The Italian automotive industry is in a peculiar state: mass production struggles, but the craft sector shines. Enter Automobili Mignatta's Rina, a stunning sports car that pays homage to Italy's rich automotive heritage. But this isn't just another retro-inspired creation; it's a bold statement of craftsmanship and engineering prowess.
A Modern Take on a Classic Era
The Rina is a barchetta-style sports car, reminiscent of the iconic Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. However, Mignatta has crafted a unique identity for the Rina, drawing inspiration from the muscular and curvaceous designs of the 1960s. And here's where it gets intriguing: the car is not a restomod but a completely new creation, custom-built and handcrafted, offering an exclusive experience to its future owners.
Engineering Excellence
Under the sleek carbon fiber body lies a lightweight tubular monocoque chassis, weighing just 71 kg. The body and chassis are machined from a single block, showcasing the manufacturer's expertise. The Rina's design philosophy is all about purity and direct driving sensations. It employs a transaxle layout, with the engine in the front-center position, sending power to the rear wheels through a mechanical transaxle. This setup, beloved by Alfa Romeo in the 70s and 80s, ensures optimal weight distribution.
Design That Captivates
Styling director Davide Dessi, an Italdesign alumnus, has crafted a captivating two-seater speedster body. The Rina measures 4.41 meters in length, with a wheelbase of 2.68 meters, and stands just 1.15 meters tall. Its design cues include a long, sweeping hood, muscular fenders, and a tapering rear topped by a spoiler. The cabin is a purist's dream, devoid of windows and windshields, replaced by small Plexiglas screens for a raw driving experience. The interior blends aluminum, carbon fiber, and hand-cut bullhide leather, creating a unique ambiance.
American Power, Italian Soul
The Rina's heart is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter aluminum V8 sourced from Ford, a nod to the American engines found in iconic Italian sports cars of the 60s and 70s. Modified by Italtecnica Engineering, this powerhouse is paired with a six-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. The result is a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 2 kg/hp, ensuring thrilling performance.
Craftsmanship Meets Performance
Mignatta's attention to detail extends to the suspension, which features double wishbones and adjustable dampers. The car rides on 19" and 20" wheels fitted with semi-slick Pirelli tires. Brembo provides the braking system, with 360 mm front discs and six-piston calipers, and a carbon-ceramic option is available. Produced at Mignatta's Valfanera d'Asti plant, each Rina will be a bespoke creation, with a limited production of 30 models per year, starting at €290,000. And this is the part most enthusiasts will appreciate: the first examples are expected to hit the road in early 2026.
Controversy and Comment:
The Rina is a masterpiece of modern craftsmanship, but is it a true restomod or a new car in vintage clothing? Does the use of a Ford V8 dilute the Italian essence, or is it a clever homage to a bygone era? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
