Ferrari 575 Maranello F1 - Grand Tourisimo Zagato "GTZ"
Specifications: 540 bhp, 5,748 cc 65-degree V-12 engine, six-speed electro-hydraulic F-1 transmission, independent front and rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers with adaptive damping and anti-roll bars, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
Historical Provenance
Even though Zagato's bodies were ideally suited for competition cars, surprisingly few Ferraris have been clothed by the Milanese coachbuilder over the years. Most of these were one-off specials and show cars. One notable and particularly beautiful exception was the batch of five 250 GT based Zagato Coupes built between 1956 and 1959. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the model, a prominent Japanese collector commissioned Zagato to create a modern day version.
Work on what was internally known as 'Project Zero' commenced in 2005. As the base for the project the Ferrari 575M 'Maranello' was chosen. Ferrari was consulted early on in the development, and they granted Zagato permission to place the familiar Ferrari badges and logos on the car. One condition was that Zagato Ferrari would not be unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, where Ferrari were due to launch the 575M's replacement; the 599 GTB Fiorano. As per the agreement the 'Ferrari 575 GTZ' was revealed two months later at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
At Zagato the donor 575M Maranello had been completely stripped down and fitted with a brand new body and lavish leather interior. Constructed completely from aluminum the new coach-work featured many cues inspired by the first of the five 250 GT Zagatos. Among them was, of course, Zagato's trademark 'double bubble' roof but also the prominent front and rear fenders and the big grille. More modern touches included the front and tail lights, which were integrated in the fenders.
At the Villa d'Este launch it was immediately clear that the car would not be a one-off and that another five examples were due to be built. These were first offered to the owners of the original cars but not all of them were willing to put down the rumoured 1.5 million Euros required. Eventually customers were found for the remaining 575 GTZs. Each was built to custom order and featured individual exterior and interior cues.
The 575 GTZ was among the first of a new generation of custom Ferraris, which has led to an official factory program of which Zagato is now one of the partners. The car's dramatic styling was used for several successive Zagato models. Although, for obvious reasons, the V12-engined machine lacked the racing record of the original, the project was certainly a fitting tribute to the 250 GT Zagato.
Chassis 134936 - Zagato Commission No. 02 (July 2006)
This particular example is the second of the six completed and has covered only 3,300 miles from new. Some records indicate this Ferrari was sent directly from assembly line straight to Zagato and was the only one to do so.
While each example was subtly different, only the first and second examples commissioned by Mr. Hayashi incorporated Zagato's fully encompassing styling efforts. Chassis 02 is the sole example completed in all black with a deeply striking and contrasting dark green interior.
The car can be road-registered for use here in the United States as well as export and road-registration in all EEC and most other nations.
To arrange a private viewing of this exquisite piece of Ferrari history, please contact us via the link provided in this website.
