L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 2023 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 2 L a m b o r g h i n i - T h e M a n B e h i n d t h e Legend had its glob- al premiere at the Rome Film Festival. Set in 1950s Italy, the film, penned and directed by Bobby M o r e s c o , O s c a r w i n n e r f o r Crash, was released in Italy in January, just days before the thirtieth anniversary of the p a s s i n g o f F e r r u c c i o L a m - borghini, the founder of one of the world's most celebrated automobile brands. Playing the role of the visionary entrepre- neur is actor Frank Grillo. In his early thirties, Ferruccio ven- tured into manufacturing agricultural equipment, launching Lamborghini Trattori. Yet, his passion for sports cars ultimate- ly led him to establish Lamborghini Automobili, a journey that placed him in direct rivalry with Enzo Ferrari. Remaining in the cinematic realm, we can also revisit the tale of the man behind another emblematic Italian automotive brand. Italian audiences will need to wait until December for the release of Ferrari. However, the 80th Venice International Film Festival has already gifted us with a preview: the film, helmed by Michael Mann and scripted by Troy Kennedy Mar- tin, features Adam Driver portraying the founder of the most Lamborghini, Ferrari, Fiat, Maserati, Ducati: the roar of Italy From the Editor successful F1 team. Here they are, the heavyweights of Italy on the global stage: Ferruccio and Enzo, epitomes of entrepre- neurial prowess, industrial bravery, persistence, and far- reaching vision. And then, their iconic masterpieces, their lux- ury "products" and the jewels of the most prestigious "Made in Italy: "Lamborghini and Ferrari cars. Technical perfection, elegance, allure, boldness. When discussing Italian cars, it's important to mention other brands that also represent the power of Italian engines. The story of Italy's car industry and its impact on society, as well as the prestigious "Made in Italy" label, cannot be fully told without acknowledging these other significant players. Primarily Fiat, established in 1899 as the "società anonima Fabbrica Italiana di Automobili Torino." Fiat symbolizes not only the mass motorization of our country but also a signifi- cant slice of Italy's contemporary history, woven with workers, internal migration, culture, class struggles, social achieve- ments, and cultural shifts. From the mastermind Giovanni Agnelli to today's multinational group, a lot has flowed beneath the bridges of the nation's very life. Yet, the 1936 Fiat 500, perhaps the most beloved automotive icon, remains etched in memory. An instant success, it profoundly marked an era. Affectionately dubbed "Topolino" by Italians, after the newly-introduced Disney's Mickey, it encapsulates widespread endearment. Alongside Fiat, the journey of young test driver Vincenzo Lancia unfolds. In 1906, he turned his dream into reality by opening a workshop. By the 1920s, Lancia had cemented its identity: crafting exclusive cars with cutting-edge technical solutions. Before merging into the Fiat universe in 1969, Lan- cia introduced iconic models like the Astura, Artena, Augusta, Aprilia, Ardea, Aurelia, and Fulvia. These cars, with their British-inspired elegance, influenced automotive and societal tastes. Notably, the legendary "Flaminia" is still the preferred vehicle for Italy's President. Also, in 1910, the Anonima Lom- barda Fabbrica Automobili (Alfa) was founded; during World War I it was absorbed by Nicola Romeo's company, and became Alfa Romeo. This brand, symbolized by the Biscione, has given the world both road cars and concept vehicles that have shaped Italian design. Technologically, Alfa Romeo stands at the forefront of global innovation, with many groundbreaking features debuting in its cars. In the early 1970s, at its manufacturing peak, its workforce neared 29,000. The brand was under the aegis of the Institute for Industrial Reconstruction from 1933 to 1986, before joining the Fiat Group, later becoming part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and, as of 2021, Stellantis. And how could we overlook Maserati? In 2014, the Trident- emblazoned brand based in Modena celebrated its centenary. Maserati has a legacy of luxury sports cars, initially intended for road racing, and a tale of six brothers passionate about mechanics and speed. There's also Ducati, synonymous today with Italian motorcycling and riders vying for two-wheeled trophies. Established in 1926 by engineer Antonio Cavalieri Ducati, it originally specialized in radio communication tech- nology. War reshaped its fate: first, by transitioning to military production and, post-war, by introducing its motorcycle divi- sion that would ensure its prosperity. As prototypes, mechanical solutions, and technological advancements take the spotlight, Italy's cultural and historical life unfurls in the background. The nation has transitioned from an agricultural, impoverished, and rural landscape to a prosperous, industrialized, and motorized modernity. While tastes and trends evolve, the roar of its engines never dims the steadfast creativity of "Made in Italy." Instead, it shifts gears, propelling its growth trajectory and steering it confidently into the future. Simone Schiavinato, Editor Simone Schiavinato NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS P.O.BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 Member of FUSIE (Federazione Unitaria Stampa Italianaall'Estero), COGITO L'Italo-Americano Please send correspondence to P.O. BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano Newspaper (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization), www.italoameri- cano.org, is the largest and longest-running Italian newspaper in America, not to men- tion the cultural and news resource for all things Italian in the US. A bilingual newspaper which represents an historical landmark for the Italian American Communities in the West Coast and throughout the US. L'Italo-Americano benefits from subsidies by the Italian Government, Memberships and Donations intended to support and not interrupt a mission that began in 1908 to preserve and promote the Italian language and culture in the USA Periodicals postage paid at Monrovia, California 91016, and additional mailing offices. PUBLISHER Robert Barbera Grande Ufficiale EDITOR IN CHIEF Simone Schiavinato ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Patrick Abbate EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Barbara Minafra COPY EDITOR Francesca Bezzone LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTOR Silvia Nittoli SAN FRANCISCO CONTRIBUTORS Serena Perfetto SEATTLE CONTRIBUTOR Rita Cipalla CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mariella Radaelli, Matt Walker, Francesca Bezzone, Luca Ferrari, Stefano Carnevali, Paula Reynolds, Teresa Di Fresco Nicoletta Curradi, Generoso D'Agnese, Jessica S. Levy, Fabrizio Del Bimbo, Maria Gloria, Chuck Pecoraro, Anthony Di Renzo Serena Perfetto, Kenneth Scambray, Chiara D'Alessio, Luca Signorini, Giulia Franceschini © 2020 L'Italo-Americano Membership: One year $59 - Single copy $2.25 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to L'Italo Americano PO Box 6528 Altadena, CA 91003 P.O.BOX 6528, ALTADENA, CA 91003

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