A few weeks ago, we brought you a story about Fisker unveiling the Tramonto, a custom coachbuild based on the Mercedes-Benz SL55.  At the time, I didn't say too much about it; I was hoping it would magically disappear and I would never have to hear its name mentioned again.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Countless numbers of publications and websites have been praising the Tramonto, inviting their readers on a magical journey full of whimsical bullsh*t that they describe as, "The Art of Custom Coachbuilding." 

Enough is enough.  Today, I witnessed yet another publication prostitute themselves review the Tramonto. This time, the winner is Autoweek, who dedicated an entire article to Fisker, aka the coachbuilding god, with only one line actually giving their opinion of the test car. 

But that' neither here nor there, because we already know what the car drives like.  It is, after all, based on the SL55 AMG, the roadster that all other roadster aspire to.  Add to that a Kleemann tuning package, and you have a car that most would sacrifice their firstborn child for.  That is, if it was a Kleemann SL.

But it's not. Fisker, the master artisan, has converted a work of art into a two-headed lion, or a five-legged tiger.  In other words, he has turned a masterpiece into an awkard, unnatural creature that, although unique, still lacks any identity of its own. If you don't understand what I mean, look at the pictures.  You can probably think of at least three different cars that the Tramonto takes elements from.  But Fisker has missed one key element - a true masterpiece is incomparable, it's special, as though it draws it's inspiration from a higher power.  A true masterpiece does not emulate its competitors, it sets a new standard by which all others will then be judged.  The Tramonto, quite simply, comes nowhere near to achieving this precedent.

So this begs the question, if I was on Fisker's payroll, would I speak kindly of his beloved Tramonto?  Of course I would.  He can send me my very own Aston Martin clone any times he wants. I'll then feed you, my beloved readers, countless lines about how this vehicle is so unique, and how it's so fast, and explain why custom coachbuilding is so amazing...

Of course, you know I'm kidding.  They'd have to send me at least two Tramontos before I'd even consider promoting Fisker whatever their name is.












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