Carlo Biscaretti Biography

Italian

Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia (August 24, 1879 in Torino - September 7, 1959 in Ripafratta, San Giuliano Terme near Pisa) was an Italian conte, known for his works as artist, industrial designer, journalist and as automobile enthusiast.

He was the son of Rodolfo, a local senator who was involved in the establishment of Fiat (1899). As youngster, Carlo assisted in the first italian automobile race (Torino-Asti-Torino, 1896), he started the "Automobile club di Torino" (1898, president until 1948) and acquired the first drivers license in town.

Carlo got a law degree (1904) and worked a while in Genova for "Filiale di Fabbre e Gagliardi", a bicycle accessory shop, before moving to Rome to run the offices of Carrozzeria Alessio. Back in his hometown, he established the "Studio Tecnico Carlo Biscaretti" in via della Rocca 22, Torino. He was involved in the early Itala 51 vehicles (illustrations), for Michelin; he wrote for several motoring journals and designed the Lancia logo (1911).

He was also involved in the Salone dell'automobile di Torino. Vehicles he collected since 1933 were given to the town's Museo dell'automobile Carlo Biscaretti, which was opened 1960 after his death.