Credit: SuperCars.net
Rocco Motto (1904–1996) was a distinguished Italian coachbuilder renowned for his craftsmanship in automotive design. Born in Rivarossa, Italy, Motto began working with metal at a young age following the loss of his parents during World War I. His early career saw him employed by various coachbuilders, and by 1925, he had risen to the position of department head at Martelleria Maggiora in Turin.
In 1932, Motto established his own workshop, Carrozzeria Fratelli Motto, in Turin’s Via Orta. The company specialized in constructing raw car bodies for prominent coachbuilders and automobile manufacturers of the era, including Pininfarina, Ghia, and Lancia. Motto’s designs were characterized by simple, flowing lines that exuded elegance and functionality.
One of his notable early works was a boat-tail body crafted in 1938 on a Fiat 500 chassis. After World War II, Motto relocated his operations to Via Bardonecchia and focused on aluminum-bodied racing cars. Between 1946 and 1949, he designed bodies for several marques, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Cisitalia, Bandini, and Ermini. His collaboration with Fiat led to the creation of bodies for the 1100S Berlinetta Mille Miglia, although this partnership was later discontinued due to cost considerations.
Motto’s reputation for excellence extended beyond Italy. He worked on models such as the Talbot-Lago and Renault, and his designs graced vehicles like the Jaguar XK140 and the Delahaye 175, which won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1951. In the United States, his work garnered admiration from figures like Virgil Exner and Raymond Loewy. At Loewy’s request, Motto crafted the Lancia Flaminia Loraymo, noted for its unique design.
In 1963, Porsche enlisted Motto to build the streamlined body of the Porsche 356B Abarth GTL, with mechanical components fitted by Carlo Abarth. Motto’s contributions to automotive design continued until 1965, after which he and his son, Francesco, shifted focus to producing caravans and commercial vehicles. Rocco Motto passed away in 1996 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and artistry in coachbuilding.
Notable Cars Designed by Rocco Motto and Carrozzeria Motto:
- 1938 Siata Amica Barchetta: A barchetta-style body utilizing Fiat «Topolino» mechanicals.
- 1947 Cisitalia 202 MM «Cassone» Berlinetta: A Berlinetta body designed for Cisitalia’s racing endeavors.
- 1948 Fiat 1100 Barchetta: A barchetta-style body built on the Fiat 1100 chassis.
- 1950 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Barchetta: A custom barchetta body for the Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport.
- 1951 Ferrari 195 Inter Motto Coupé
- 1951 Siata 300BC Barchetta Sport Spider: Designed by Mario Revelli de Beaumont and built by Motto and Bertone, featuring either a 750 cc Crosley or 1100 cc Fiat engine.
- 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Motto Spyder (Chassis 0094E): A unique Spyder body fitted on the Ferrari 212 Export chassis.
- 1953 Siata 208S: A racing car bodied by Motto, featuring a Fiat 2.0L V8 engine.
- 1953 MG TD Motto: A special-bodied MG TD, showcasing Motto’s craftsmanship.
- 1955 Cadillac Custom: A custom body designed for Cadillac.
- 1958 Fiat 600 Campestre: A unique design based on the Fiat 600 platform.
- 1960 Porsche 356B Carrera GTL Abarth: A streamlined silhouette built by Motto, with mechanical parts fitted by Carlo Abarth.
- 1960 Lancia Flaminia Loraymo: Designed by Raymond Loewy and built by Motto, featuring a jet-inspired front end and aerodynamic design.
This list highlights the diverse range of vehicles that Rocco Motto and Carrozzeria Motto contributed to, showcasing their influence in automotive design during the mid-20th century.
