THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1947
- Body style
- Cabriolet
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Fuori-serie
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 Healey Cabriolet Bertone stands as a captivating fusion of British engineering prowess and Italian design finesse, crafted as a one-off masterpiece by Carrozzeria Bertone under the creative direction of Mario Revelli. Inspired by the successful series of Stanguellini’s, this cabriolet artfully marries the chassis of the British Healey with its potent four-cylinder 2.4-liter Riley engine, resulting in a harmonious blend of power and elegance. Displayed at the prestigious Carrozzieri Exhibition in Milan, the Healey Cabriolet Bertone garnered attention for its striking design, earning the moniker “Fish mouth” from contemporary journalists. This distinctive design feature, characterized by its unique front grille arrangement, exuded an air of aquatic grace and became synonymous with Bertone’s innovative approach to automotive styling. Built upon the foundation of the Healey chassis, this cabriolet encapsulated the spirit of open-air motoring, inviting drivers to embark on exhilarating journeys with the wind in their hair and the purr of the Riley engine at their command. The sleek lines and graceful curves of the bodywork effortlessly complemented the car’s dynamic performance, ensuring a captivating presence on both the road and the show circuit. While the Healey Cabriolet Bertone may have been a one-off creation, its influence extended beyond its singular existence. The “Fish mouth” design motif, so eloquently executed by Luigi Rapi, found its way onto several other chassis by Bertone, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of automotive design. With its timeless allure and impeccable craftsmanship, the Healey Cabriolet Bertone remains a testament to the collaborative spirit between British engineering ingenuity and Italian design brilliance. As a symbol of automotive excellence, it continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, embodying the spirit of innovation and artistic expression that defines Carrozzeria Bertone’s storied legacy.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Fuori-serie
- Production notes
- 1947 Bertone Healey show-car identity retained. Mario Revelli di Beaumont is the documented designer; Luigi Rapi is not retained as alternate designer absent execution-role evidence. Production count remains open.
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Bertone
- Designer · Documented
- Mario Revelli di Beaumont
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Healey
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
Mostra della Carrozzeria General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 1947
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
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 |
|---|---|
| Archivio Storico Giovanni Michelotti — elenco vetture www.archiviostoricomichelotti.it | Designer archive official record association |
| News d'Anciennes — Bertone history, 1945–1969 newsdanciennes.com | Independent coachbuilder history |













THE CONVERSATION
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