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Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945-1975 at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945-1975, an exhibition celebrating the visual dynamism and spirit of innovation characterizing Italian automobiles produced during the post-World War II economic revival, opens at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, TN, on May 27, 2016.

1954 Alfa Romeo BAT 7. The Blackhawk Collection.  Image © 2016 Peter Harholdt
1954 Alfa Romeo BAT 7. The Blackhawk Collection.
Image © 2016 Peter Harholdt
Bellissima! features a selection of rare and extraordinary cars, including vehicles by Alfa Romeo, Bizzarrini, Ducati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lancia, and Maserati, all which exemplify the striking and streamlined Italian design language that propelled the country to the forefront of automotive design internationally.

Automotive authority Ken Gross, guest curator, has chosen 19 coach-built and concept cars and 3 motorcycles from private collections and museums. Highlights include the ultra-rare Alfa Romeo BAT models 5, 7, and 9 from the 1950s, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, and a 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero. These are among the finest examples of Italian automotive design, offering surprises for even the most knowledgeable vintage car enthusiasts.

Additional information is available by calling 615.244.3340 or by visiting fristcenter.org