Bertone

Bertone has reportedly ceased trading due to financial problems stemming from legal claims lodged by suppliers. Autocar reports the iconic Italian design house, which narrowly avoided bankruptcy in 2007 and 2011, has allegedly been forced to close its doors as suppliers pursue legal action to reclaim money owed and employees have been left unpaid.

Six futuristic Bertone concept cars will be auctioned off at the order of a bankruptcy court, with the full set tipped to sell for as much as $6.75 million. The classic concepts were part of the 90-vehicle Bertone Group museum collection that was broken up as a result of the Italian design house’s 2008 liquidation.

German automotive publication Autobild has released some images and details of Bertone's new design study. The Bertone B99 is a concept pitched towards Jaguar and the new compact car it plans to make. Unfortunately, the Bertone B99 is unlikely to be the basis for the upcoming small Jag.