In the heart of Zagato’s historic Milan atelier, a visionary collaboration between La Squadra and the legendary coachbuilder Zagato is rewriting the narrative of automotive design. The result? The AGTZ Twin Tail, a contemporary masterpiece that seamlessly blends art, engineering, heritage, and technology. This bold creation pays homage to the iconic A220, infusing it with a modern twist that captivates the spirit of the 1950s and '60s while propelling it into a new era.
Andrea Zagato, the CEO of Zagato, emphasizes the importance of embracing the past to inspire future generations. "Without knowing the past, you cannot invent the future," he says. With a legacy dating back to 1919, Zagato has a rich history of creating Grand Touring cars that balance racing prowess with everyday road use. The AGTZ Twin Tail project, with its roots in the A220's storied history, aims to continue this tradition of innovation and elegance.
The inspiration for the AGTZ Twin Tail stems from the A220's remarkable journey. While the A220 initially fell short of its Le Mans victory target in the late 1960s, its designers responded with a bold move. Opting for reinvention over defeat, they sliced 30cm off its tail, transforming it into a more agile machine suitable for shorter circuits and rally stages. This decision not only salvaged the A220's racing career but also etched its name in the annals of automotive history.
The AGTZ Twin Tail is a modern GT car that breathes new life into the A220's legacy. By enlisting the coachbuilding expertise of Zagato, the A110 berlinette, a contemporary mid-engine icon, is draped in a dramatic new suit. The collaboration between La Squadra and Zagato results in a dynamic design, where the removable rear bodywork allows owners to choose between the tailored elegance of a longtail or the muscular punch of a shorttail.
What sets the AGTZ Twin Tail apart is its innovative approach to coachbuilding. This 21st-century tribute not only celebrates the A220's legacy but also introduces showstopping innovation. The car seamlessly melds the aerodynamic intent of the original A220 longtail with a nod to the muscular A220 shorttail, all made possible through a uniquely removable longtail. This transformation, once a destructive act in the A220's history, is now a repeatable feature that allows owners to showcase their automotive sculpture at will.
Andrea Zagato explains the vision behind AGTZ Twin Tail, stating, "We didn’t want to make a pure racing car because technology, aerodynamics, and power have changed a lot since the 1960s. Instead, we wanted to capture the inspiration and design innovation of the A220 shorttail and create an authentic Gran Turismo in the true Zagato tradition."
Jakub Pietrzak, Founder of La Squadra, adds his perspective on the evolving automotive industry, stating, "Design will take on greater significance, allowing artisan coachbuilders to step onto the stage and deliver unique projects which will separate intrepid brands from the rest of the pack." In an era where electrification is reshaping the landscape, paying tribute to heritage becomes a key differentiator, and the AGTZ Twin Tail stands as a testament to this shift.
The AGTZ Twin Tail is more than a car; it's a symbol of the renaissance in the automotive industry. As technology advances and nostalgia takes hold, the collaboration between La Squadra and Zagato exemplifies the potential for artisanal craftsmanship to carve a niche in the market. The limited production of just 19 cars ensures exclusivity, with prices starting at €650,000 before taxes.
For enthusiasts eager to witness the evolution of the A220 and the birth of the AGTZ Twin Tail, long and shorttail examples of the classic A220 will be on display at The I.C.E. St. Moritz on 23-24 February 2024. The AGTZ Twin Tail is set to make its full public debut on the shores of Lake Como in May 2024, with customer deliveries commencing from October 2024. The anticipation builds as this modern marvel prepares to grace the streets of Tokyo, Le Mans, the Great British countryside, and, of course, the shores of Lake Como, where automotive elegance meets timeless beauty.
