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1967 Jaguar Pirana

The Bertone Jaguar Pirana was the result of an initiative of the English 'Weekend Telegraph', in particular the idea of its brilliant publisher, John Anstey. Anstey believed that the car should be an ideal means of transport for a particular type of client: moneyed, keen on a sporty kind of car but at the same time a lover of comfort. It was therefore fundamental to give the car all the necessary technical features to guarantee its passengers comfort, safety, and a relaxing, pleasurable driving experience. From this perspective the Pirana tends towards elegance and sobriety, without pursuing shock value, and the end result is refined and harmonious, balanced in every detail.

As for the general proportions, the biggest design problem was caused by the size of the mechanical components, and in particular the height of the Jaguar 4.2 litre engine block. The interior space reflects a careful study of passenger needs, which lay behind all the technical and design decisions. In this case there were no new technical problems, as the E-Type 2+2 chassis had been accepted as it was, which meant that the designer was free to concentrate his efforts on comfort and a rational use of space with the aim of enhancing driving pleasure. The Pirana represents a brilliant example of a car built around the needs of the commissioning client.

by Bertone

by Jaguar

Coupe
Chassis number: 1E 50950
Engine number: 7E 53230-8

The Jaguar Pirana was built as the ultimate grand touring machine. It was the idea of the motoring staff at The Daily Telegraph, with Editor John Anstey commissioning his team to dream big. It was to be infused with the latest technology and safety, and the only restriction was that this dream had to be obtainable. Another restriction were that the components were to be sourced from parts available to the public or would be in the near future. IN the end, they achieved this task except for one part - the body. However, a quick exchange with Nuccio Bertone resulted in a bespoke design to cover the dream car.

The motor and frame came from Sir William Lyons. The wheelbase was from a 2+2 E-Type, and Dunlop provided the competition wheels. Power was from a Jaguar sourced 4.2-liter engine.

By May of 1967, the first lump of clay had been sculpted. Bertone and his chief stylist, Marcello Gandini, had been tasked with creating the styling for this project. This small model was followed by a wooden buck design to a finished car in a mere five months. The Bertone-Jaguar Pirana was ready in time for its debut at the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show. Later it went to Turin, Montreal, and then to New York.

The hybrid vehicle had an Italian design with Briths engineering. Smiths provided a special air-conditioning system that supplied cold air through an overhead console. They also provided the AM/FM radio that worked in conjunction with a cassette tape player in the center console. The glass was Triplex with a heat-absorbing tint, safety lamination, and specially integrated defroster in the front and rear. The perforated leather was from Connolly.

The car was first sold into public hands at the Parke-Bernet Sotheby's auction in May 1968. It went into United States ownership and remained out of the public eye for the next few decades. The current caretaker acquired it in 2011. By this point in history, the car had received many modifications. A decision was soon made to return it to its original Earls Court appearance. Items that could be preserved were - others were restored - and others were recreated. The silver paint, original to the car, and that graced many of Bertone's vehicles was re-created using samples found underneath body panels.

This example remains the only example ever built.

by Dan Vaughan