Viotti (Italy) - AllCarIndex

Carrozzeria Viotti was an Italian coachbuilder based in Turin that operated from 1921 to 1964. Founded by Vittorio (Vittorino) Viotti, it produced bespoke and small-series bodies primarily on Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo chassis. In the mid-1920s Viotti and partner Tolfo patented the “Clairalpax” body, replacing massive wooden pillars with thin nickel-silver uprights to increase glass area. The firm became noted for early series production methods among Italian coachbuilders and for practical estate bodies, especially the post-war Fiat 1100 Giardinetta that anticipated the modern station wagon; similar “giardinetta” bodies appeared on Lancia and Alfa Romeo. Designers associated with the company included Pietro Frua and Mario Revelli di Beaumont. Wartime bombing damaged facilities, after which Viotti moved to Corso Bramante in 1946. Following Viotti’s death in 1956 and increasing competition from factory-built models, the company ceased operations in 1964.

The name later reappeared when Zhejiang Jonway acquired the Viotti trademark in 2012, establishing a design and engineering base near Turin and collaborating with Maggiora. In 2014 the revived entity presented the Willys AW 380 Berlinetta (with Maggiora) at the Bologna Motor Show, evoking the Willys Interlagos/Alpine lineage. Contemporary accounts indicated that the Viotti name subsequently passed to Fabbrica Italiana Maggiora. Notable historical Viotti works included the Fiat 525 SS spider, Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 coupé, various Lancia Aurelia B50/B53 Giardinetta bodies, Fiat 600 Coupé, and limited Bristol commissions.