TGR Staff
Zagato, one of Italy’s most respected coachbuilders has always had an interesting relationship with Enzo Ferrari, dating back to his racing career at Alfa Romeo, but one which has produced very few cars. Bodying a 166 MM (chassis no. 0018M) as the first collaboration between the two companies, the late 1950s would see Zagato produce five 250 GT LWB ‘Tour de France’ Berlinettas clothed in Zagato coachwork. These cars are unquestionably the most desirable of the TdF Berlinettas, with each example bearing unique and distinctive features different from its brethren.
While official collaborations with Ferrari are rare, automobile collectors with the means to design a car would often turn to Zagato, using a Ferrari as the basis for their dream car. Such is the case with this 599, commissioned by Japanese Ferrari collector Yoshiyuki Hayashi.
Hayashi had already commissioned two Zagato-bodied Ferrari 575M Maranellos in 2005, one to drive and the other kept on display in his collection. When the 599 GTB was released, the collection once again reached out to Zagato to create what has been dubbed the 599 GTZ Nibbio.
Offered in either coupe or spyder coachwork, just six Spyders were built, each a different color as selected by the clients. Prior to its conversion, the donor 599 GTB was purchased by the consignor in Switzerland from Modena Cars, the official Ferrari distributor in Geneva. It is reported as having been in excellent condition upon purchase, was never involved in an accident, and driven only 20,100 km by that time.
Its conversion by Zagato was finished in January of 2020. Tastefully finished in a gunmetal grey with a black leather interior, its color combination is particularly subtle in an effort to give more attention to its incredible bodywork. Other optional extras include the challenge-style wheels, red brake calipers, yellow tachometer, and carbon-fiber steering wheel with LEDs. Following its delivery to the consignor from Zagato, it has been driven roughly 800 km and as such, presents in beautiful condition both inside and out.
Harkening back to the glory days of post-war coach-built automobiles in the 1950s and 1960’s, modern Zagato-bodied Ferraris are seldom offered for public sale. They represent the very pinnacle of 21st-century coachbuilding and celebrate an era in which design ruled the road. Having covered just 400 km since its conversion was completed last year, this example is ready for its next custodian and would stand proud in even the finest collections worldwide.
This car is currently being offered by RM Sotheby's Private Sale.
_websize.jpg)
