THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1926
- Body style
- Torpedo
- Type
- Limited
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Itala 61 (1926) was coachbuilt by Ghia. During this period, Itala was known for its innovative approaches to design and engineering, contributing to the evolution of automobile aesthetics and functionality. The coachbuilding process for the 61 involved careful attention to proportions and construction methods that aligned with the stylistic trends of the 1920s, characterized by streamlined forms and luxurious detailing.
Mechanically, the Itala 61 was equipped with a robust chassis that facilitated various configurations, enhancing its adaptability for performance and comfort. Documentation indicates that the vehicle featured a powerful engine, powered by a V8 engine, which contributed to its reputation for reliability and driving pleasure. The suspension system was designed to support both performance and ride quality, reflecting the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence.
Production of the Itala 61 was limited, with specific chassis numbering assigned to each vehicle, ensuring traceability and authenticity for collectors and historians alike. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Itala 61 Torpedo Bateau Ghia remains a noteworthy example of collaborative efforts between manufacturers and coachbuilders, exemplifying the rich history of automotive design during this era.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
- Production notes
- CI's 1926 Milan event and Ghia archive explicitly preserve the Itala 61 Torpedo Bateau by Ghia. A surviving 1926 Itala Tipo 61 with Ghia coachwork independently corroborates the Itala/Ghia relationship, but its sport-coupé body is not transferred to this Torpedo Bateau route. Production count and designer remain open. NO_AUTO_INHERIT.
- Body & configuration · Legacy attribution
- Torpedo
Engine & performance
- Specification notes
- Confidence detail moved from confidence: medium-low
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Ghia
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Itala
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 1 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Carrozzieri Italiani — Milano Auto Salon 1926 www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Event archive |
| Carrozzieri Italiani — Ghia Car Archive www.carrozzieri-italiani.com | Coachbuilder archive |
| Car & Classic — 1926 Itala Tipo 61 with Ghia coachwork www.carandclassic.com | Surviving vehicle market history |











THE CONVERSATION
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