Carrozzeria Barbi
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bus manufacturing |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Founder | Galileo Barbi |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Fate | Liquidation; succeeded by Barbi Coach and Bus srl |
| Headquarters | Mirandola , Italy |
| Products | Buses, coaches, vehicle bodies |
Carrozzeria Barbi is an Italian manufacturer specializing in buses, with its headquarters located in Mirandola, close to Modena.
History
The company was established in 1905 by Galileo Barbi, initially operating as a workshop crafting horse-drawn carriages in Fossa. In 1910, the business moved to Concordia sulla Secchia. The following year, 1911, it earned acclaim at the International Exhibition in Paris for the superior comfort and quality of its carriages.
With the advent of motor vehicles by 1927, Barbi shifted focus to constructing vehicle bodies at its primary facility in Mirandola, utilizing chassis from manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Ansaldo, Lancia, Fiat, and Officine Meccaniche. By 1931, the company concentrated on producing commercial vehicle bodies—including vans, truck cabs, and ambulances—with a workforce of approximately 70. Subsequently, Barbi expanded into bus production, initially using wooden frameworks before adopting tubular steel structures.
During World War II, the firm redirected its manufacturing efforts to fulfill orders from the Ministry of the Navy. Following the war, Barbi established a strong presence in Italy’s bus sector, gaining recognition through trade shows like the Golden Rose of San Remo.
After Galileo Barbi passed away in 1962, his son Sirner assumed control. The 1970s marked a period of considerable investment and technological advancement: new bus models incorporated innovative features such as inclined structural components, remotely operated doors, enhanced acoustic and thermal insulation, air conditioning systems, reclining seats, heating units, radios, and televisions. The chassis suppliers included DAF, Fiat, MAN, Mercedes, and Renault.
In the 1980s, Barbi collaborated with Volvo to produce significant models like the Italia 99, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. After Sirner's death in 1994, leadership transferred to his sons Alberto and Carlo Barbi; the manufacturing plant was relocated to San Giacomo Roncole’s industrial zone in Mirandola. During this decade, the Echo coach was introduced.
The early 2000s saw the launch of the Genesis model, which evolved into the Galileo by 2008. In 2007, prototypes for horse transport vehicles and lift cabins were developed. Starting in 2009, an updated version of Genesis was marketed using chassis from Iveco and Irisbus.
Barbi underwent liquidation in 2018. Subsequently, in October of that year, a successor entity named Barbi Coach and Bus srl was founded with a focus on producing school buses.