Chassis No. ZA9TIP03A00D50012

For over five decades, Giorgetto Giugiaro's ItalDesign has consistently delivered groundbreaking concepts and production designs such as the Delorean DMC-12 that have shaped the automotive landscape. To commemorate the firm's 20th anniversary in 1988, a trio of similarly styled "intelligent" concepts were unveiled at the Turin Motor Show – the Asgard space wagon, Aspid coupe, and Aztec barchetta.

The allure of the Aztec rested in its unique dual-cockpit configuration, offering separate yet interconnected spaces for driver and passenger. Both cockpits were identical in size and layout, including the presence of a steering-wheel-like console housing a trip computer on the passenger's side. The driver's compartment showcased Giugiaro's attention to ergonomics, with the steering wheel perfectly contoured to the shape of the gauge cluster, keeping the array of buttons atop the cluster within reach at all times. In concept form, the centerpiece of the cabin was a center console-mounted computer intended to support then-nascent onboard navigation systems. This forward-thinking feature undoubtedly added to the Aztec's appeal as a futuristic set piece in the 1990 horror Frankenstein Unbound.

This bold reimagining of the conventional sports car layout was complemented by intricate side fairings housing futuristic service panels. These panels, activated by three-digit codes, promised theoretical features such as an oil drainage spigot, tool kit storage, and a hydraulic jack system – a glimpse into Giugiaro's vision of the future of automotive interaction. The Aztec was also operational, powered by an Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro five-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a five-speed transaxle, as well as a four-wheel-drive system derived from the Lancia Delta. This powertrain, coupled with the car's 2,800-pound curb weight and aerodynamic wedge shape, enabled a theoretical top speed of 150 mph.

While initially conceived as a one-off concept, the Aztec's revolutionary design caught the eye of Japanese industrialist Mario Myakawa. In an unprecedented move, Myakawa's firm Compact commissioned a planned 50 units for Japanese and European markets, with fewer than 25 ultimately being produced. The example offered here, chassis number 12, was reportedly on display in the Shanghai Automotive Museum between 2011 and 2015, prior to its importation to the United States by the world-renowned Blackhawk Collection in 2015. Recently, this rare concept car underwent a mechanical refreshening by Autocouture Motoring in March 2024, addressing ignition system issues and rebuilding the right-rear brake caliper among other items. Totaling $4,908.18, this recent work underscores the current owner's commitment to ensuring the Aztec remains a functional piece of automotive history.

This ItalDesign Aztec embodies the visionary spirit of Giorgetto Giugiaro and the styling excellence of ItalDesign, while boasting silver screen provenance, appearances at such esteemed events as the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix, and a design legacy that influenced future concepts like the BMW Nazca C2. For the discerning collector seeking the pinnacle of 1980s supercar design and rarity, the Aztec stands alone.