A model of hope
"This entire project has been about realizing the potential of taking a dream and making it real", says Kaberle. "Michigan and the automotive industry need some reassurance right now that things will get better. This project has been a great example of how the dreams to reality process works and I'm pleased to be doing this in Michigan."
It's funny to think that the existence of BAT 11dk was almost compromised when Stile Bertone came to the brink of bankruptcy, in early 2008. At the time, stylists assigned to the construction of the concept were ordered to stop all work. But they chose to act on their own and completed Kaberle's dream, moved the mock-up out of the studio and carried it to Geneva.
Since Stile Bertone had canceled its presence at the Geneva Auto Show, where this new BAT was to be unveiled, the finish concept was parked at the main entrance of a popular nightclub in Geneva where a reception was being held for automobile stylists from the entire world. It made a sensation and made headlines quickly.
BAT 11dk is shown in the United-States for the second time since this unofficial unveiling. It was a star of the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d'Élégance last summer.
Kaberle still hopes to see this concept made into a running car. If built, BAT 11dk would receive an Alfa Romeo 8C chassis and a 4.7-liter Maserati V-8 engine, a rather unusual yet interesting mix.
photo:NAIAS, Stile Bertone
"This entire project has been about realizing the potential of taking a dream and making it real", says Kaberle. "Michigan and the automotive industry need some reassurance right now that things will get better. This project has been a great example of how the dreams to reality process works and I'm pleased to be doing this in Michigan."
It's funny to think that the existence of BAT 11dk was almost compromised when Stile Bertone came to the brink of bankruptcy, in early 2008. At the time, stylists assigned to the construction of the concept were ordered to stop all work. But they chose to act on their own and completed Kaberle's dream, moved the mock-up out of the studio and carried it to Geneva.
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Since Stile Bertone had canceled its presence at the Geneva Auto Show, where this new BAT was to be unveiled, the finish concept was parked at the main entrance of a popular nightclub in Geneva where a reception was being held for automobile stylists from the entire world. It made a sensation and made headlines quickly.
BAT 11dk is shown in the United-States for the second time since this unofficial unveiling. It was a star of the 2008 Meadow Brook Concours d'Élégance last summer.
Kaberle still hopes to see this concept made into a running car. If built, BAT 11dk would receive an Alfa Romeo 8C chassis and a 4.7-liter Maserati V-8 engine, a rather unusual yet interesting mix.
photo:NAIAS, Stile Bertone
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