Zagato Turns Ferrari 575 into Custom Modern-Day Classic
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Classic-Inspired Ferrari Shows Zagato is Back in the Body Building Business
Bertone. Zagato. Pininfarina. Ghia. Are these exotic-sounding names familiar to you? Chances are, youve heard of them in reference to their involvement with luxury and exotic automobiles, or automobile design, but each of these firms started out in the art of coach-building. Coach-building, for those not in the know is as an age-old process that involves re-bodying existing automobiles, resulting in special, one-off creations for the discerning (and wealthy) automobile aficionado.
From the birth of the automobile to the latter half of the 1970s, coach-building was considered by many to be the ultimate form of automobile customization. Unfortunately, it faded out of the limelight, forced into submission by government regulation and bumper restrictions. However, coach-built automobiles are starting to come back. Vehicles like the Ferrari GG50 and Morgans Aero Max are two modern examples, but the latest in modern coach-built cars is this Ferrari 575 GTZ.
The lucky owner of the 575 GTZ is Yoshiyuki Hayashi, renowned Japanese classic automobile collector. His collection features many rare and sought-after vehicles, including a number of Ferraris such as the 166MM, the 250 Spider California, two Daytonas (a hardtop and a spyder), and Ferraris Enzo supercar. Although Hayashi does not have a 250 GTZ, one of the most highly collectable Ferraris in existence, the 575 GTZ is a modern-day one-off interpretation of this unique classic, capturing the 60s look with 21st century performance and refinement.
Out of all Ferraris, factory-designed or externally modified, the question must be asked, what makes the 1956 250 GTZ so special? Prior to new bodywork by Zagato (hence the Z in GTZ), the 250 was considered by many to be the eras finest sports car, in terms of sporting characteristics, functional design and on-road performance. Zagatos re-body added further to the original cars desirability, providing improved aerodynamics, and a distinctive, eye-grabbing appearance thats still more than capable of melting hearts in this day and age; out of all classic vehicles in the luxury sports car market, the 250 GTZ consistently commands the highest asking price.
As a driveable piece of original artwork, the 575 GTZ is as eye-catching as any of Zagatos historically significant conversions. Like the production 575, the GTZ features aluminum panels, custom shaped in ways that mimic the original forms of vehicles from the 50s and 60s. The final, finishing touch on the car, giving it the pure, retro look is the two-tone gray and silver paint job. Mechanically, the underpinnings of the Ferrari 575 have remained the same, ensuring that world-class performance is retained, even though its exterior might say otherwise.
Is it possible that individually-commissioned coach-built cars will become the next hot topic in the ultra-exotic automotive world? Such an occurrence would be unusual, as most firms probably wouldnt make regular work out of re-bodying current production cars, other than when commissioned by the automaker to be displayed at a major auto show, when the majority of their design and development work revolves around larger OEM projects. If an individual is willing to pay the very steep price, mind you, a one-off car can be worth the time and effort if only for publicity purposes; the 575 GTZ falls into this category.
Bertone completed this particular example to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original 250 GTZ. The 575 GTZ made its world debut for the first time this past week at the Villa DEste Concours DElegance, Cernobbio, Italys leading classic and exotic car show. We cant think of a more appropriate place to launch such a vehicle.
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