1967 Gatto Coupe

In creating this vehicle, coachworks master Steve Moal and owner Bill Grimsley engaged many of the same processes that guided the carrozzeria masters of the early 20th century. This Italian-styled coupe is known as 'Gatto.' The body was hand-formed from sheet aluminum and attaches to a lightweight steel tube frame. The chassis is steel with bonded and riveted aluminum stress panels to ensure torsion rigidity.

For motivation, the Ferrari 3-liter V12 is linked to a Tremac 5-speed transmission which passes through independent rear suspension to Borrani wire wheels. The design also included elements usually missing in sports car design, things like air conditioning, comfortable seating, a reliable cooling system, easy-to-read instrumentation, and effective braking. Sure it was gorgeous, but it was designed to be a back-country sprinter.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012