Giaur 750 Sport

The Giaur 750 Sport Berlinetta Motto was a limited-production competition automobile constructed in the early 1950s. It was developed by Giaur, a marque formed through the collaboration of Berardo Taraschi and Giannini Automobili. The name “Giaur” is an acronym derived from “Giannini Automobili Urania Roma.” The berlinetta variant was bodied by Carrozzeria Motto of Turin, known for lightweight aluminium construction and aerodynamic design. The chassis was a tubular steel frame conceived by Taraschi, designed for low weight and torsional rigidity. The powerplant was sourced from Giannini and consisted of a front-mounted, water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine. Displacement ranged from 747 to 850 cubic centimetres depending on specification, with single- or twin-cam configurations. Output varied between 50 and 60 horsepower. The engine was coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. Suspension employed independent front wishbones and a rear live axle with semi-elliptical springs. Braking was provided by hydraulically actuated drums at all four corners. The aluminium berlinetta body was fabricated by Rocco Motto and featured enclosed pontoon fenders, a sharply sloping fastback roofline, and a compact greenhouse. The proportions were typical of small-displacement Italian sports cars of the period, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency in endurance competition. The overall layout was that of a closed two-seat berlinetta with minimal external ornamentation. Production of the Giaur 750 Sport Berlinetta Motto was limited to a small number of chassis. Documented examples include chassis numbers BT-004, BT-006, BT-008, and 2243. Chassis BT-006 was first registered to Maria Teresa de Filippis and subsequently driven in period competition by Luigi Musso. Other examples were privately campaigned in events such as the Mille Miglia and various Italian hillclimbs between 1950 and 1953. Surviving vehicles have been retained in private collections and have appeared in historic events. The exact number of berlinetta variants constructed is not confirmed, but fewer than ten examples are believed to have been completed. The model represents a postwar approach to lightweight endurance competition in the under-750 cc class and reflects a synthesis of Giannini mechanical engineering, Taraschi chassis design, and Motto coachbuilding.