Rare Surviving Coupe from OSI, the 1960s Italian Coach Builder
Classics
European
Culture
Builders
A small coach building company called Officine Stampaggi Industriali (OSI) was formed in Turin in 1960. Those were the glory days of the Italian post-war auto industry. OSI was founded by Luigi Segre, the former president of Ghia who deserves credit for classic Karmann Ghia - opens in new window or tab. styling (as well as the Renault Dauphine - opens in new window or tab.). The idea of OSI was to become an independent design arm for Ghia—and to produce small batches of cool custom cars for international manufacturers.
OSI cars are rare. It’s best known model outside of Italy is the Ford 20M TS Coupe. A beautifully restored 1967 example is now listed on eBay - opens in new window or tab.—No. 48 from a total run of about 2,200 vehicles, according to the seller. The OSI Ford 20M TS was based on the German Ford Taunus family car.
In the early 1960s, OSI had several hundred employees capable of producing as many as 50 cars a day. Serge died in 1963, but OSI continued its independent design operations through 1967, the same year the car listed on eBay was produced. The company, which had grown to a couple thousand employees before its demise, was then incorporated with Fiat’s design team, while continuing some production of components. (OSI is translated to “industrial stampings workshops.”)
In addition to its work with Ford, OSI built compact cars like the Innocenti 950 Coupe and Spider, a light sports car based on the Austin-Healey Sprite - opens in new window or tab., and various Fiat models, including the Fiat 1200 - opens in new window or tab. S coupe and spider, Fiat 1300 wagon, and Fiat 2300 S Coupe Ghia.
According to the seller, the OSI 20M TS carries a nickname of “the black mamba,” after a type of large black venomous snake. That seems appropriate given this example’s 400-plus horsepower powerplant, upgraded with a Tremec five-speed transmission, Wilwood disc brakes, and custom adjustable coilover front suspension. What especially stands out is the beautiful exterior chrome, and gorgeous interior leather and suede. The OSI heyday is over, but with this stylish 1967 coupe, Italian post-war design drives on.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.