Inside the story of a car tailor
Ago, filo, pelle (Needle, thread, leather): the materials and tools seen in expert hands on the book’s cover photo also form the title of this volume, which tells the story of Francesco Gavina—one of the truest tailor artisans in the world of automotive. His name may not be widely known to the public, but it is well respected and appreciated within the inner circle of four-wheeled creativity. Written by Fulvia Fatma Valenzano Pasta, who has skillfully translated Gavina’s vivid oral storytelling into a written narrative to celebrate his 90th birthday, this is not an encyclopedic volume but a compact, 124-page book that foremost recounts the life of a man and a family. A story that did not begin in the car world, but which ultimately found its greatest expression there.
Commissioned by Pierfranco Gavina, Francesco’s son and successor at the helm of Salt Gavina, the book explores the roots of the family’s artisanal tradition, the founder’s early experience in coachbuilding, and the expertise refined over the years in creating special trims, upholsteries and interiors—often one-offs—for dream cars, prototypes, and concept vehicles.
The volume features two prestigious guests’ contribution: a prefaction signed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and a brief but heartfelt tribute from Alfredo Stola at the close of chapter twenty. Actually, the entire book is studded with big names in the Italian and international car design scene: from Ercole Spada to Marcello Gandini, Bruno Sacco, and again Coggiola, De Tomaso, Vignale, Pininfarina… Many of these names – or their representatives and successors – were present on May 8 at the Beinasco headquarters, near Turin, to celebrate Francesco Gavina and attend the book launch, paying tribute to a story that contains so many others.
Datasheet
Needle, Thread, Leather – The Story of Francesco Gavina, the Car Tailor
Publisher: Abra Books
Author: Fulvia Fatma Valenzano Pasta
Size: paperback, 17.3 x 23.5 x 0.8 cm, soft cover
Pages: 124
Language: Italian
Photographs: color and b/w
Price: 23.00 euros
