From project to race
Multi-disciplinary projects
Building a complete car from scratch requires the ability to combine different skills and set clear goals. Martelleria Giacometto can coordinate several technical partners in order to address all aspects of the design and manufacturing process, concerning frame, engine, upholstery, finishing and painting and the instruments. We can deliver restomod, one-off and prototype projects, both for classic and modern vehicles, be it cars or motorcycles.
the “Testa d’oro”
Testadoro is a brand originally founded in Turin in 1946. Although it was active for four racing seasons only, it left a rich legacy of innovative ideas. Today the Testadoro brand has been reborn and it combines the charm and mechanics of the past with modern reliability standards in its cars, so that driving them becomes a unique and, at the same time, safe experience.
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The design process
In accordance with Testadoro‘s philosophy, the design work resorted to traditional techniques (hand-drawing), and the results were checked using modern design and control methods. The project was based on original chassis drawing from 1951, around which we formed the shaping of the entire car’s volumes.
The wooden body buck
The wooden buck was made entirely by hand, based on the 1:1 scale drawings by Dario Pasqualini, with the same methods used in Turin body shops in the glorious past. The old general sketch of the car was translated into the current line, marked by maximum simplicity and efficiency.
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The car body
The body is made entirely by hand in aluminum. Martelleria Giacometto specializes in delivering complete projects, unique pieces and prototypes, as in this case. Starting from the wooden buck, every single component of the aluminum car “skin” was designed, manufactured and assembled, combining traditional techniques with innovative solutions.
The chassis
The chassis was built following the original 1951 design and a first assembly attempt, started in 1992 and then interrupted. The chassis, along with its original Fiat 1100 mechanics, was completed using CrMo4 steel tubes according to the original drawings designed for the Sport Class 1100 in the Mille Miglia version in 1951.
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The engine
The original engine was modified in accordance with the ideas followed by manufacturers of that time, such as Cisitalia; so, our car features single-shaft distribution with rods and rocker arms, but it is fitted with specifically made cylinder head, valves and crankshaft. In addition to this, our car has got new pistons and competition connecting rods, developed and tested on the test bench by company O.S.M.E.G. in Cumiana, which increase its power from the original 35 hp to the current 63 hp. The valve cover and the special Testadoro oil sump, entirely made by hand, are the icing on the cake.
The (un)painting
The car body was left entirely exposed, so that the excellent work of Martelleria Giacometto’s metalsmiths could be admired; no filler or paint was used to mask any defects. This semi-matte finish gives the possibility to enjoy the car’s dynamically stretched, futuristic line. The rims are the original ones made by steel, but chromed in matt finish, defined as “disc” in the original project. A touch of color is given by the racing numbers and the frame painted in “Barolo” red, which captures the attention and becomes a leitmotif both in the cockpit and in the engine compartment, in full view thanks to the total opening offered by the aluminum full-wide engine hood.
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The instruments
For a car entirely built in Turin, it is almost obligatory to feature details tailored in the Italian car capital. For this reason, another notable Turin brand, Allemano, joined the project to provide the on-board instruments made specifically to a design by Dario Pasqualini. Allemano has been manufacturing on-board instruments for cars since 1919, when it supplied the original equipment of the Fiat 501 Torpedo.
The upholstery
The interior consists of dashboard, steering wheel, gearbox and little else. The Testadoro is a no-frills racing car with some stylish details, though: in addition to the Allemano instruments, to the steering wheel and the aluminum seats specifically made in-house, the upholstery and some leather parts give the car a touch of functional elegance. The seats were made by Domenico Calautti‘s DOC in eco-friendly cowhide leather. The visible frame is another eye-catching element thanks to its “Barolo” red colour in contrast to the exposed aluminum panels.
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Now it’s time to race
After so much work, the car is finally ready to hit the track! What’s more, it tells the story of a courageous adventure that has combined manual, technical and artistic skills: a perfect example of how teamwork, tradition and innovation are still at home in Turin.