BusinessWeek Logo
Italian-American Concepts on the Block

At the 2008 Barrett-Jackson auto auction Italian-styled, classic American muscle concepts took top dollar

Italian-American Concepts on the Block

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

Two Italian-influenced concepts of classic American muscle cars fetched hefty winning bids at the 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan. 19. A 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Rondine Pininfarina (top) sold for $1.6 million while a 1963 Ford (F) Thunderbird Italien (bottom) sold for $600,000. Both were concept cars whose Italian-influenced designs were riffs on popular production models.

The resurgent craze for American muscle cars such as the upcoming Ford Mustang GT500KR, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger, has driven up auction prices of classic models. But the Thunderbird and Corvette concept cars are exceptionally rare. Unique Italian bodywork makes each one-of-a-kind, worth far more than their plebeian production counterparts.

The Thunderbird Italien concept features a unique aerodynamic fastback rear, a curving downward slope from roof to trunk. The Chevrolet Corvette Rondine was originally commissioned by Chevrolet and built by renowned Italian design house Pininfarina for the 1963 Paris Auto Show. The Pininfarina body style is based upon the idea of maximum simplicity; the limited use of chrome was meant to emphasize elegance.

The Verdict: Let’s hope automakers keep the spirit of these rare, beautiful vehicles alive in future concepts.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has 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.

Click here for more BusinessWeek.com Auto Design stories