FERRARI RAINBOW

Is anyone familiar with the Ferrari Rainbow. I was wondering how Bertone managed to create a targa top that would simply flip backwards (where as tradiational targa tops have to be removed by hand in an out-of-the-car manner.
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no idea, but it looks like a Porsche 914

 

Looks more like a Fiat X-19 IMO.

A neat bit of engineering to be certain.

 

I remember that one. It was based on the 308; didn't recall that the top flipped like that. Neat feature.
It was a R&T cover car at one point.

 

+1

 

As I recall the Rainbow was a Bertone design, who also did the Fiat X1/9.

 

I believe it was in the Nieman Marcus catalog that year but nobody was interested

 

If anybody has it look in an old issue of Car Styling, a Japanese quartly/bi-monthly for the automotive design professionals. I think there was an article in it that would have more detailed information. I would check my Car Styling collection but am gone for a couple more weeks.

Barchetta list the serial number as 12788.

Notice that in the hinged roof there is a glass panel that lines up with the rear window.

Jeff

 

Brilliant! I didn't realize that glass was for rearward view visibility. Really trick piece of kit.

 

Huh? I don't get this - how is the top fixed back in the open position when that wing is in the way?
BTW, I agree it definately looks Fiat X1/9 based to me.

 

I'm sure the top slides down behind the seats after it's near-vertical, in case that answers a question or two.

 

Eh, isn't that what the Ferrari Super America does?
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Doubled as a moon roof with the top up.

 

No, the superamerica design is far simpler. It's top merely flips rearward. In that position, it catches bird poop, dust, tree leaves, etc., then flips it back on your head. The Rainbow design is far purer and I suspect more complex than the simple Superamerica rotation.

 

"Dat's one 'spensive Pooper Scooper, Lucy!!!" <Ricky R.>

Anyone know where the car is today??

 

This top operation is a little like the SSR Chevrolet truck in that it stores vertically behind the seats I think (except the SSR is 2 sections I think).

 

Now that IS clever - thanks for the answer!

 

Ah I see. Take a look at the new Mazda Miata Hardtop convertible. The top folds in half and is stored vertically behind the driver & passenger. Essentially the trunk space stays identical whether with the top up or down.

 

i RECALL IT BEING BASED ON THE 308gt/4. I SAW IT AT THE NY AUTO SHOW IN '70S

 

I think that is right and it would make sense since Bertone was making the 308GT4; easy access to the platform.

Jeff

 

this reminds me of the Fioravanti Skill concept car, it's roof did the same thing as the Rainbow's. Other than the roof, they aren't really that similar.
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Fioravanti also did the Superamerica top. BUT, both designs are simpler. The trick is getting the top to flip backward with such minimal consumption of space and no ill effect on the design, top up or down. Perhaps the Rainbow remains with Bertone?