Suddenly another of the great Modenese restorers pass away: William Gatti.

By Fabrizio Ferrari
I had met him, almost by chance, in the early 90s, at the Carrozzeria Campana in Modena (period to which the photo with the De Tomaso Guarà refers), while together with the founder Onorio Campana and other workers, he was working hard on the prototype of the first De Tomaso Guarà.

At the time, William Gatti was what called himself a “walking craftsman”, that is, he lent his work on request, in various body shops and workshops, where the intervention of one of the leading experts in electrical systems for the supercars of any era, of the “Motor Valley” was essential.

Years later, I met him again – the Modenese motoring environment is not so big – and this time he invited me to visit his workshop in Sorbara (MO), where, after so many years he had finally set up his own activity, together with his son Christian, a great enthusiast like father and who then I also discovered as an excellent illustrator of “motoring art”.

So it was that what had always been a simple acquaintance became a true friendship, even with his son Christian, also because since then I went to visit them with some regularity, at least once a year.

And this is how I have seen it several times at work, on any car of any era: from classic Maseratis to Lamborghini Miura, then again various Ferraris, etc. In a short time his workshop had become the point of reference, not only for many collectors from all over the world, but also for the classic departments of the various companies.

In all these years I have seen his son Christian grow up under the watchful eye of William, both severe and loving, and I got to know William better: as humble and shy as he is good, professional and prepared.

Qualities that he passed on to his son Christian, who is certainly more sunny in character, but with the same passion, humility and professionalism as his father.

We will miss you dear William: as well as a point of reference for collectors, you were a friend but I can certainly say that the baton has certainly passed into good hands, so I am sure that Christian will continue his father’s work in the best possible way. Rest in peace William!