AHC: Bandini as a Ferrari or Lamborghini Sized Company

Delta Force

Banned
Bandini Automobili was an Italian race car company established in 1946 by Ilario Bandini. The company had great success building and racing cars with small engines, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. It also built a few road cars, including the 1955 Bandini GT, 1963 Bandini 1000 GT, 1968 Bandini Saloncino, and 1992 Bandini 1000 Turbo. I was wondering if it might have been possible for Bandini to have become a more popular marque on par with Ferrari and Lamborghini. Although the company only produced four cylinder engines 1.0 liters and smaller, its engine designs, lightweight frames, and racing success seem like they could have provided a good foundation for a successful luxury sport car company.
 
They need to find a larger backer, like Ferrari with the abortive attempt with Ford in 1962 and finally with Fiat in 1969, and Lamborghini with several including Chrysler and Volkswagen.

They'd also need to get out of the small bore business, there are too many competitors including the likes of Lotus and Lola, and get into big bore stuff.
 

Delta Force

Banned
Could Bandini have teamed up with a larger automaker to become an engine supplier in the vein of Cosworth, or perhaps even a full fledged marque?
 
Another Italian company from the era, MV Agusta, was on top of the world in motorcycle racing in the 1960s, back in my day. Markets change and people move on or die. Decades later, the company still makes the most expensive and exclusive motorcycles, due to a string of moneymen.
The Count also took an interest in helicopters, and thrived. Owners and Boards and company titles change faster than you can keep track, and now, Agusta/Westland is owned by Finmeccanica. Perhaps, Bandini should have looked to the skies.
 
What was Bandini's U.S. dealer network like? Nonexistent, I'd guess. U.S. sales would make a big difference, judging by the effect on MG...
 

Delta Force

Banned
The small engines and light weight could have opened up an interesting market niche for Bandini. There are tax advantages for smaller engines in many countries, and being under 1,000 pounds means that a vehicle is legally not a car under United States federal law.
 
Delta Force said:
being under 1,000 pounds means that a vehicle is legally not a car under United States federal law.
Maybe you could explain why the kei cars seem not to be legal, then?:confused:

On topic, I wonder if the choice of stylist made a difference. The pix I've seen aren't ugly, but they're not stunning, either. Could Bandini have attracted Bertone or Pininfarina?
 
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