Who was nicknamed the “Italian” at Citroën?

Flaminio Bertoni, painter, sculptor and designer, born in Masnago in 1903, he moved permanently to Paris in 1931.
The collaboration with André Citroën, thrilled with his innovative ideas, was very profitable. Bertoni signed the style of the 1934 Traction Avant.
In 1948, another one of his creations was presented: the 2CV. The ad conveyed the sense of freedom and fun of this symbol of the joie de vivre, young, carefree and cheerful… “the car without complexes”, “those who love me, will follow me”.

In 1955, they presented the “goddess” at the Paris’ exhibition, considered as Flaminio Bertoni’s marvel. The DS stormed across the public, the Chicago design institute included it amongst the one hundred most beautiful things in the world!

He was also the author of the Ami. He also worked for partner companies or companies close to Citroën or in different projects, such as the Delahaye cars.
A French journalist wrote his obituary notice, expressing with words what many of his fans thought: “We’re filled with consternation with regards to his premature death. He was a superior spirit and an honest soul. He was a member of an elite which was way above what we call “human society”.