Autoblog

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera preparing new Disco Volante concept for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo

Mention the names Disco Volante and Touring to connoisseurs of classic Italian automobiles and you're going to need to start handing out bibs.

The Disco Volante, for the uninitiated, is not a rave held inside a convertible Aston Martin, but one of the most beautiful Alfa Romeos ever made. Officially know as the C52, the 1950s-era Alfa prototype - of which only four were ever made - was named Flying Saucer (in Italian) because of its aerodynamic shape. It was based on the Alfa Romeo 1900 but rebodied to its streamlined shape by - you guessed it - Carrozzeria Touring.

That coachbuilder had long since disappeared into obscurity, but was more recently revived to give us some very alluring designs, from concept cars like the Gumpert Tornante and Maserati A8 GCS to coachbuilt conversions of existing vehicles like the Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback and - perhaps most enticing of all - the Bentley Continental Flying Star.

Now the reborn Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera is preparing to reinterpret the Disco Volante in modern form. The show car set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month is reportedly based on the 8C Competizione (another one of the most beautiful Alfas ever made) so we're expecting the 450 horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 to carry over, though reportedly mated to a paddle-shift transmission.

What we're looking forward to, however, is the form that aims to modernize the design believed by many to have inspired the Jaguar E-Type. All we have to go on for now is the rendering above, but we'll be watching for more.

Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera preparing new Disco Volante concept for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gooding rolls out the coachbuilt classic Ferraris for Pebble Beach auction

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Ferrari

1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica by Pininfarina - Click above for high-res image gallery

Those with the cash are prone to buying Ferraris. Those with lots of cash buy custom coachbuilt Ferraris. It's a tradition that's been revived in recent years with such specials as the Superamerica 45, the P540 Superfast Aperta, the Zagato 575 GTZ and of course the P4/5 Pininfarina. But decades ago, the application of custom coachwork to Ferrari chassis was the thing to do, and with Pebble Beach coming up next month, Gooding & Company has announced the consignment of some very unique examples.

Among the fifteen classic Ferraris that Gooding will be putting under the hammer in Monterey will be a Vignale-bodied '53 Ferrari 375 America, a Touring-bodied 195 Inter from 1950 and a 410 Superamerica (1957), 400 Superamerica Aerodinamica (1963, pictured above) and 250 GT (1955) with coachwork by Pininfarina.

All five were displayed at major auto shows of their day - Turin '53, Turin '51, Paris '57, Geneva '63 and Geneva '56, respectively - with prices expected to reach well into seven figures when the gavel drops at the Pebble next month. Follow the jump for more details and in the press release and check out the glory in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Gooding rolls out the coachbuilt classic Ferraris for Pebble Beach auction

Gooding rolls out the coachbuilt classic Ferraris for Pebble Beach auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

2010 Gumpert Apollo - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are plenty of companies making a single line of supercars. Pagani, Weismann, Spyker, McLaren... we could go on and on. But if you're going to pick a serious fight with established names like Ferrari and Lamborghini, you're going to need a second line. And that's precisely what Gumpert has in store for us at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

You may recognize the name Gumpert as the company behind the Apollo, a ridiculously fast and extreme exotic supercar. It was founded by one Roland Gumpert, former head of the motorsport division at Audi, whose engine powers the Apollo with as much as 800 horsepower.

The Apollo, however, is derided as having been thoroughly worked over by the ugly stick. And that's where Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera comes in. The Milanese coachbuilder has designed a new mid-engined V8 "fast tourer" called the Tortante with a composite shell over a space frame and carbon fiber monocoque. Enticing to be sure, and you can read the full announcement after the jump, but for the moment that's all we have to go by.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Gumpert Apollo

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva

Gumpert announces Touring-designed Tornante for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Touring Superleggera ramps up production of Bentley Flying Star

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Wagon, Bentley, Luxury

Touring Superleggera Flying Star - Click above for high-res image gallery

Bentley shooting brake, anyone? Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera can hook you up. The Milanese coachbuilder unveiled the Flying Star at last year's Geneva Motor Show, and stole our hearts in the process. But since the shooting brake debuted and its order books opened, Touring has only made three examples of the custom creation.

No wonder, as the coachbuilder says it takes 4,000 man-hours to transform a Continental GTC (still the outgoing model, we gather) into the long-roofed coupe. But thanks to increased investment in the form of new equipment and staff, Touring can now reportedly be working on up to five vehicles at a time.

Each example still takes six months to deliver, with total production limited to 19 examples. Fortunate buyers can specify from a range of customizations, including the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 in states of tune ranging from 552 horsepower (base) to 621 (Supersports).

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Touring Superleggera Flying Star

Live Photos: Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Touring Superleggera ramps up production of Bentley Flying Star originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta chassis # 0024 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

As far as Ferraris go, it doesn't get more authentic than this. What you're looking at is a 1949 Ferrari 166 MM - the first model made by Enzo Ferrari after setting up shop under his own name - with custom Barchetta coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. And it's going up for auction.

Chassis number 0024 M - the 10th of only 25 examples made - was originally displayed at the 1949 Paris Motor Show in Argentina's official racing colors, yellow and blue, before being sent off to South America to win the 1950 Mar del Plata. True to its name, it was also campaigned in the 1951 Mille Miglia rally, and has since undergone a thorough restoration - including the red paint job you see here.

This authentic piece of Ferrari history is set to cross the block at RM Auctions' event in Arizona on January 20th, where it is expected to fetch upwards of $2 million. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta - chassis # 0024 M

[Source: RM Auctions | Image: Hugh Hamilton/RM Auctions]

Continue reading 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona

1949 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta up for grabs from RM Auctions in Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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United Kingdom mad man to stuff Viper V10 into a Jensen Interceptor

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, UK

Italian design and American V8 muscle are two great tastes that taste great together. The mad minds at Jensen understood this and the Interceptor was born into the world. The style was handled by Carrozzeria Touring and the power was provided in two forms: a Chrysler 6.3-liter V8 and later, a larger 7.2-liter unit. The spirit behind this car is still alive and well over in the United Kingdom, because one man is creating his version of a 21st Century Interceptor.

Brook Anderson reached out to PistonHeads.com in order to share his build saga. Anderson is in the middle of turning his Jensen Interceptor into the Viperceptor. Rather than simply stuffing an 8.3-liter Viper V10 into the engine bay and hoping for the best, Anderson has also added new suspension and large brakes to keep things (relatively) sane. Smart move on his part, since the 8.3-liter V10 is good for 510 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque.

Mr. Anderson, we salute you... American style.

[Source: PistonHeads.com]

United Kingdom mad man to stuff Viper V10 into a Jensen Interceptor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carrozzeria Touring reportedly to unveil coachbuilt Bentley Continental GTC in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Bentley, Specialty, Design/Style, Luxury

Bentley Continental GTZ by Zagato - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were enticed by Zagato's take on the Bentley Continental GT (pictured above), rumor has it Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera has a version of its own in the works.

Anticipated to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in two months' time, Touring's coachbuilt Bentley is slated to be based on the convertible Continental GTC, and could borrow its underpinnings from the upcoming GTC SuperSports.

Like Zagato's Continental GTZ, the second coachbuilt Continental reportedly received support from Crewe. Since its revival, the Carrozzeria gave us such Maserati-based creations as the A8 GCS and Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback, and was recently rumored to be working on a custom Ferrari design as well.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Bentley Continental GTZ Zagato

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Carrozzeria Touring reportedly to unveil coachbuilt Bentley Continental GTC in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More images of Carrozzeria Touring's coachbuilt Maseratis

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 May 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Wagon, Europe, Supercars, Maserati

Click on the images to view the Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS and Bellagio Fastback in high resolution

The reborn Carrozzeria Touring made a big splash at Villa d'Este. As the featured marque of the Concorso d'Eleganza this year, the fathers of the classic Superleggera construction method took the wraps off two stunning coachbuilt Maseratis. While we wait for Touring to release more information on the swoopy A8 GCS sportscar and Bellagio Fastback, the Carrozzeria has graced us with a few new images of the two cars.

The photos of the A8 GCS show the custom coupe in a much better light than the initial batch, and there's another shot of the Quattroporte-based Bellagio, as well. As you can see in the latter, the side windows on the wagon are blanked out, but while the extension might not do any favors for blind-spot visibility, we hardly think that's the point as the design and craftsmanship appear second to none. Check out the images in the two galleries below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS

Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Bellagio

[Source: Carrozzeria Touring]

More images of Carrozzeria Touring's coachbuilt Maseratis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 May 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carrozzeria Touring unveils Maserati A8 GCS at Villa d'Este

Noah Joseph — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above to view the Touring Maserati A8 GCS in hi-res

Since the news broke that Maserati was planning a new sportscar to rival the benchmark Porsche 911, Italian styling houses have been lining up to pitch their designs for how they think the new Trident sportscar should look. Following the Chicane concept unveiled in Geneva by the students of the Instituto Europeo di Design, the resuscitated Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera threw its hat into the ring this weekend with the A8 GCS concept you see above.

Together with Touring's other Maserati concept, the Quattroporte-based Bellagio Fastback, the A8 GCS design study was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the annual Mecca of class and performance on the shores of trendy Lake Como in Italy. Inspired by Pininfarina's iconic Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta of 1954, the Touring concept presents a compelling mix of modern design and retro touches. While it's hard to make the case that, with even the most well-established outfits struggling to get by, the industry really needs another Italian design house or coachbuilder, if these are the results then we can hardly complain. Check out the images in the gallery below to see what we mean.

Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Carrozzeria Touring unveils Maserati A8 GCS at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Villa d'Este 08 Preview: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Wagon, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above to enlarge

There are wagons, and then there are wagons. Most five-door family-haulers fall under the former, but once in a while something more shapely comes along and redefines the latter. If this image is something to go on, the Bellagio Fastback is definitely one of those rarities.

Created by the revived Carrozzeria Touring, the Bellagio Fastback is a wagon variant of the Maserati Quattroporte - itself already one of our favorite sedans and a beautiful point of departure. And from the looks of things, Touring has done a far more elegant job than the StudioM Cinqueporte we reported on previously. Carrozzeria Touring will be showcasing the Bellagio alongside its new Superleggera sportscar in a few days at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Italy's glamorous Lake Como along with such elegant motors as the Bugatti Veyron Fbg by Hermes, BMW Concept CS, Zagato Bentley Continental GTZ and Cadillac CTS Coupe. Follow the jump for more information on the cars participating in this year's Concorso.

[Source: Carrozzeria Touring and Villa d'Este]

Continue reading Villa d'Este 08 Preview: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback

Villa d'Este 08 Preview: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carrozzeria Touring coming back with new Superleggera and Bellagio Fastback

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Classics, Performance, Wagon, Europe, Maserati

With Italian coachbuilders like Bertone and Pininfarina struggling to retain profitability, now may not be the best time to establish (or re-establish) another. But that isn't about to stop Holland-based Zeta Europe BV, which owns Borrani wheels and has acquired the rights to the defunct Carrozzeria Touring. The coachbuilder was originally established in 1926 and popularized the advanced Superleggera construction method, consisting of small-diameter tubular frames draped with thin-gauge aluminum sheetmetal and employed on numerous Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins, among others. The name Superleggera was revived for the recently-terminated lightweight Lamborghini Gallardo, though strictly speaking the supercar did not use the classic construction method.

Carrozzeria Touring is now gearing up for a revival with a new Superleggera, to debut in a week at the famous Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the classic motor show where a trophy honoring Touring's founder is awarded each year. Aside from the teaser silhouette image shown above, little is known about the new Superleggera, but we're looking forward to finding out. The coachbuilder is also anticipated to show the Ballagio Fastback, an estate wagon based on the Maserati Quattroporte (like the one on which we previously reported), previewed by a teaser mixed in with the classic images on the company's new website.

[Source: VirtualCar and AutoWeek]

Carrozzeria Touring coming back with new Superleggera and Bellagio Fastback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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