The Geneva motor show goes on – the by now classic tradition of passionate clients of exclusive car manufacturers, which has always stimulated the creativity of the Italian vehicle body makers and enhanced international motor shows. Notably Zagato, founded in 1919, is the only Atelier capable of marrying historical workshop experience with the most modern design and development technologies.
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Diatto brand, two keen collectors turned to Milanese coachbuilder Carrozzeria Zagato with the aspiration of resurrecting past collaboration. Way back in 1921, Ugo Zagato designed a lightweight and aerodynamic body for the Diatto 254DS chassis.
Having applied for and, of course, obtained authorisation from the current owner of the Diatto brand, and having received the two mechanized chassis, the Zagato Atelier produced two tailor-made outfits for the lucky customers in the typical Italian high-class tailoring tradition.
In 2007, the Milanese Atelier with its typically rationalist approach to a project, revamps, with a sporty note, the artistry of one of the most historical brands of the Italian automotive industry: Diatto. Created in 1835 with a Perfected Wheel patent, Diatto made their first car in 1905 and often crossed paths with Zagato in their close collaboration with Ettore Bugatti, the Maserati brothers and Tazio Nuvolari.
The bodywork of the two new Diatto Ottovù grand touring cars is entirely hand made of aluminium, one of Zagato’s strengths, valued and recognised far and wide by the most demanding collectors. The lids are moulded in a single piece to underline the freedom that a non-industrial approach to the product still allows.
The smooth but clear-cut lines characterise the generous and at the same timecompact dimensions, typical of the most admired pure Italian sports cars, making them a cult for fans all over the world. Reminiscent of the legendary Zagato Ottovù, these first two grand touring cars will be an ‘Instant Classic’ in shape and contents.
The trilobal front and rear of the vehicles recall the design of the Diatto competition cars that have raced to victory more than 300 times on circuits all over Europe. The bonnet hidees a 8V 4600 CC, Engine, powered By RoushPower (over 500HP). The word ‘Ottovù’ incidentally means ‘V’ in Italian.
Particular care has been taken with the interior and the exclusive design and functionality of the rear of the vehicle, so as to provide enhanced passenger comfort. The luggage compartment, immediately behind the seats and also visible through the rear window, recalls the by now traditional solutions of the Milanese Atelier.
In the third millennium, following the successful Aston Martin GTZ series and the all-round appreciation for the Ferrari 575GTZ, Zagato Atelier reasserts its original approach to the automotive world by producint collector’s items that maintain and increase their value over time.
Come into the beautiful worlds of Zagato and Diatto.
Yakymour 