20.01.2004 TWENTY NINE YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL IDEA COVINI WILL LAUNCH THEIR SIX WHEEL C6W IN GENEVA

After constructing several prototypes as a hobby, in 1978 Ferruccio Covini founded Covini Engineering, a small company dedicated to the construction of static and automotive prototypes. Built from a passion for cars and engines, the artisan company has been active mainly with experimentation and innovation rather than volume production. 

In March, at the Geneva Motor Show, they will launch their most ambitious project to date, the unusual six-wheeled Covini C6W, a car which they hope will continue to push the Covini name onwards.

The original idea was conceived twenty nine years ago in 1974, but the idea of utilising four front wheels, was not possible with the technology available at the time. The project was shelved in favour of the Soleado prototype, deemed a higher priority, and lay dormant until the 1980s when hydro-pneumatic suspension for the four front wheels was devised to optimise weight distribution under various loading conditions.

However, high development costs and other contingencies, forced the project to be delayed again. Its use of new ABS technology and airbags in the 90s pointed it in the direction of new research into active and passive safety. This aspect encouraged backing from other company's to assist its development.

Over the last three decades Covini have been busy pushing automotive thinking forward and honing themselves into a skilled and innovative company. Their major projects to date include the T44 Soleado in 1978, a sportscar offering 4 wheel drive and a cutting edge body shell comprising of interchangeable panels, followed by the B24 Sirio four years later, a two seat sports saloon which became the first production ready diesel powered car to reach 200km/h (125mph).

They followed this up in 1986 with the T40 Summit, a luxurious and elegant 2+2 coupe propelled by a 4-litre engine and, last but not, least the C36 Turbotronic two years later, a coupé able to shatter the 300km/h barrier (188mph). All these prototypes share the distinction of being powered by diesel engines from Italian engine builder VM Motori. 

Covini Engineering has also taken part in other projects, including the design and manufacture of the Dragon Fly ultra-light 2 seat helicopter, and the Chevrolet Callaway C7 muscle car.

Last year saw Covini put the finishing touches to the C6W and gain all-important homologation approval. Later this year limited production, targeted at 6-8 units per year, will commence at their all new purpose built plant at Verbania.