Touring Superleggera, resurrected in 2009, launched a beautiful new vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Sciàdipersia Cabriolet. Just 15 are to be made, all entirely by hand at the coachbuilder’s headquarters in Terrazzano di Rho, just outside Milan, Italy. And the second example of the open-top four-seat grand tourer is to be unveiled at this weekend’s 90th Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, and will compete for the coveted Design Award.
This is appropriate for a few reasons. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Touring Superleggera have intertwined histories, as well as a shared focus on style, distinction and heritage. Touring Superleggera has since the event’s early days often chosen the Concorso as its stage to unveil prototypes. Further, the Sciàdipersia Cabriolet’s design is inspired by what Touring describes as “luxury and elegance synonymous with the Golden Age of Motoring” as well as is “a modern manifestation of the romance of travel”. The 4.7-liter V8 engine-powered car is based on the Maserati GranCabrio and takes inspiration from past Superleggera icons. The latest Villa d’Este three-day event takes place on May 24 to 26.
In terms of the car’s specific inspiration, Touring designed and manufactured the body of Maserati’s first series production car, the 3500GT, and it had outstanding success, which led to a very restricted run of convertible versions. Just three of these were produced, the first being revealed at the Geneva Show in 1958. In the same year, the ruler of Iran approached Touring to commission “a grand design of regal elegance”. The Maserati 5000GT Shah of Persia was therefore born. “We are thrilled at the idea of contending for the Design Award again this year, with a growing number of other companies that follow suit in entering the coach built domain,” said Touring CEO Piero Mancardi. “It is good for the Concorso and for our business alike.”
The Concorso has also regularly staged restorations by Touring Superleggera’s restoration arm for its customers, and this year it does the same again by showcasing a one-off 1952 Maserati A6G bodied by Frua, competing in Class C. And as a rare and beautiful machine, it does not vary from Touring’s tradition at Concorso. The restoration came about as the car’s owner, attracted by Touring Superleggera’s reputation, required the Italian automaker to refurbish the car to original conditions, but with a “concours” finish.
The whole project lasted 12 months and the work was extensive, requiring structural intervention. In agreement with the owner, it was decided to preserve and repair as many parts as possible, including straightening of the accident-damaged right side frame members. The body was then re-assembled and painted in the original, typical Amaranto maroon shade, and new cabin upholstery, instruments and chrome work were added.
The A6G Gran Sport is the sole Maserati known to be designed with road and track intention alike. After a number of successful races, the manufacturer modified the 2-litre A6GCS to be suitable for the road, aiming at increasing its production numbers. After its 1952 Torino show introduction, this Frua coachwork won the Gran Premio d’Onore at Concorso d’Eleganza dei Giardini del Pincio in Rome, a prominent show at that time, and had another victory in September at the Concorso d’Eleganza di Stresa.
Images courtesy of Touring Superleggera
