Get ready to fall in love with a car that defies the ordinary—the Automobili Mignatta Rina, a stunning barchetta that pays homage to the 1960s while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with modern icons like the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. But here's where it gets controversial: while Italy's mass-produced car industry has been struggling, its artisanal sector is thriving, and the Rina is a testament to this renaissance. Is this the future of Italian automotive excellence?
Automobili Mignatta, a Piedmont-based manufacturer linked to JM—a composite expert with over 25 years of carbon fiber experience—has unveiled its first masterpiece. JM’s portfolio includes restomods like the electric Totem GT AM (an Alfa Romeo GT reimagined) and the Kimera 037 (a Lancia 037 reinterpretation), as well as components for the Eccentrica V12, a Lamborghini Diablo-based marvel. With such credentials, expectations are sky-high.
The Rina isn’t just another restomod; it’s a completely new sports car, handcrafted from the ground up. The philosophy? To create something that didn’t exist before, blending Italy’s glorious automotive past with cutting-edge craftsmanship. And this is the part most people miss: the car’s logo, an elegant 'M,' is inspired by the three-drop emblem on Piedmont’s regional flag, subtly tying it to its roots.
Purist architecture meets modern innovation: The Rina’s body and tubular monocoque chassis, machined from a single block in one of Italy’s largest autoclaves, weigh a mere 71 kg. Built entirely from carbon fiber, the car tips the scales at just 1,000 kg, promising a raw, unfiltered driving experience. The 'Transaxle' layout—a nod to Alfa Romeo’s 70s and 80s legacy—positions the engine centrally upfront, sending power to the rear wheels via a mechanical transaxle. The result? Perfect weight distribution for precision handling.
Barchetta spirit, reimagined: Designed by Davide Dessi, a veteran of Italdesign, the Rina is a two-seater speedster with a 4.41-meter length, a 2.68-meter wheelbase, and a sleek 1.15-meter height. Its long hood, muscular fenders, and tapering rear evoke the 60s, while the cabin ditches traditional windows and windshields for aerodynamic Plexiglas screens. The doors double as helmet storage, and the sculpted seats are upholstered in hand-cut bullhide leather. The dashboard blends carbon fiber modernity with 60s-inspired round instrumentation, while aviation-style switches add a touch of nostalgia.
American muscle meets Italian flair: In a bold move, the Rina’s heart is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Ford V8, tuned by Italtecnica Engineering to Automobili Mignatta’s specs. Paired with a six-speed manual transaxle and limited-slip differential, it delivers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2 kg/hp. Brembo brakes, adjustable double-wishbone suspension, and Pirelli PZero Trofeo RS tires ensure it handles as well as it accelerates. A carbon-ceramic braking system is optional for those craving even more performance.
With a starting price of €290,000, the Rina is no impulse buy, but it’s a steal for what it offers. Mignatta plans to produce just 30 units annually at its Valfanera d’Asti plant, where each car will be custom-configured. The first deliveries are expected in early 2026.
But here’s the question: In an era of electric hypercars and autonomous driving, does a car like the Rina still have a place? Or is it a nostalgic masterpiece that reminds us why we fell in love with driving in the first place? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
