Do you know Flaminio Bertoni (1903 - 1964)? What about his designs? The Citroën 2CV, DS or Traction Avant? Bertoni was one of the most innovative designers of the automotive industry. He was born in Varese, but better known and appreciated in France than in Italy as he designed some of the most beautiful and iconic Citroën models. In fact, many of the Citroën models he designed have become cult classics. Today his original project designs and sketches are up for auction at our special Automobilia auction that will end on 4th February (2018). All of the lots in this auction will also be present at our stand at the Turin Automotoretrò Fair in Italy, also ending on 4th February. Keep reading to learn more about Bertoni and how you could be the proud owner of one of his original sketches or artworks.
Futuristic Forms and Technical Evolution
Bertoni became a car designer almost by accident. After his father's passing in 1918 he was forced to leave school and take a job to support his family. He worked for a local body maker in Varese and studied sculpture in his spare time. After an argument with management however, he left and was eventually recognised and offered a position by Citroën thanks to his invention: a pneumatic mechanism for rolling car windows up and down. Here, he was tasked to produce an all metal body, front wheel drive car with more room for occupants than the competition. And the Traction Avant was born.
Original Bertoni Mechanical Drawing for Citroën
Bertoni was very passionate about the animal world and this served as inspiration for many of his designs, including the Traction Avant, 2CV, the SM (known as the Citroën Maserati) and the Ami6. He used the aerodynamics found in nature, mainly birds, and translated them into futuristic forms. These works have placed him among the greatest car designers of all time. Bertoni was acknowledged as an artist thanks to his designs for the French pavilion of the Triennale 1957 where one of his most innovative creations was exhibited: the Citroën DS19. This was a symbol of French technological evolution, which earned the model the 'diploma of great merit'. It was is a great achievement for Bertoni as at that time design and art were two very separate things.
An Incredible Auction
We're proud to bring you this special Automobilia auction featuring Bertoni's designs and artworks. These are truly unique pieces. In addition to the preparatory sketches for different models and mechanical car parts, like this mechanical design you can also find his designs for large structures, like this design for a car bridge featuring underpasses and tunnels.
Bertoni's design for a car bridge
Every lot in this auction came to Catawiki from the son of Flaminio Bertoni, Leonardo. This makes this special auction even more unique because of the close ties these original works have with their maker.
You could be the proud owner of a Bertoni original sketch or artwork, but don't delay, the special Automobilia auction will end on 4th February (2018). If you're passionate about Citroën, original design sketches and about the automotive world, then be sure to visit our weekly Classic Car and Automobilia auctions as well and discover what exceptional models and unique automotive memorabilia are featured this week.
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