Bertone was not a car manufacturer in the traditional sense but rather a renowned Italian design house and coachbuilder, known for creating some of the most iconic and visually striking automobile designs in the 20th century. Founded in 1912 by Giovanni Bertone, the company, officially named Carrozzeria Bertone, started as a small coachbuilding workshop.

Key aspects of Bertone's legacy include:

1. Coachbuilding and Design: In its early years, Bertone specialized in custom bodywork and coachbuilding, creating unique designs for individual customers. After World War II, under the leadership of Giovanni's son, Nuccio Bertone, the company transitioned to designing and producing small-scale production cars and concept vehicles.

2. Collaborations with Major Manufacturers: Bertone became famous for its collaborations with major automobile manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Lamborghini, and Ferrari. The company was responsible for the design of some iconic models such as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint, Lamborghini Miura, and Countach, and the Lancia Stratos.

3. Innovative and Futuristic Designs: Bertone was known for its forward-thinking and often futuristic designs. The company had a significant influence on car aesthetics, experimenting with new shapes, materials, and construction techniques. Their designs were not only about looks but also about aerodynamics and functionality.

4. Concept Cars and Showpieces: Beyond production models, Bertone created numerous concept cars that were acclaimed for their visionary and avant-garde design. These concept cars often showcased new ideas in automotive design and technology.

5. Financial Struggles and Closure: Despite its artistic and engineering prowess, Bertone faced financial struggles in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Changes in the automotive industry, with fewer opportunities for small-scale custom coachbuilding, contributed to these challenges. The company declared bankruptcy in 2014, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential design houses in automotive history.

Bertone's designs left a lasting impact on the automotive world, celebrated for their beauty, innovation, and influence on both Italian and global car design. The company's legacy lives on in the numerous iconic vehicles it helped create and in the influence it had on automotive design trends.