Bentley Continental GTZ 2008

[Tsukishima]

Bentley Continental GTZ '08

​

At the 78th Geneva International Motor show 2008, Zagato Atelier takes great pleasure in introducing the Bentley GTZ, the latest in a long line of collaborations with the very best British car manufacturers over the Milanese Atelier 's 89 years history.

Following on from the recent presentations of the Ferrari 575GTZ in 2006 and the Maserati GS Zagato at the Villa D'Este in 2007, the Bentley GTZ is a neo-classic Zagato interpretation of the style of a British GT.

The project was conceived during a discussion between Dr. Ing. Franz Josef Paefgen, CEO of Bentley Motors Limited and Dr. Andrea Zagato, President of Zagato at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in 2006. At a 'Tribute to Zagato' presentation, Zagato showed a selection of 50' 60's models, near by the recent berlinettas presented during the last 3 years. Dr. Paefgen was struck by the beauty of those cars and reminded of the historical significance of the art of the Carrozzeria (coachbuilders) which was both being maintained and carried forward by Zagato.

Starting from the styling cues of the last neo classical coupes, which became milestones of Zagato design in the new millennium, the challenge was to apply the same design language to a completely different proportion of vehicle: the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Even with many technical restrictions and carry-over parts in order to maintain the basic functions of this extremely sophisticated vehicle, the Zagato design team managed to give a distinctive and attractive character to the Zagato coupe.

Pronounced fender lines, double-bubble roof, round tail with all new rear combination lamp are harmoniously integrated in to an imposing body adding a more aggressive and sharp feeling without losing the absolute solidity which is part of the great charm of the original coupe. The same time the hand painted pin-stripe coordinated with the interior colour adds a refined and exclusive elegance to the extrovert body lines helps to make the look of this car appropriate to be special limited-production model born between two great automotive cultures: Bentley and Zagato.



Zagato's PR:

Italian Carrozzeria (coachbuilder), Zagato, the most famous Automotive Atelier in the world is developing a unique, coachbuilt body for a Bentley, one of the world’s most beautiful and desirable cars.

The Bentley project follows the long-standing tradition of Zagato Atelier co-operation with premium British automotive brands over several decades. Ace, Bristol, Aston Martin, Jaguar, MG, Rolls Royce and Rover are among the UK-based brands that have worked with the Milan Atelier in the past to produce, what are now some of the most sought after collector’s cars in the world. Other notable cooperations include Ferrari and Maserati.

The concept of sports elegance, dynamically functional design, remaining free from contingent tendencies but seeking directly to drive emotion and pure pleasure, combined with the hand-shaped precious aluminium bodies, have made Zagato Atelier appreciated as one of the very best and most admired by Customers and Collectors since the 1920’s.

Zagato’s strength lies in the creation and realisation of this sports-style elegance within a functional design that does not bow to momentary fashions but seeks out the sheer excitement and total pleasure of driving, an appreciating value recognised everywhere.

Today Zagato is the only Atelier capable of marrying its great and long history of craftsman-led workshop experience with the most modern design and development technologies currently available. This capability has allowed Zagato to build small numbers of unique samples, combining the very best of premium manufacturer’s mechanical running gear with highly exclusive neo-classic Zagato bodies.

Specs:
__________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Related vehicles:

 

[05XR8]

I remember this. Good find.👍

 

[JKgo]

Fun fact: Zagato did, if I remember correctly nine of these cars, each costing upwards of 750,000 euros. In fact, those LED rear lights alone cost 120,000 euros per pair. Crazy.

 

[Tsukishima]

OP updated.