11

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

Near bankrupt, the storied Italian design house Bertone could not afford to make an appearance at this year's Geneva Auto Show. But that didn't stop designers from going against orders to stop work on the BAT 11 and displaying the wild concept at the AutoDesignNight event, held apart from the main show.

The BAT 11 (Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica) is a tribute to the original 1950s concepts BAT 5, BAT 7, and BAT 9. All of them involved collaboration with fellow Italian company Alfa Romeo. BAT 11, commissioned by American enthusiast Gary Kaberle, is based on Alfa's beautiful 8C Competizione. Like the BAT 5, the new concept features tapered fins. Its blend of soft forms and hard lines still look decidedly futuristic despite its inspiration dating back some 60 years.

The concept was a hit. Bertone may build 25 to 50 of the cars as part of a plan to build some of the company's historic designs—in an attempt to safeguard its future.

The Verdict: Retro-futurism

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. Hehas studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.