For Giovanni Michelotti, the motorcar always symbolised freedom. But as he often remarked, it was also “the most widespread legalised weapon in the world.” This awareness accompanied him throughout his career and made safety—both active and passive—a core principle in his approach to automotive design.

Giovanni Michelotti, my father, was one of the most influential designers in the world of automotive design.

In 1949, Giovanni Michelotti embarked on his freelance career, marking the beginning of a successful journey in automotive design. With...