Video: Geneva Motor Show 2006
Name: Gioacchino Acampora
Job: President, Castagna, Milan, Italy
Key cars: Castagna Imperial Landaulet, Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon
4Car - What's the most significant design element of your latest concept?
Acampora - 'I'm really pleased with the rear, which features the same ribbed material that Louis Vuitton uses on some of its luggage. It's called Pegamoide [a type of plastic made to look like upscale leather] that references the look of the old luggage used by Castagna in the 30s.
'My mission with this car is to get the perfect balance between elegance and sport. The Isotta Fraschini is a symbol of luxury with an aggressive side - with surfacing broken by wheel arches, a Castagna trait.'
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| Castagna Imperial Landaulet |
4Car - Name some of your design influences.
Acampora - 'Mr Rockefeller's Isotta sold in the 30s specifically influenced me for this car. More general and recent influences include the Bentley Continental GT - its proportions are a rare example of my philosophy of proportion and good line. Beyond cars, 30s French and current Dutch architecture influence me, as does minimalist music.'
4Car - What attracted you to car design as a career?
Acampora - 'I worked with Zagato at 17 before taking a degree in architecture and then moving to the Fiat Group before joining Castagna in 1994. I think a broad background is good.'
4Car - What's the next big car design trend/challenge?
Acampora - 'Not shape or line, but the use of the vehicle.'
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| Castagna Imperial Landaulet |
4Car - How does what you do as coachbuilder differ from conventional carmakers?
Acampora - 'I don't agree with the philosophy of mass production. The process is very different here. I create a car in five minutes on paper and in two months it becomes reality. There's a lot of freedom to follow your client's desires. I have a passion for the one-off. It's more personal with coachbuilding - the sensation is incredible. You must find the person behind the face, like a psychoanalyst.
'I had to think very differently for a recent one-off for the Sultan of Brunei. I can't tell you much about the car but I can say that it has two engines and F1 styling.
'We do three to four one-offs per year as well as styling products and accessories.'
4Car - What car do you wish you'd designed?
Acampora - 'The 1936 Voisin C28 and the 30s Bentley 8-litre Sports sedan.'
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| Fiat Stilo |
4Car - What car are you glad you didn't design?
Acampora - 'The Fiat Stilo.'
4Car - What shoes are you wearing?
Acampora - 'Handmade English shoes by Edward Green, £400.'
4Car - What watch are you wearing?
Acampora - 'Suunto Diving watch made in Finland, £350.'
