The Curved History of Alfa Romeo’s BAT 7 and How It Eluded One Person’s Grasp

Among the trio they handcrafted in a brief span – BAT 5, BAT 7, and BAT 9 – it was the BAT 7 that had the most captivating ownership journey. Sit back and let me regale you with a narrative of innovative craftsmanship, transcontinental multi-million-dollar transactions, and disappointment.

Bertone and Scaglione initially crafted Alfa Romeo BAT 5, named as such because Scaglione built four full-scale models before transitioning to metalwork for the fifth model. Remarkably, the car went from idea to reality in less than a year. It made its debut at the Turin Auto Salon in May of 1953, shaking up the industry; this success prompted them to proceed with BAT 7 in 1954 and eventually, BAT 9 in 1955.

While on a recent flight, I rewatched Ford Vs. Ferrari for the third time. During the movie, I paid close attention to the scene where Ken Miles tests the car covered in wool pieces to pinpoint aerodynamic inefficiencies. Collaborating with Alfa Romeo’s project manufacturing leader Ezio Cingolani, Scaglione photographed his design in motion with a similar wool marker setup. It was evident that their approach did not align with Enzo Ferrari’s belief that “aerodynamics are for individuals incapable of constructing engines.”

Featuring bold wings and an elongated Roman-like front, the BAT 7 elevated the design standard set by the BAT 5, achieving an impressive drag coefficient of 0.19. (Just for comparison, the top drag coefficient among current Porsche models is held by the new Porsche Taycan at 0.22.) Bertone and Scaglione dedicated countless hours to this project that they almost missed the deadline to transport it to Turin for its unveiling in April 1954, forcing them to personally drive it to the exhibition at the eleventh hour guided by its efficient aerodynamics.

Subsequent to its premiere, the BAT 7 changed owners several times, and just last year, the trio of BAT vehicles was auctioned together for nearly $15 million by Sotheby’s auction house. Throughout its journey, Al Williams was an early owner of the BAT 7 and made the unfortunate decision of removing the side fins due to visibility constraints while driving. According to Secret Classics, Colonel James Sorrell took possession of the car in the early 1960s and entrusted Salvatore di Natale, a Van Nuys-based artisan renowned for his craftsmanship on Italian vehicles, with the restoration work.

Upon completion of the restoration by di Natale, Col. Sorrell failed to compensate for the commissioned work and never returned to claim his car. In 1969, di Natale became the new owner and retained possession for 17 years. As per a comment on a YouTube video featuring a young Jeremy Clarkson driving the BAT vehicles, the BAT 7 was unexpectedly sold from under di Natale by an unforeseen actor: his own son.

Eric Fischer recalled his time living in California during the mid-90s, where he owned both a 1988 Milano Verde and a 1986 GTV6. He frequently visited di Natale’s workshop.

“Sal’s wit and amiability left a lasting impression,” Fischer mentions. “Sal and I developed a close bond, and he guided me in enhancing and customizing my vehicles; he acted as a mentor to us younger enthusiasts at the garage, akin to a grandfather figure.”

“On a particular Saturday, Sal graciously hosted a select group of us at his residence for a special dinner. Engaging in auto-talk, we gathered around the table, enjoying wine and cheese, when suddenly, Sal emotionally recounted the tale of his former prized possession, the BAT 7 car. He shared the significance of the vehicle, his intentions for restoration, and its unique features, including the missing wings.”

However, a dark twist unfolds in the narrative. Allegedly, di Natale’s son clandestinely sold the car, forging his father’s signature in the process, a revelation di Natale entrusted to Fischer.

“It is speculated that his son sold the car for a fraction of its worth, priced between $14,000 and $17,000, only for it to be resold to a Japanese collector at a staggering $1.3 million. Salvatore’s anguish and sense of betrayal by his son were immense, leading to a severed relationship. Subsequently, I never heard him mention the BAT 7 again, and it was an unspoken subject.”

Let us observe a moment of silence for his loss. Despite being impractical and possessing significant blind spots, this car’s design, showcasing artistic fins, sleek body lines, and exceptional aerodynamics, is a style deserving of a revival.

Have a lead? Drop a line to the author: kristin.shaw@thedrive.com