For both newcomers and those who know the life and influence of Gianni Agnelli, the new HBO documentary, Agnelli, will be a welcome treat. Nick Hooker’s film, which premieres Monday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m., looks into the Italian magnate’s great impact on industrialization as the “Father of Fiat” and his playboy personal life, which spanned the 20th century.

However, what audience members may be most surprised about is Agnelli’s influence in Italian governmental affairs in the years following World War II. He would often meet with foreign dignitaries, making the case for outsiders to not give up on Italy and wait out the Communist wave that swept through the European nation.