Haute automobile: Open-Roof Zagato Maserati Mostro Barchetta Debuts At Villa d’Este

Italian design house and coachbuilder Zagato presented a new creation at Villa d’Este: the Mostro Barchetta, an open extremist who is not very easy to tame on paper.

Seven years ago, Zagato unveiled the Mostro – a Maserati-powered supercar that was inspired by the race cars of the 1950s. Now, it is ready to not just unveil, but deliver the first customer car from its highly-limited run of the Mostro Barchetta, or simply, a roadster version of the aforementioned coupé.

The Mostro takes its name from a car Sir Stirling Moss called a ‘monster’, that being the Maserati 450S Zagato Coupe from 1957. Speaking on the project, Zagato’s President Andrea Zagato said, “We decided the name of the project inspired by Sir Stirling Moss’s first reaction, who said: ‘Beautiful like a monster’ when he first saw the Maserati Coupé. It is the oxymoron itself which well expresses the union between the brutal powering and the philosophy of beauty”.

Throughout the car’s design, you’ll find nods to racing heritage. Two seats and a sloping, small, wraparound windscreen are reminiscent of a speedboat, while a Maserati-manufactured carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, no electronic traction control, and a frontal block-mounted gearbox all reference race cars.

You can choose from a 414 BHP 4.2-liter Maserati V8 or a three-liter 621 BHP Maserati V6 that’s found in the current Maserati flagship, the MC20. This works alongside perfect 50-50 weight distribution, rear-wheel-drive, six-piston AP Racing calipers at the front and four pistons at the rear, a six-speed sequential gearbox, double-wishbone front and rear suspensions, adjustable shock absorbers and a combined weight of just 1,200 kg.

In short, the Mostro Barchetta is likely to be a very capable car on the road and track. Only five are due to be built, and almost all are already assigned to Zagato’s collector clients list, so asking about the price is unfortunately pointless.

Take a closer look at the car above, and see it in the flesh at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Come into the beautiful world of Zagato.

Tailor made Lamborghini 595 Spider by Zagato

Italian designer and coachbuilder Zagato has always been an Atelier of bespoke tailor-made models intended for official drivers, gentlemen drivers and collectors. The Lamborghini 595 Spider Zagato attended the opening of the first edition of the Hong Kong International MotorXpo, enchanting people with its rounded lines and unmistakable, unforgettable and unique style. The 595 Spider Zagato continues the fil rouge started by the founder of the Brand of Sant’Agata Bolognese with the 1965 Lamborghini 350 GTZ and the 1966 400 GTZ.

Come into the beautiful world of Zagato.

Aston Martin Reveals First Body of the Revived DB4 GT Zagato

Britisch carmaker Aston Martin announced its plans to bring back the iconic DB4 GT Zagato last fall as part of a continuation series to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Italian carrozzeria Zagato. The project began at the manufacturer’s Heritage Division at its Newport Pagnell facility and now the first body has been revealed.

The Heritage Division, is the largest, best equipped and most knowledgeable Aston Martin restoration centre in the world, the invaluable and highly specialist skills nurtured at Aston Martin Works are perfectly suited to the brand’s celebrated Continuation projects.

Built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960’s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred machine. Evolved for the rigours of motor racing and blessed with a rare and incontestable beauty, just 19 were built. Drawing on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the team at Aston Martin Works the 2019 DB4 GT Zagato Continuations are to be meticulously crafted, staying true to those original Zagato-bodied DB4 GTs produced by Aston Martin and Zagato in the 1960’s.

We are bringing all of our hand-craftsmanship and expertise to bear in building these nineteen Continuation cars, sympathetically incorporating the very latest engineering advancements and performance enhancements, but remaining true to the purity and authenticity of the original design.

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works

Each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars is being built at Aston Martin Works to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.

Beneath the Continuation cars’ bonnet will sit a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its circa 380 bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, for an authentic and unforgettable driving experience.

This latest continuation car follows the success of the 25 DB4 GT Continuation models that sold to enthusiast collectors in 2017, and precedes what will perhaps be the most ambitious continuation to date: the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition cars that will come to market in 2020.

The Aston Martin DBZ Century Collection will be priced at £6m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence in the third quarter of this year with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and in fourth quarter 2020 for the DBS GT Zagato.

Come into the beautiful world of Aston Martin.

 

 

 

 

Haute automobile Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato

Iconic British carmaker Aston Martin will unveil a new stunning V12 Vantage Zagato endurance racer on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the Villa d’Este Concours on May 21, 2011.

Reviving a collaboration which has produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after cars in the world, the partnership takes inspiration from the past, to create a modern descendent of classics such as the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato and DB7 Zagato based on Aston Martin’s ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range: the V12 Vantage.

The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world’s most iconic cars. Of course, fifty years ago Italian design house ago Italin design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perheps would have been in the past.

The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Vantage Zagato’s.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin

Work began in 2010 with initial meetings between Aston Martin and Zagato where sketches incorporating the design DNA of both companies were discussed and a decision was made to proceed with the project.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman added: “The Design team at Gaydon spent time refining the concept using a mixture of the latest computer based modelling techniques along with crafting traditional clay models to give a real world idea of proportion, stance and detail. The V12 Vantage Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style. The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials”.

Working alongside the initial design team was a dedicated group of Aston Martin engineers led by Chris Porritt – previously responsible for the engineering of the One-77. With the skills and knowledge gained from such specialised projects this team has worked to bring the unique design of the V12 Vantage Zagato to reality in a very short period of time.

Featuring a new handcrafted aluminium body, the V12 Vantage Zagato delivers a beautiful and muscular design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Using the influences and skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks. Each front wing alone comprises seven separate pieces of aluminium, combined and then hand finished to give one flowing form. Another iconic Zagato design cue is the double bubble roof created in this case from five separate pieces illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the V12 Vantage Zagato.

Designed for the focused driver, the V12 Vantage Zagato has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. The V12 Vantage Zagato combines Aston Martin’s most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The V12 Vantage which forms the basis of the V12 Vantage Zagato has been proven on the race track as early as 2009 with a class win in its debut race at the 24 hour race at Nürburgring whilst being close to production standard with only essential safety modifications, reduced weight and re-tuned suspension but no additional aerodynamic enhancements. In 2011 the car has gone on to form the basis of the new Aston Martin GT3 race car unveiled last month.

The first DB4GT Zagato shown to the public in late 1960 spent much of its life as a racing car after launch. Later perhaps the two most famous DB4GT Zagatos, registered ‘1 VEV’ and ‘2 VEV’ were raced with success by such names as Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori. The fascinating story of these cars and the nature of high performance and low weight which drove the Zagato projects gave the inspiration for the first two V12 Zagatos to be created as endurance race cars.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the four hour VLN race at Nürburgring on 28th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by a team with great experience of Aston Martin race cars, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

Both cars follow Aston Martin’s philosophy of racing in close-to-production form but with full FIA safety compliance. V12 Vantage Zagato specification includes a bonded aluminium platform modified with a bespoke steel roll cage, front and rear double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV Dampers and a 120ltr endurance racing fuel tank.

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato will be shown for the first time at the Villa d’Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011. Come into the beautiful worlds of Aston Martin en Zagato.

 

 

 

Haute Couture AC 378 GT Zagato

AC Cars is Britian’s oldest vehicle manufacture having been in continuous production since 1901. Today one of the worlds oldest car brands welcomes a modern addition to its range of Cobra-pedigree supercar classics at the Geneva Motor Show. The AC 378 GT Zagato is a unique combination of Italian design flair, American V8 power and British sports car prowess.

AC Cars is building on 111 years of heritage with a proven pedigree of developing some of the most desirable combinations of British sports car know-how and American muscle power, 378 is the cubic inch capacity of the engine (in line with the AC 289, and AC 427 etc).

GT reflects the cars objective of being a long distance tourer with ultimate performance, and Zagato is the name of the renowned Italian styling house which designed the car, re-establishing a link which goes back to the one-off AC Ace Bristol Zagato of 1957 which became an instant classic. ACs Italian design links were later consolidated in the now much sought after and highly exciting AC 428 Frua models.

Designed by Zagato (known also for its collaborations with motor industry British giants such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Bristol, Jaguar, MG and Rolls-Royce), was previewed in Geneva 2009 as the Perana Z-One, and is now badged as an AC Cars product. As a result of the very positive public response received, the car is in full production.

Zagatos design philosophy for the car sums up the key attributes of the AC 378 GT Zagato – simple, light and aerodynamic. With a kerb weight of only 1,465 kg and a power output of 434 bhp from its all-American GM 6.2 litre V8 engine performance is electrifying. With an unrestricted top speed of 185 mph and a 0-60 acceleration time of sub 4 seconds there can be few doubts about the new cars ability to perform in true AC style.

The new car has been subjected to intensive track testing in South Africa. This process has demonstrated the 378s superb handling, derived from its 50/50 front/rear weight balance and strong sports car pedigree. As a high speed, long distance tourer with an exclusive and stylish appearance it will have few equals.

The AC 378 GT Zagato represents a brilliant new chapter in the illustrious story of the AC marque, says General Sir Jeremy Mackenzie, GCB, OBE, DL Chairman of the Management Board of AC Cars. This is a car for those seeking outstanding looks and a presence which will be denied to all but the very few and genuine supercar performance at an affordable and competitive price. Its car which sits well alongside the iconic models AC is better known for, said General Mackenzie, who had a long and distinguished military career including serving as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The AC 378 GT Zagato is now available to order with manual transmission, both in right hand drive form for the UK market and left hand drive for the European market (available in Germany). Launch prices for the AC 378 GT Zagato will be £89,990 in the UK and €109,990 (ex. tax) in Germany.

Come into the wonderful world of AC Cars

 

 

 

Diatto Ottovu, Haute Couture by Zagato

 

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.

 

 

 

 

1938 Lancia Aprilia Sport Reconstructed by Zagato

The Aprilia Sport, which was commissioned in 1936 by Enrico Minetti, a Lancia dealer based in Milan. Coachbuilder Zagato made three examples, all with different studies of bodywork inspired by aviation. The Lancia Aprilia Sport Zagato was built for racing. Unfortunately, during World War II, the Zagato factory was bombed and the car was destroyed. 

To celebrate the centenary of Lancia and the long standing affiliation between the marque and the Milanese coachbuilder for its Sport versions, Andrea Zagato launched the ‘Sanction Lost’ programme.

The Zagato Atelier Classic division brought back to life the Lancia Aprilia Sport Zagato, a car which Andrea’s grandfather Ugo had built in 1938, and that had gone missing after it was destroyed in an Allied bombing. The complicated process did not start from hand drawn sketches, as with today’s cars, but from two faded monochrome photographs, the only remaining source of accurate information.

There were only a few faded black and white pictures of it, but, thanks to the photometric process, to the CAD modeling and to the CNC milling, the Aprilia Sport, shaped like the cross section of a wing, in a single volume undisturbed by external fenders, was reconstructed exactly as it originally was.

The recreation was made by Zagato’s new Zagato Atelier Classic division on a 1937 Aprilia chassis to celebrate Lancia’s centenary. The sheet metal of the bodywork was then skilfully hand crafted by master panel beaters, working on a solid, machined buck.

The final result is a symphony of perfectly taut lines and seamless highlights, impeccably resolving the limitations of prewar construction techniques in putting a concept into reality.

Shaped like the cross section of a wing, in a single volume undisturbed by external fenders, this car is a milestone in the almost 90 years of history of Zagato.

Come into the beautiful world of Zagato’s Atelier Classic division.