Bucciali TAV de 1932 exhibited at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance

To be honest, I have never been able to appreciate the beauty of classic models. The culprit is probably today’s car market, where a sporty and aggressive image takes precedence over everything else. But I have discovered a model that has caught my attention for its beauty as well as for the technology it incorporates, which was very advanced for its time.

It is the only surviving example of the Bucciali TAV from 1932. This old gem is powered by a French-built V12 engine, but what is interesting is that it is a front-wheel-drive model.

The history behind the Bucciali brand is marked by innovation and the Great Depression. The company was run by two brothers, Alberto and Angelo, who, putting all their knowledge to the test, decided to bet on building a series of prototypes called TAV, Traction Avant. It was one of the first prototypes with front-wheel drive. The bet earned numerous accolades from automotive companies, but it did not lead to an increase in sales or orders. This, together with the Great Depression, ultimately brought the company down.

The car will be displayed at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance, where another 250 classics will be presented to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Via | Jalopnik