Benito Bertolani took part in the Italian Aerobatic Championships for the first time in 1970 in Bologna with the ‘SETTEBELLO’, which he designed and built himself. He immediately took first place in this championship.
He was assisted in the competition by his enchanting fiancée Mariella L’immensa.
This success brought Benito to the attention of businessman Dr Rolando Vernaglione, solicitor and owner of the company “MINI DREAM CAR” in Trezzano (near Milan).
He admired Benito’s flights and the success he had achieved, and enthusiastically asked him to transfer all exclusive rights for the marketing and sale of the “production” to him at any price.
However, this was subject to the condition that the name be changed to “ITALIA UNO” in view of its success.
Benito invited him to lunch at his house in Lucca to negotiate, where he met Benito’s sister Italia (yes, her name was Italia too).
After the laborious but amicable agreement, he wanted to see the model again and take some photos of it.
There he discovered Benito’s charming sister Italia. He asked her to hold the ‘Settebello’ in her hands for the photo shoot. Italia helped him.
This portrait was never published in official advertising. The problem was that Italia 2 held two remote control transmitters of the ‘Robot’ brand in its hands.
Unfortunately, Mr Patuelli was never able to record his sales programme. Under these circumstances, he was able to use the photo of Benito’s sister.
Little curiosities that will sooner or later be recounted in detail in a “book” by Benito!!!!
Specifications:
Wingspan: 1.65 metres
Fuselage length: 1.32 metres
Flying weight: approx. 4 kg
Engine used: Super Tigre ST60 FI
