Californian conception
It was at the Pebble Beach Concours of Elegance, when former Bentley CEO Franz Josef Paefgen and concept designer Andrea Zagato agreed on their first collaboration. Two years later, their British-Italian baby saw the light of day in Geneva. The Bentley Continental GTZ is not a classic beauty, but with only nine built, it’s insanely exclusive, and one example is now available for a short time in the Classic Driver Market.
On va bronzer!
Is there a more casual GT from the seventies than a Lamborghini Espada? Yes, an Espada in the rare original colour of Bronzo – giving it even more of a seventies vibe. This recently restored Series 2 with matching numbers is currently awaiting a buyer in France. And if that lucky one is you, we recommend the cult film beloved by all Espada owners: Le Mouton Enragé, which features none other than Jean-Louis Trintignant and Romy Schneider.
Your GTA for Goodwood
One of the most sought-after sports cars of the post-war period is the Alfa Romeo GTA. Real specimens are rare, so, for the more daring gentleman racer, this 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA, which was prepared by Alfa specialist Rotondi — considered yourself warned of the power beneath — might be the perfect car for such first-class racing events as the Tour Auto and Goodwood Revival.
Sweatbox in corduroy
Driving a car covered in cord requires courage — even more so when it's a Group B monster, like the Lancia 037! The road versions of the six-time World Rally Champion car, with barely more than 200 built, require no less courage. If you are looking for a fast and reliable eighties traction machine that will give you sweaty palms in just first gear, this Lancia 037 Stradale is spot on.
From ugly duckling to golden goose
There have been very few cars of the 1990s that have suffered more mockery and harshness than the Alfa Romeo SZ. With its whimsical proportions, its monstrous bug eyes, and a tail section that resembles a Big Mac, the Zagato Coupé was the most consistent incarnation of postmodernist design à la Memphis! The irony of destiny is that everyone now is treating the ugly duckling like it’s the golden goose of collector cars from the era.
Photos: Various Classic Driver dealers