Stelvio AZ1 is the Japanese - Italian unique collaboration result car

Many world's automotive enthusiasts are curious, what is the car appearance as the collaboration result between the Japanese manufacturer and the Italian coachbuilder? The following is the car made in 1987 that known as one of the Japanese - Italian collaboration results. 

The Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 built-in 1987 based on the Nissan Leopard. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/302wfVV)

At that time, Japan, which became the second-largest economy in the world, spurred car manufacturers in the country to expand markets and develop technology and car model innovations throughout the world. Including Europe, especially in Italy which also has a history of automotive development that is no less famous.

So, it can be said that the car in question is the result of a rare collaboration and named Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1. It is the Japan - Italy automotive project that uses the base of Nissan Leopard which was reset by Autech as a performative subsidiary of Nissan. And originally, the Nissan Leopard itself is claimed to have 283 hp of power from its single turbocharged engine.

1987 Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 bodywork itself is making by handmade. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/302wfVV)

At first glance, the car appearance is often made people mistakenly call it the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato which also born and existed in that era. Some even say the design was inspired by Alfa Romeo SZ, which was created in 1989 to 1991. Apart from all that, this car has something unique. Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 has the rearview mirror that is integrated into the body.

This design then gives the front end look of the car to be more attractive. In addition, the mirror design is also able to refer to the leading front wing which is often displayed on many cars made in Japan in the 60s and 70s. So it's not strange that people who don't know will definitely ask "where's its rearview mirror?"

Apparently inside of the 1987 Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 is dominated by a variety of the Alcantara's genuine leather. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/302wfVV)

The car bodywork itself is making by handmade. This factor certainly makes the car so special. Not only that, if we look at the Stelvio AZ1 lights look similar to the Nissan Silvia S13-owned which already uses the light projector.

1987 Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 carries a VG30DET-coded 3000 cc V6 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/302wfVV)

Back to the engine, besides carrying a unique exterior design, the Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 carries a VG30DET-coded 3000 cc V6 engine. This engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission system distributes power to drive its rear wheels.

Although this car has a thick Nissan's DNA, apparently inside of the car does not feel like a Japanese car. Its cabin is dominated by a variety of genuine leather materials by the famous Alcantara and also uses wood panels.

1987 Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 has the rearview mirror that is integrated into the body. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/302wfVV)

Various kinds of advanced technology have also been embedded in it. For example cruise control, electric seats, and adjustable suspension. All these features can be obtained by consumers without additional costs.

As mentioned earlier, this collaboration project between Autech and Zagato began in 1987 and the result is said to be one of the best in Japanese automotive history.  And now the car is rare. Reportedly Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1 only made as many as 88 units. Those numbers figure is apparently still below the production planning which initially reached 203 units. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME]

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