Italy is the homeland of "La Bella Macchina" and the cradle of automotive culture. This book celebrates the most iconic cars and visionary designers from the peninsula. This stunningly illustrated book takes readers on a journey through the history of Italian automotive design, showcasing some of the most iconic and beloved models from the 1920s to the early 2000s. Delving deep into the craftsmanship and artistry of vintage automobiles, this book explores how Italian car design has been at the center of technology, culture, and creativity--and how Italian designers like Pininfarina, Zagato, Bertone, Giugiaro, Gandini, and Ghia have influenced international car designs and brands. With striking archival and contemporary images, Beautiful Machines: The Italians reveals the fascinating stories behind some of the most famous cars from Italy and what makes them so desirable. This book uses the lens of automotive design to chart the evolution of culture over the last 100 years. Beautiful Machines: The Italians is an impactful celebration of Italian car design and its lasting influence on design and culture.