1970 OPEL GT RESTORATION - 21

Today, while you're watching my efforts to paint this car, I will tell you a very interesting story. From it, you will learn the story of when and how the Opel GT defeated the Porsche 911 and 914, as well as the story of their creator, the legend in the world of motorsport, Virgilio Conrero.
Virgilio Conrero was a man whose life revolved around the world of cars and motorsports. He was born in Turin, Italy, on January 1, 1918, to Caterina and Francesco. His father was a pioneering figure in the mechanical industry.
Virgilio's father, Francesco, instilled in him a deep love for mechanics. Their family life was peaceful until tragedy struck. In an attempt to advance their business, Francesco installed an advanced gas turbine, a cutting-edge technology of its time, with the potential to revolutionize their operations. Tragically, the turbine exploded, leading to the destruction of the company and the loss of 13 lives, including Francesco Conrero's.
At just 15 years old, he had to leave school to support his family during their darkest hours. This challenging period shaped Virgilio's character, making him intolerant of mediocrity and a perfectionist who demanded excellence from himself and those around him. His deep love for his country and his work became his guiding principles.
Virgilio initially worked as a mechanic at a typographic construction company, but he found the work too simple for his ambitions. So, he enrolled in an evening course to become an aviation engineer. This journey was filled with sacrifices, but through sheer determination, he excelled in his studies and obtained his driver's license. This license opened the doors to FIAT Aviation and the world of competitive racing.
When World War II erupted, Virgilio naturally found himself serving in the field of aeronautics as a motorist. Despite the challenges and eventual defeat in the war, followed by an armistice, his path led him away from FIAT. Disheartened, he moved to Quincinetto in 1945 to join his family, who had settled there during the conflict. In Quincinetto, he secured a position as the chief engineer and head of vehicle maintenance at Ilsa Viola, a metallurgical industry in Valle d'Aosta.
However, fate had not forgotten Virgilio. Engineer Giovanni Savonuzzi, whom he had met during his time as an aircraft engineer, reentered his life. Together, they founded S,V,A, Società Valdostana Automobili, marking Virgilio's emergence as a renowned and respected figure, earning him the nickname "MAGO" (Magician). This marked the beginning of Virgilio Conrero's journey into racing, with notable victories such as the Tour de France, where their company specialized in modifying and assisting Cisitalia cars driven by famous figures like Giovanni Bracco.
Their first project involved creating an Formula 3 car with a self-constructed chassis powered by a 500 cc Moto Guzzi engine. Subsequently, they embarked on numerous other projects, including a turbocharged Formula 1 car with alcohol and petrol engines boosted by turbochargers. This car showcased its incredible speed on the Sanremo circuit with Swiss driver Fisher, though its journey was cut short due to issues with the pistons.
The S,V,A, adventure eventually came to an end. However, in post-war Turin, an automotive renaissance was underway, with new models emerging from manufacturers like Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, and others. Enthusiasts began seeking uniqueness beyond standard offerings, leading to the birth of specialized workshops dedicated to car modification. In this landscape, legendary names such as Nardi, Bosato, and above all, Conrero, became icons.
In November 1952, Autotecnica Conrero was established, marking the beginning of Virgilio Conrero's grand journey. Virgilio was not primarily a businessman; his heart beat for engines, with financial gains serving as a secondary consideration. The company faced financial challenges, as some clever racers occasionally took advantage of Virgilio's expertise and Autotecnica's resources without proper compensation. However, Virgilio remained steadfast, tightening his belt to navigate these economic hardships. His unwavering integrity and refusal to compromise his principles in the murky world of finance often hindered his ability to secure funding.
In the heart of old Turin, on Via Monbasiglio, Virgilio Conrero began what would become his enduring legacy-transforming ordinary cars into victorious racing machines.
Virgilio's fame and reputation continued to grow. Manufacturers frequently entrusted him with mass-produced engines for review and tuning before releasing their renowned models. Even celebrated personalities paid visits to Autotecnica, with individuals like Ranieri of Monaco, Nino Farina, and Juan Manuel Fangio not only discussing racing cars but also sharing tables with Virgilio, a known gourmet.

[@dsciarrino3663]

Sweet

[@zubolekarbg]

Amazing!!