Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo by Francesco Riva and Gillet Automobiles

Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo by Francesco Riva and Gillet Automobiles is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award de Bronze in Design de Veículos, Mobilidade e Transportes Competition Category.

BronzeVeículo· 2026

Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo

by Francesco Riva and Gillet Automobiles

Client: Gillet Automobiles

A' Design Award de Bronze Winner in Veículo Category

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The Design

About Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo

O Gillet Bellariva é um superdesportivo concebido para uso diário e para longas viagens. O exterior evoca os automóveis desportivos das décadas de 1950 e 1960 e as linhas das lanchas de luxo e dos iates. O chassis e a carroçaria são construídos à mão em fibra de carbono, garantindo uma estrutura leve e um peso de 1200 kg. Um convés traseiro em madeira remete para o convés de um iate e esconde um cofre de 30 litros, enquanto o espaço de carga comporta 400 litros. O painel de instrumentos é em mogno, com um painel deslizante. A base em madeira dos faróis acrescenta um detalhe náutico. Portas em asa de borboleta e uma suspensão com elevação frontal completam o design.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronze

Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo conquistou o A' Design Award de Bronze, um reconhecimento altamente prestigiado atribuído a designs notáveis que se distinguem pela criatividade, engenho e perspicácia. Os vencedores do Bronze são artefactos amplamente habilidosos e surpreendentemente criativos que comprovam a vasta experiência, imaginação e capacidade de iniciativa dos seus designers. Espera-se que Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo seja um objeto muito considerado, admirado e estimado, notavelmente profissional e inovador. Este design vencedor do A' Design Award de Bronze incorpora as melhores práticas em arte, ciência, design e tecnologia e é excelente pela sua atenção ao detalhe. Gillet Bellariva Superdesportivo satisfaz esplendidamente necessidades, toca desejos, encanta sentimentos e desperta curiosidade.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: New unique exterior design architecture for front engined cars. The car interior has a complete rear wood deck with a strong nautical appeal and a hidden 30L safe, a cargo space of 400L and a double counter under the sliding panel on the mahogany wood’s dashboard. The wooden base of the front headlights is an original stylistic touch that integrates perfectly with the spirit of the car.
Dimensions & Packaging: Lenght 4.46 m, width 1.94 m, height 1.19 m, weight 1200 kg, V6 biturbo petrol engine (can operates with only 3 cylinders when needed for lower emissions), engine type V6 biturbo, engine power 580 BHP, 30L safe, 400 L trunk space
Tags: Speedboat for the road, Streetyacht, Hybrid concept design car, Riva Boats, Classic elegance supercar
Production Technology: Design draws and 1:1 scale model to optimize the car shape.
Hand built carbon fiber chassis and hand built carbon fiber body for the maximum lightweight construction of the car.
Design Challenge: Combine the shape of a sportcars with the look of a speedboat or yacht was the hardest challenge. The idea of using the image of a boat that runs through the entire car and blends harmoniously with it allowed to overcome this conceptual obstacle.
Research: An extensive visual web search was conducted to identify the stylistic traits that have made certain automobile models of the past particularly fascinating and famous over time. The research was conducted almost entirely through the Google search engine. Images of cars produced in the last century were viewed and saved, with a particular focus on the most iconic cars, considered among the most beautiful in the world (with particular attention to cars such as the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Pontoon, Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, Alfa Romeo BAT 5-7-9, Jaguar E-Type, Mercedes SLR 300 Uhlenhaut and Porsche 993 GT1).. This research was conducted personally by Mr. Francesco Riva over a period of approximately a decade. The research allowed Mr. Riva to identify the most aesthetically appealing shapes to use on the BellaRiva. Nautical inspiration also led to the innovative design of the headlights, which flow from the outside to the inside of the car while remaining below the hood line. The new automotive design concept conceived by Mr. Riva was later able to be implemented thanks to the meeting between Mr. Riva and Mr. Tony Gillet, founder of the Belgian automobile manufacturer Gillet Automobiles.
Inspiration: This supercar reinterprets in a modern key the automotive design of the golden age of the 50s and 60s, with particular focus on cars today considered among the most beautiful and prestigious in the world, such as the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Pontoon and Ferrari 250 GTO, taking inspiration from luxury speedboats and yachts.
Project Duration: Project has started in January 2022 and will be completed shortly, latest in April 2026. The project location is Gembloux, Belgium, at Gillet Automobiles.
Operation Flow: Vehicle focused on luxury elegance, comfort and top performances. It has butterfly doors for a greater look. The front lift suspension ‘allows the car to avoid obstacles on the road. The 30L safe offers the highest secutity for great value objects or documents. The car is conforttable for every day use or long journeys. The engine is also capable of operating on just 3 cylinders to minimize fuel consumption and emissions in the city or when needed.
Patents: Patent procedure in progress.
Team Members: Francesco Riva
Tony Gillet
Patrick Bataille
Maxime Barthelemy
Vincent Barbereau
Image Credits: Image #1: Creator Gillet Automobiles, 2025
Image #2: Photographer Francesco Riva, 2025
Image #3: Creator Gillet Automobiles, 2025
Image #4: Creator Gillet Automobiles, 2025
Image #5: Designer Jose’ Figueres, 2022