1989 Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1

Autech was Nissan's performance division, and its aluminum car bodies were hand-built in Italy by Zagato on a modified Nissan Leopard chassis. It was founded in 1986, and its president was Shinichiro Sakurai, the former general manager of the company's Advanced Vehicle Design Department. The luxury sports cars it produced were mainly intended for the Japanese market. Zagato created the interior and exterior design, and AUtech created the chassis and engine. Named the Autech Zagato Stelvio AZ1, it was unveiled in 1989, and approximately 104 examples were built (including three prototypes).

Power was courtesy of the Nissan VG30DET engine that was factory-rated at 280 horsepower. It displaced 2,960cc, had dual overhead camshafts, and fuel injection. The transmission was a four-speed automatic and braking power was courtesy of four-wheel discs. The suspension was independent at all four corners.

The coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato had similarities to other Zagato vehicles from the era, including the Aston V8 and the Alfa Romeo SZ. Styling elements included mirrors seamlessly integrated within the front fender pods, and Zagato's signature double-bubble roofline.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024