Detroit - For some, the absence of several major marques at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was a loss. For others, it was a blessing. In normal conditions, an obscure concept car like the Alfa Romeo BAT 11dk would never have made it to the show, especially not on Cobo Center's main floor.
But it did.
Thanks to the Detroit College for Creative Studies (CCS), and the ample empty floor space that needed to be filled at the last minute, this unique design exercise made a sensation among major manufacturers exhibits.
After all, the BAT 11dk is not the product of a major manufacturer. It is a concept with a cause. A Michigan dentist, Dr Gary Kaberly of Traverse City, now in his sixties, commissioned its construction. It was a personal effort to create an automotive symbol of hope in the battle against breast cancer; a dedication to his wife Deb, who was taken by this terrible illness in the 90s.
Descendant of a famous trio
Even though it is not sponsored by an industry "major", Dr Kaberly's BAT 11dk was designed and built by Stile Bertone SpA in Turin, Italy. It was inspired by a famous trio of concept cars penned in the 50s by Franco Scaglione under the guidance of Nuccio Bertone, founder of the company.
Built to boast Bertone's styling resources, the three original BAT concepts (for Bertone Aerodinamica Tecnica) used Alfa Romeo chassis and power trains. BAT 5 was unveiled in 1953, BAT 7 in 1954 and BAT 9 in 1955. In those days, they were the sensations of Europe major auto shows.
Ironically, as a young man, Kaberly knew nothing of those cars. But in 1963, at age 17, he purchased BAT 9 on a used car lot in Greenville, Michigan, for a mere $2,000 and drove it daily to the pop corn stand where he worked.
As years went by, he learned more about the car and became interested by its origins. Eventually he became an expert on all three BATs fabulous history.
He owned his BAT car for nearly 30 years before he was obliged to sell it to help finance treatment for his wife's battle with breast cancer.
But it did.
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| The BAT 11dk at NAIAS with its creator, Dr Gary Kaberle. The picture was taken inside Cobo Center at the CCS stand. |
Thanks to the Detroit College for Creative Studies (CCS), and the ample empty floor space that needed to be filled at the last minute, this unique design exercise made a sensation among major manufacturers exhibits.
After all, the BAT 11dk is not the product of a major manufacturer. It is a concept with a cause. A Michigan dentist, Dr Gary Kaberly of Traverse City, now in his sixties, commissioned its construction. It was a personal effort to create an automotive symbol of hope in the battle against breast cancer; a dedication to his wife Deb, who was taken by this terrible illness in the 90s.
Descendant of a famous trio
Even though it is not sponsored by an industry "major", Dr Kaberly's BAT 11dk was designed and built by Stile Bertone SpA in Turin, Italy. It was inspired by a famous trio of concept cars penned in the 50s by Franco Scaglione under the guidance of Nuccio Bertone, founder of the company.
Built to boast Bertone's styling resources, the three original BAT concepts (for Bertone Aerodinamica Tecnica) used Alfa Romeo chassis and power trains. BAT 5 was unveiled in 1953, BAT 7 in 1954 and BAT 9 in 1955. In those days, they were the sensations of Europe major auto shows.
Ironically, as a young man, Kaberly knew nothing of those cars. But in 1963, at age 17, he purchased BAT 9 on a used car lot in Greenville, Michigan, for a mere $2,000 and drove it daily to the pop corn stand where he worked.
As years went by, he learned more about the car and became interested by its origins. Eventually he became an expert on all three BATs fabulous history.
He owned his BAT car for nearly 30 years before he was obliged to sell it to help finance treatment for his wife's battle with breast cancer.
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