Zagato Topic Hub

Worst of Tokyo – 2017 ZAGATO IsoRivolta Vision Gran Turismo Sport

Not one to brag about my automotive skills, mostly. But I can see a Corvette reskin from about five miles away. And I certainly know what cutting-edge design does and does not look like. Zagato’s New IsoRevolta IsoRivolta Vision Gran Turismo is fairly hideous on first inspection. It is a dated example of surfacing with little to no aerodynamic engineering to justify its many wings. The carved bodywork and pseudo floating fenders are interesting. How could a giant Chevy V8 fit under a hood even lower than the stock Corvette?! This VGT Sport concept is ostensibly available to buy. Not sure who would want …

Oct 26, 2017 Read more

2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART THREE

Concept lawn adjacent? Here we find the 2018 Porsche 911 RSR, 2018 Rolls-Royce DAWN Black Badge (World Soft Launch), and 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante by ZAGATO. Check out parts one and two for the full class of 2017 concept lawn stars. 2017 Pebble Beach Concours – CONCEPT LAWN – PART THREE 2018 Porsche 911 RSR 2018 Rolls-Royce DAWN Black Badge 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante by ZAGATO

Aug 20, 2017 Read more

2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Gets Triple ZAGATO Gifts! Speedster + Shooting Brake

A hot trio of new ZAGATO Aston Martin models just hit the web ahead of their concept lawn debuts at Pebble Beach Concours! The Vanquish Zagato Volante takes the DB-Z coupe looks to new heights. Those taillights alone are worth their design weight in gold! But wait, there is more. More of Zagato’s trademark Double Bubbles in the Vanquish Volante Speedster! Twin helmet cowls on the rear decklid add a racy touch indeed. Just 28 of the Speedsters will be made, versus 99 of the cabrio and 99 coupes. A production run of 325 leaves another 100 cars somewhere. And …

Aug 15, 2017 Read more

RM Paris 2017 Highlight – 2012 Aston Martin V12 ZAGATO “No Zero”

What car from 2012 would we kill to own!? THIS ONE! Beautifully unique versus every other Aston Martin. And finished exquisitely as one of the 65 total, handmade units that came out of the Aston/Zagato partnership. This “No Zero” example shows no mercy in its finishes and execution. Custom badges for the number zero special and a butterfly-wing badge accent are notable special items Aston did for this owner. This motif is gorgeous and harks back to the original Aston logos of the 1920s. [The wings are peeling a pit, unfort.] The bright carrara white paintwork over gloss black for …

Apr 29, 2017 Read more

2016 Aston Martin Vanquish ZAGATO Concept

For years now, the car world has collectively wished for a new-looking Aston Martin flagship. Do we finally have one? Yes, yes we do. 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish ZAGATO Concept ASTON MARTIN UNVEILS VANQUISH ZAGATO CONCEPT AT VILLA D’ESTE 20/05/16 20 May, 2016, Cernobbio, Italy: Aston Martin and Italian design-house Zagato are proud to announce the Vanquish Zagato Concept, the latest creation from their long-standing partnership. The Vanquish Zagato Concept will make its global debut at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, held at Lake Como in Italy from 21 – 22 May 2016 The Vanquish Zagato Concept …

May 20, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato

The Roadster Zagato is perhaps even more unique and special than its SZ (Sprint Zagato) hardtop sibling! The styling is truly otherworldly for a production model. Performance was pretty brisk, too. A 210HP V6 drove the back wheels via a five-speed transaxle, ensuring good traction and weight distribution. 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato RM Sotheby’s Monaco 14 May 2016 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato Without Reserve Chassis no. ZAR16200003002164 Serial no. 145 Engine no. AK5150100138 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Type ES-30. 210 bhp, 2,959 cc DOHC V-6 engine with electronic fuel injection, five-speed …

Apr 11, 2016 Read more

RM Monaco 2016 – 2004 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato

There are no words deeper than this Beluga black Aston DB AR1. RM Sotheby’s Monaco Coinciding with the Monaco Historic Grand Prix Le Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco 14 May 2016 http://www.rmsothebys.com/mc16/monaco/lots/ 2004 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato

Mar 29, 2016 Read more

1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Tubolare ZAGATO Brings Racing Patina to RM Sotheby’s Paris 2016

This Giulia TZ is sublime. The car is delightfully compact yet fearsome in its aggressive motorsport details. That applies well below the featherlight alloy body panels: the chassis with a tubular space-frame formed an exceptionally brilliant way to make a racecar exceptionally strong, yet also super-light. 155 ponies mean you will work hard to squeeze every last drop of power from up front — but that is all part of the Giulia Tubolare Zagato’s authenticity. 1965 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Tubolare ZAGATO RM Sotheby’s Paris 2016 Feb 3, 2016 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Tubolare Zagato Chassis no. AR10511 750087 Engine no. AR0511 …

Dec 28, 2015 Read more

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato May Fetch $20M at RM NY 2015 Auction

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato RM Sotheby’s NEW YORK, NEW YORK | An exclusive exhibition and sale located on Sotheby’s 10th floor gallery 10 December 2015 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT by Zagato Chassis no. DB4GT/0186/R Engine no. 370/0186/GT Photo Credit: Patrick Ernzen ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s In the early 1960s, Aston Martin and Ferrari were in a heated battle for supremacy in the World Sports Car Championship. It seemed as if every season brought about a new, race-ready vehicle to ensure each company’s victory, and the teams were consistently fighting each other for first place. Competition was just …

Oct 14, 2015 Read more

RM London 2015 – 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato is Foxy/Boxy Icon

We’re pretty bummed not to be attending Pebble Beach this year. But still paying for last year’s $5k work trip at 14-percent interest… so will be sitting this one out. Even so, the classic car auctions of rare and classic vehicles come fast and furious year-round. Next month, this Alfa RZ Zagato will cross the block in London. A perfect embodiment of the late 1980s/early 1990s in high fashion, the RZ will be a foxy/boxy icon for decades to come. 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato RM London 7 September 2015 1993 Alfa Romeo RZ by Zagato Without Reserve …

Aug 10, 2015 Read more

2015 ZAGATO Mostro Is Custom Carbon Supercar Aimed at GT3 Drivers

A very exciting reveal this weekend in Lake Cuomo! Zagato has graced the Villa d’Este COncours with their latest creation: the Mostro powered by Maserati. Honoring ten decades of Maserati Zagato specials and the 1957 ‘Monster’ in particular, this exotic supercar design is being produced and sold to five pre-selected customers. The car is built on a carbon tub with a front-mounted Maserati V8 engine, believed to be the 4.7-liter, dry-sumped screamer from the GranTurismo lineup. Power is sent to the back wheels via a rear-mounted six-speed transaxle. Double wishbones and 19-inch wheels round out the simplistic and race-car-like …

May 24, 2015 Read more

2015 RM Monterey Preview – 2013 Aston Martin ZAGATO DB9 Centennial Spyder

There have been many attempts to drastically alter and update the style of Aston Martin DB9 supercars — many by Aston designers themselves. The most unrecognizable by far, however, was from Zagato. A DBS Centennial Coupe introduced the shockingly blocky redesign from Zagato, showcasing a full-width vertical grille unlike any production Aston. Not a single panel is shared with the production models, with all-new and uber-formal lines changing the proportions and stance of the Aston from a supercar GT into a super-lux cabrio perfect for Monaco. The tail of the Zagato DBS Centennial is even more appealing in its unique …

May 21, 2015 Read more

Amelia 2015 Highlights – 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca and 1960 SZ Berlinetta

Not one Alfa Sprint Zagato, but two!? Rare barely begins to describe these two. Fewer of these hand-shaped bodies were made than Ferrari 250s in 1962, with every one unique and showing slight variations. The Coda Tronca ‘long tail’ SZ in silver shows strong hints of Aston Martin in the shape of that rear end, while the yellow Berlinetta is pert and smooth in back. The beauty of these two SZ’s is greatly enhanced by the lack of any external bumpers on either end — helping the design look as delightful and smooth as little teacups. 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta …

Mar 27, 2015 Read more

RM Amelia 2015 Preview – 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider by Zagato

Meet the most successful Alfa Romeo racecar of all time. This 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider by Zagato is the ultimate evolution on the Alfa Romeo race platform of the day, refined and tweaked with the help of poached Fiat engineering talent. The goal? To win races decisively. And win it did. This tilt-radiator design helped to keep the supercharged engine cool by shifting more air through its vanes, and also creating less aerodynamic drag. A one-two punch. That and the body by Zagato certainly helped the car look cool – both then and now. 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C …

Feb 15, 2015 Read more

Porsche Carrera GTZ by Zagato Wears Much-Sexier Double Bubble Roof

Along with recreating this long-lost 356 Carrera Zagato Speedster for the modern era, Zagato highlights their subtle Carrera GTZ mod as well. You will really need a sharp eye to note the difference between the Carrera GTZ and its factory base, the stupendous Carrera GT. But once you note the differences — you will almost-definitely like the Zagato better. It is all about the roof and rear canopy. Where the targa-roofed stock Carrera GT has a sharp drop-off behind the rear glass, the GTZ has smooth double bubbles flowing back in a very artful fashion. The GTZ is much, …

Jan 03, 2015 Read more

1958 Porsche 356 Carrera Zagato Speedster Is Worlds Only Aluminum-Bodied Example

Zagato Classic has recreated their first-ever Porsche project here: a 356 Speedster that was lightened and made quicker for a racing customer in Paris. The tailfins are particularly delightful as functional and style-enhancing elements, as is the lower and lighter windshield. If you are thinking: hey, this Zagato 356 Speedster actually looks much more like the 550 Spyder — you are correct. The commission of a new aluminum body for the steel-skinned 356 meant Zagato could make the car as streamlined as Porsche’s most-successful racer ever (at the time): the 550. Shown below on the grass, you can see the …

Jan 03, 2015 Read more

2012 AC 378GT by ZAGATO – Animated Visualizer of 25 Custom, Race-Inspired Liveries

The Zagato design of the AC 378GT is actually remarkably sexy and fresh, even five years since it was first previewed in 2009. To add buzz and sales momentum to the AC Cars branding, the Italian design boutique created 25 stunning liveries to inspire supercar buyers. There are some really sexy ideas for paint and trims in here. Sure, it might not have been make-or-break in the car’s (very) limited production run, but they are cool to see in one of our animated visualizers. These two animations below are extra cool because they are synced up – with each of …

Dec 31, 2014 Read more

Bespoke Supercars – 2012 AC 378GT by ZAGATO

ZAGATO has been in a front-engine-GT mood recently, and the AC 378GT was the only one in a series of sexy designs that was produced for sale. This AC Cars 378GT was initially conceived as a new sports-car brand called Perana. With a tubular steel chassis and full engineering by Zagato, the car was thisclose to production form when Perana suddenly ran out of cash in the midst of the 2008-present economic meltdown. Step in, AC Cars, a German and English consortium importing and selling South African-made Cobra MkVI models of various sizes and specifications. The resemblance of the …

Dec 31, 2014 Read more

Supercars Now and Then – 2010 Zagato TZ3 Corsa vs. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ

Celebrating 100 years means looking far back into a company’s roots and foundation. Zagato chose to honor the 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ. This fastback racer homage is built on the chassis of the Alfa 8C, itself a reskinned Maserati GranTurismo. Even as a third-hand rehash of another car — the TZ3 is quite compelling. Most surprising element? There are strong AMG GT flavors in the front three-quarter angle of the TZ3 — a full four years before Mercedes adopted these ultra-flowing and curved panel surfaces. NOSE PROFILE TAIL 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ 2010 Zagato …

Dec 27, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2011 Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato

How would Zagato do with a modern Fiat 500? Regretfully, the Double Bubble Zagato 500 concept from 2011 is remarkably normal and flair-free. The intersecting side and rear glass is present and correct, as is the bubble hardtop. But… somehow we have lost most of the depth in the bubbles seen on the 1958 750GT, as well as missing trunk humps. The most joyful part of this design is the flip of the ducktail spoiler. 2011 Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato 01 MAR 2011 World Premier: 500 Coupé Zagato One of the most iconic names in automotive design, …

Dec 26, 2014 Read more

RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750GT Double Bubble Coupé by Zagato

Almost all Italian cars from the 1950s are charming — but few are as ridiculously cute and cool as this 750GT Double Bubble. The exaggerated roofline and tail are a delightful design flourish atop the very-familiar Cinquecento hatchback form. 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750GT Double Bubble Coupé by Zagato RM Auctions Paris 4 February 2015 Lot 108 1958 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT ‘Double Bubble’ Coupé by Zagato To be auctioned on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 €70.000 – €90.000 Chassis no. 750.149 430930 Engine no. 400.000 693328 48 hp, 767 cc overhead-valve inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension, …

Dec 26, 2014 Read more

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato

A pair of these very-rare Aston Martin Zagato specials are set for RM Auctions big sale in Arizona Janaury 15th and 16th. Somewhat surprising? The cabrio is estimated to earn near $100,000 less than the coupe. It looks like after this auction we’ll know the true value of the famous Zagato double bubble roof…. even if the Roadster is arguably more stylish with its flowing hardcover tonneau. 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 216 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato $300,000 – $375,000 Chassis no. SCFAE12383K700040 Engine no. 00416 Production no. …

Dec 26, 2014 Read more

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato

A pair of these very-rare Aston Martin Zagato specials are set for RM Auctions big sale in Arizona Janaury 15th and 16th. Somewhat surprising? The cabrio is estimated to earn near $100,000 less than the coupe. It looks like after this auction we’ll know the true value of the famous Zagato double bubble roof…. even if the Roadster is arguably more stylish with its flowing hardcover tonneau. 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 217 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato $200,000 – $250,000 Chassis no. SCFAE62303K800002 Engine no. …

Dec 26, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2007 Maserati GS ZAGATO

Proof of how much easier it is to criticize than to create? The 2007 Maserati GSZ was a bespoke design of a fastback Grand Sport atop the factory Maserati Coupe’s shell. There are a few angles on this GSZ that really work and are elegant, pure and stylish. But Zagato’s trademark double bubble roofline and intersecting rear canopy do not sit very happily on the ultra-short Maserati’s frame. Moreover, the additional rounding of the glass surfaces is less-than-athletic. But compared with the classic A6G Zagato Maserati which inspired the design, the round and overinflated roofline is a good match. From …

Dec 26, 2014 Read more

1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Zagato vs. 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C SS Spider

This silver Alfa-Romeo is pretty sneaky: dirty = dollars! Being filthy dirty and in barn-find condition actually may have doubled the sale price of $1.02-million. That and the cars only-recent discovery and arrival on the market. Or its racing pedigree and Zagato coachwork. Or all of the above. The 1955 1900C SS Zagato Coupe earned a whopping million-dollar sale price at Gooding & Co.’s Pebble Beach auctions in August. That is almost $200,000 more than this fantasy 1929 6C SS Spider brought in…! 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Spider 1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe By Zagato GOODING …

Sep 03, 2014 Read more

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ by Zagato Crosses Million Mark At Gooding PB 2014

Great results for this little “Julia” rally special from Alfa Romeo. The Zagato provenance, racing livery and fantastic interior all certainly contributed to the final price, as performance will be pretty mellow by modern supercar standards. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ GOODING & Co. 2014 PEBBLE BEACH Estimate: $1,250,000 – $1,500,000 SOLD: $1,023,000 Chassis: 10511AR750099 CAR HIGHLIGHTS Among the Most Successful Competition Cars of the 1960s A Wonderfully Presented Example of an Italian Masterpiece An Incredibly Capable Touring or Vintage Racing Car One of 112 TZs Built Between 1963 and 1967 Well-Documented History of Caring Stewardship TECHNICAL SPECS …

Aug 29, 2014 Read more

Vision GT Concept Car Teasers – What Is Left? Subaru, Lexus, Honda, Tesla, Aston, Ford, GM…

Oh yes! Were you growing a bit fatigued with the GranTurismo VisionGT concepts? Well, brace yourself! We are only about 20-percent of the way through the major manufacturer releases – only Mercedes-Benz AMG, VW GTI Roadster, Mitsu XR-PHEV and a handful of others have been seen so far. This leaves the vast majority still to come, in a drip feed about once monthly over the next year or more. Why this slow trickle? It is to provide space for each car to be driven by people in the game, and room to breath around the other announcements. Here are …

Jun 10, 2014 Read more

Aston Martin V12 Zagato – Future Classic Showcase in 5 Flawless Color Turntables

THE WHO Like many small British brands who shall not be named, Aston can feel a victim to its own design success, at times. The DB7 kick-started this modern styling vogue, which led smoothly to the 2000s Vanquish and DB9 and the modern range. But sometimes what is needed is not evolution, but revolution. This latest safe-design kick is the blowback from Aston-Martin’s aggressive design flirtations in the 1970s and 1980s — cars like the Lagonda sedan and the Bulldog wedge concept were so ‘out there’ that they nearly bankrupted the company of customers and ideas. All while making the …

Jun 03, 2014 Read more

Block-Chic Zagato Aston Martin DBS Centennial Hits Concours Circuit at Villa d’Este

The artful styling direction at Zagato typically ebbs and flows between two extremes: curved softness and sharp brutality. Things appear to be swinging back to the sharp side of the ruler lately, with the DBS Centennial by Zagato implementing creases and a blocky nose and rear form that is much more 1980s than we have seen from Aston or anyone else, since that decade, perhaps. The Alfa-Romeo SZ and even many Astons from this era whole-heartedly embraced crisp graphics: just recall the Aston-Martin Lagonda saloon car for reference. Curves and flow are not totally out of the picture for the …

May 31, 2014 Read more

The Curious Case of the BMW Z4’s 90% Sales Drop Since 2003 – Near $70k Pricing and German Assembly Both Big Factors

The BMW Z4. Yesterday we explored the Zagato restyles of the 2012 Z4 Roadster and Zagato Coupe – which are not exactly gorgeous and arguably look much worse than even the OEM BMW Z4. This is a major problem for the Z4 when its new prices, positioning and German assembly are taken into account. In the 10 years between 2003 and 2013, sales in the U.S. and Canadian markets for the Z4 have logged a calamitous 90-plus percent drop. The Z4’s sales stats from GoodCar-BadCar.net paint the picture very clearly. We prepared the above chart based on the GoodCar-BadCar data …

Feb 05, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback: Zagato Draws A Blank Trying to Make 2012 BMW Z4 Roadster and Z4 Coupes Sexy Again

The 2012 BMW Z4 faced a real crisis of confidence. While overall roadster sales have fallen off a cliff since 2009, the Z4’s problems are even more severe. From an all-star BMW style icon … into a niche-within-a-niche model that tallies sales in the hundreds per year? But was the styling of the fourth-gen car partly to blame? The original Z3 was such a smash hit – I can clearly recall being smitten with this humdrum four-banger roadster. Even on steel wheels, it look fantastic. Even with just a 20-second James Bond Goldeneye cameo its only claim to fame at …

Feb 04, 2014 Read more