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Switzerland is celebrating Zagato with a fabulous new exhibition

We’ve always felt that there are more friends and collectors of Zagato’s influential cars in Switzerland than in any other European country. Now the Pantheon Basel is hosting the largest exhibition dedicated to the original Italian design studio yet…

While most young enthusiasts can spell out Bertone and Pininfarina by the time they can walk, Zagato is still a design studio for the true connoisseur, even after almost 100 years. Its unique, low-volume designs might be less aesthetically pleasing than the softy styled creations of its Italian competition, but Zagato has succeeded in creating some of the most coveted (and opinion-polarising) sports car of all time – think Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Zagato and Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato. 

The Pantheon Basel is now delving into the company’s illustrious history with the biggest dedicated exhibition of its kind. Until 17 April 2017, Zagato’s rolling history can be seen, including ingenious early works such as the Alfa Romeo 1750 GS Spider, post-War icons such as the Lancia Flaminia Sport Coupé and the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ, and selected rarities such as Zagato’s take on the Porsche 356 Speedster. Its cars might not have always been the most beautiful, but they certainly left their mark on automotive history. 

More recent designs can also be seen at the exhibition, which is sponsored by Andrea Zagato and his wife Marella Rivolta. These include the Porsche Carrera GTZ from 2010, the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale from 2013 and the magnificent Maserati Mostro, which was revealed just last year. If you melt at the mere thought of a ‘double-bubble’ roof, this show is not to be missed. 

Photos: Urs Gautschi © by Pantheon Basel

The Zagato Swiss Exhibition will run until 17 April 2017 at the Pantheon Basel. You can find the show’s catalogue here