The Myth of Italian Coachbuilders: Vignale

Alfredo Vignale was born into a family of artisans in Turin, where he learned the trade of metalworking at Farina's workshops from a young age, showing remarkable skill and dedication. Within a few years, he rose to lead the panel-beating department but harbored ambitions of starting his own coachbuilding business. Shortly after the end of World War II, in October 1946, he founded Carrozzeria Vignale & Co. at the age of 33.

His initial commissions came from Fiat and Lancia, but his most significant collaboration in the early years was with Piero Dusio and Cisitalia. Under the direction of Giovanni Savonuzzi, then technical director of the Italian brand, Vignale crafted the body for the 202 MM designed for the 1947 Mille Miglia, coinciding perfectly with Enzo Ferrari's establishment of his company in Maranello the same year.

The 1947 Cisitalia 202 MM represents Vignale's most important collaboration in the early years.

Thanks to a recommendation from Franco Cornacchia, a Milanese Ferrari dealer and driver, Enzo Ferrari initially contacted Vignale to repair several Touring-bodied barchettas severely damaged in accidents. Recognizing Alfredo's competence, Ferrari soon entrusted him with interpreting the style of the 166. Vignale collaborated with renowned designer Giovanni Michelotti, also from Turin, and from that first commission, over 150 models were created for Maranello.

After gaining Enzo Ferrari's trust, Vignale began working on the 166 model, designed alongside the esteemed Giovanni Michelotti.

From the early 1950s onwards, Vignale produced bodies for some of Ferrari's most significant and collectible models, such as Umberto Marzotto's 212 Export, unveiled at the 1951 Geneva Motor Show and the 340 Mexico, which competed in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana and placed third with Luigi Chinetti behind the wheel. Noteworthy is the 250 Europa, crafted for Princess Liliana de Réthy of Belgium, celebrated for its harmonious design.

The Vignale-bodied Ferrari 340 Mexico competed in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana, achieving third place with Luigi Chinetti at the wheel.

Vignale's history includes collaborations not only with Ferrari and luxury cars but also with other brands like Alfa Romeo, featuring the 1951 Mille Miglia 412 Spider and Maserati's 1954 A6GCS, introducing the aesthetic of side exhausts, among the first of many designs for the Trident marque. Notable too is the Cunningham C3 and the popular Fiat 600 Spiaggina, cherished by beachgoers in Capri.

Vignale's collaborations extend beyond Ferrari to include other brands such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Maserati.

Alfredo Vignale's remarkable story tragically ended in 1969 due to a car accident while driving his Ferrari 250 California. Just a year prior, he had unveiled his final creations: The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 commissioned by Luigi Chinetti and the Tatra 613 prototype for Czechoslovakia, featuring a rear air-cooled V8 engine. His passing marked the gradual decline of his company, which was liquidated in 1973. However, the Vignale brand lives on, revived by Ford in 2004 with models like the Focus Vignale, known for their exclusivity, luxury and enhanced features within Ford's lineup.

The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 commissioned by Luigi Chinetti from Vignale in 1968, one of the final creations before the definitive closure of the business.