Classics, News

Bertone officially wraps-up operations

bertone

Iconic cars such as the Lamborghini Miura, Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos, and early Alfa Romeo models won’t exist without the creative styling from an Italian firm named Bertone. Sadly though, the worst has occurred as the company is now officially over.

In March, the company’s owner entered bankruptcy proceedings with the hopes of being saved by a new owner or investor. Three months later, the company was officially declared bankrupt and offered up for sale. It was believed that the company accumulated $42 million in debt in less than five years.

Interestingly, the iconic Bertone name is not among the company’s assets, as the Bertone family had trademarked the name before licensing the name and symbol to a new company in Milan called Bertone Design. In that case, should the company get a new buyer, a new name will be adopted.

Before we say “Arrivederci” to the iconic Bertone, here are pictures of some of the best cars designed by that company. Play this music to accompany this poignant moment, and do prepare a box of tissues first before scrolling down below….

miuraLamborghini Miura

bertone-alfa1Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint

bertone-alfa3Alfa Romeo GT

bertone-bmwBMW 3200 CS

bertone-bmw2BMW 5 Garmisch 2200Ti

bertone-jaramaLamborghini JARAMA

bertone-stratosLancia Stratos

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAFerrari 208/308 GT4

 

[Source: Wards Auto, Image Source: Wikipedia]