Milan’s Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera was one of Italy’s first coach building companies, founded by Felice Bianchi Anderloni and Gaetano Ponzoni in 1926 during the golden era of coach building. Touring found great fame with its elegant, lightweight bodies constructed by hand-hammering alloy panels onto a framework made up of thin steel tubes, from which originated the term “Superleggera” (super lightweight). Although Touring closed down in the 60s as the coachbuilding craze ran short of enthusiasm, it was revived in 2006, once more following their original design principles to produce Superleggera limited edition sports cars.
To celebrate the brand’s 90th anniversary, Carrozzeria Touring is showcasing 11 of its iconic creations at an exhibition at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin. The exemplary models include milestones such as the 1939 BMW 328 Berlinetta Aerodynamica Touring, the 1948 Ferrari 166 Sport MM “Barchetta” Touring, the 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport “Villa d’Este” and the 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Coupé. Four of their modern designs post-2006 are also featured, illustrating the continuing adaptation of new automotive developments. The exhibition features unpublished photographs, interviews, original drawings and models too, for those who missed seeing these beautiful hand-made collectors’ cars in person.
For those near Turin, the exhibition is a precious opportunity for aficionados wishing to know more about Touring’s history and current revival. The show runs until 20 November.
