Zagato’s Cars are Works of Stunning Automotive Art

The esteemed London Concours 2024, taking place this June (4th-6th) at the Honourable Artillery Company, London, is dedicating an entire class to the legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato. Zagato’s stunning automotive art, presented by DRVN Group, promises a captivating journey through Zagato’s rich history. Prepare to see iconic creations that pushed the boundaries of design from the 1950s to the present day.

A Legacy of Innovation Takes Centre Stage

The centrepiece of the Zagato display will be Andrea Zagato, the company’s CEO, who will grace the event as a category judge. Get ready to witness a stunning lineup of vehicles, each an embodiment of Zagato’s unwavering commitment to fusing breathtaking aesthetics with exhilarating performance.

From Retro Classics to Modern Marvels

The display kicks off with the 1958 Abarth 750 Zagato DB (above), a diminutive powerhouse that pioneered Zagato’s signature “double bubble” roof design. This lightweight marvel combined a feisty 750cc engine with an aerodynamically efficient body. This made it a dominant force on the racetrack and a true symbol of Zagato’s ability to blend beauty and brawn.

A Touch of British Flair

Next up is the 1960 Bristol 406 GT Zagato (above), a rare gem that epitomises the successful marriage of British engineering and Italian design. Only six of these Anglo-Italian grand tourers were ever produced, making them a true collector’s dream. Featuring a sleek aluminium body and a powerful 2.2-litre straight-six engine, the Bristol 406 Zagato offered significant performance gains over the standard model, while also delivering a more agile and exciting driving experience.

Bold Design Takes the Spotlight

Prepare to be mesmerised by the 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ (above), also known as “Il Mostro” (The Monster). This radical departure from Alfa Romeo’s traditional curves showcased Zagato’s fearless approach to design. Based on the Alfa Romeo 75 platform, the SZ boasted a muscular, angular body and a potent 3.0-litre V6 engine, making it a true head-turner both on and off the road. For an even rarer sight, the display will also feature the SZ’s convertible counterpart, the RZ, allowing you to compare these automotive siblings side-by-side.

A Modern Masterpiece

The Ferrari 550 Zagato GTZ Barchetta (above) is another highlight not to be missed. Unveiled in 2009 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Ferrari-Zagato partnership, this curvaceous open-top beauty pays homage to the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. Powered by a roaring 5.5-litre V12 engine and boasting elegant Zagato aesthetics, the GTZ Barchetta is one of the rarest modern Ferraris, with only three believed to exist.

A Fusion of Legacy and Performance

The display concludes with a nod to Zagato’s recent creations. The 2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato (above), built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, is a modern reimagining of that classic formula. This muscular machine combines elegance with a distinct sporting character, featuring the signature double-bubble roof and dramatically sculpted rear arches. Under the hood lies a fire-breathing 6.0-litre V12 engine, producing 510 horsepower. A true testament to bespoke craftsmanship, the V12 Zagato’s body took an astounding 2000 hours to create – five times longer than the standard Aston Martin. Only 65 examples of this masterpiece are believed to have been built.

London Concours: A Celebration Beyond Compare

The Zagato retrospective is just a taste of what awaits at the 8th edition of the London Concours. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring 80 exquisite machines – from timeless classics to cutting-edge hypercars – all gathered in a picturesque oasis within the heart of London. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, be quick, it start this Wednesday.

You can get your tickets here.

The Conversation Continues…

Which Zagato creation from the display are you most excited to see? What other iconic coachbuilders would you like to see celebrated at future London Concours events? Share your thoughts and automotive passion in the comments below.