1985 Cizeta Design Study by Marcello Gandini: A Forgotten Masterpiece

Less KNOWN - The automotive world has always been filled with iconic designs, with many shaping the future of sports cars. One name that stands out in this space is Marcello Gandini, an automotive designer renowned for creating some of the most revolutionary sports cars. His portfolio is extensive, but certain creations have gained legendary status.

The lesser-known Cizeta Design Study by Marcello Gandini was on display at the 2024 Car Design Event in Munich, held in April. (Picture from: uk.Motor1)

Among his most famous designs are the Lamborghini Miura, Lamborghini Countach, and Lancia Stratos. These vehicles defined an era and remain admired to this day. Gandini crafted these masterpieces during his time as the head designer at Bertone, a prestigious Italian design house. However, in 1980, he shifted to working independently, continuing to make his mark on the automotive world.

The lesser-known Cizeta Design Study by Marcello Gandini was on display at the 2024 Car Design Event in Munich, held in April. (Picture from: uk.Motor1)

Although Gandini is renowned for his extensive influence in car design, there is one project that often goes unnoticed. This particular work, still relatively unknown to the public, has yet to become a fully realized vehicle. In 1985, Gandini developed a design study that served as a precursor to what would eventually become the Lamborghini Diablo. Initially part of Lamborghini’s internal P132 Project, aimed at creating the successor to the Countach, this project, unlike his previous groundbreaking designs, lacked both an interior and an engine. Frustrated by Lamborghini’s slow progress in bringing the design to life, Gandini decided to offer the project to another manufacturer: Cizeta.

The lesser-known Cizeta Design Study by Marcello Gandini was on display at the 2024 Car Design Event in Munich, held in April. (Picture from: uk.Motor1)

After many years out of the spotlight, Gandini’s lesser-known design study made a surprising return. In April 2024, at the prestigious “Car Design Event” in Munich, the Cizeta Design Study resurfaced, captivating audiences once again with its bold and visionary design. It’s a reminder of Gandini’s enduring influence in the world of automotive design, where even his lesser-known works continue to inspire admiration.

The lesser-known Cizeta Design Study by Marcello Gandini was on display at the 2024 Car Design Event in Munich, held in April. (Picture from: uk.Motor1)

Cizeta, a relatively unknown name to many at the time, was founded by Claudio Zampolli in the late 1980s. Zampolli, an automotive engineer with deep roots in the industry, had worked on Lamborghini’s Countach project back in the 1970s. His partnership with Italian music producer Giorgio Moroder gave rise to the company, with Moroder backing the venture financially. In fact, the company’s name, Cizeta, is derived from the Italian pronunciation of Zampolli’s initials—CZ. Their shared ambition was to create a super sports car unlike any other.

The only V16T model bearing the Cizeta-Moroder name was a prototype powered by a 534.57 hp engine. (Picture from: RM Sothebys)

Rumors suggest that Lamborghini’s then-owners, Chrysler, were hesitant about Gandini’s design, considering it too extreme for the brand’s direction. As a result, Gandini’s final design for the P132, which was intended to become the Diablo, ended up being passed on to Cizeta. After three years of development, the prototype was unveiled at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show. Upon seeing the car, many couldn’t help but notice the similarities between it and the Diablo. This was no coincidence, as Gandini saw the Cizeta V16T as a prototype for the successor to the Countach.

The Cizeta V16T supercar is built by Cizeta Automobili, the Italian automotive manufacturer based in Modena and designed by Marcello Gandini. (Picture from: Dyler)

However, even before the Cizeta-Moroder V16T went into production, Giorgio Moroder left the company, leaving Zampolli to continue on his own. The only model bearing the Cizeta-Moroder name was a prototype, which remained in Moroder’s possession after his departure in 1990. This prototype impressed those who saw it in action, particularly with its powerful 534.57 hp engine. Despite not entering full production, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T left a lasting legacy. In 2022, the prototype was auctioned off at RM Sotheby's for an impressive $1,363,500.

The design that Gandini had initially envisioned for Lamborghini ultimately came to life in the Cizeta V16T. This supercar, powered by a sixteen-cylinder engine, was a marvel of engineering. The engine, formed by combining two V8s with a single crankshaft, boasted eight camshafts. With a 6.0-liter engine mounted transversely near the rear axle, the V16T was a rare feat of design and performance. Only ten of these extraordinary machines were ever produced, making them some of the most unique supercars of the time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DYLER | UK.MOTOR1 | EN.VMAX.SI | HYPEBEAST | RMSOTHEBYS ]

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