Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia
Conte Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia was an Italian artist, industrial designer and journalist. He was the founder of the National Automobile Museum.
Life
He was bon on 24 August 1879 in Turin. He was the son of Roberto Biscaretti di Ruffia, a senator who was involved in the establishment of Fiat. As a youngster, Carlo assisted in the first Italian automobile race. In 1898, he started the "Automobile Club di Torino", which then became the Automobile Club d'Italia. He also took part in the first Giro d'Italia automobilistico.Biscaretti di Ruffia got a law degree and worked a while in Genoa 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, Turin. He was involved in the early Itala 51 vehicles, for Michelin and contributed to several motor journals.
He was also involved in the Turin Auto Show. He collected vehicles since 1933 and he founded the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile "Carlo Biscaretti di Ruffia", which was opened in 1960 after his death.
He died on 7 September 1959 in Ripafratta, San Giuliano Terme.