Vehicle Description
************************ UPDATE ****************************
The auction from 35,000,000 JPY ($317,219.00) is being held.
You can bit at Yahoo! JAPAN Auctions.
http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r152021205
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1988 Italdesign AZTEC Concept Car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
This model debuted at the Turin show as an innovative show car and the original prototype is now preserved eternally as a part of the Giugiaro Collection.
The AZTEC has a strange and fascinating history. The Japanese owner of Carozzeria Savio acquired manufacturing rights for the AZTEC from Giorgetto Giugiaro. The AZTEC project team was then born from a partnership with a real estate management company, which was entrusted with marketing.
The Aztec sales project initially envisioned a limited production run of 50 cars. Cars No. 1–8 were imported to Japan when sales first began.
While sales were originally slated to begin in 1990, a lack of funds forced the AZTEC Project Team to disband after production of only 15 cars, and even those cars were completed behind schedule. Other sources claim that 25 cars were produced, but the real number is 15.
We hear this story often: something to be completed never finishes, and its disappearance creates an increase in scarcity.
The AZTEC has now become one of the most highly sought-after concept cars among car enthusiasts, earning a position of envy for any collector.
The first owner of this Aztec No. 0002 was already famous as an executive in the tech outsourcing business in Japan, but he is now even more famous for his million dollar purchase of this car in 1992 (Source: 1992 edition of Super Car Graph Issued in Japan).
Why has the reputation of the AZTEC risen even further in recent years? One reason is the car's close resemblance to the famed spaceship simulator in the Star Wars movies. The AZTEC's unique Italdesign, with its double canopy seat, was inspired by the space exploration of the late 80s.
The concept car invokes memories of the Star Tours of the Star Wars universe, bringing fresh attention to the car even from a younger generation. Furthermore, whether because of the enduring popularity of Star Wars, the imminent release of the newest installment in the series, or the interest from baby boomer George Lucas fans, the soaring popularity of the AZTEC saw a well-known Italian collector buy all 6 of the cars around available for sale in the world. As you can see, the extremely rare AZTEC No.0002 is a concept car that weaves together both past and present and fills collectors with thoughts of envy.
One particularly notable feature of the AZTEC No. 0002 is that it was signed by Giorgetto Giugiaro himself. We can surmise that the signature expresses the passion that Mr. Giugiaro felt for his AZTEC No. 0002.
Another feature of the Aztec is its midship 4WD, Audi Quattro-based power train, which allows it to operate without power steering. This achieves Italdesign's signature tight steering angle that is ideal for a collectors who want to maximize driving experience.
Because the AZTEC's double canopy lacks air conditioning, it is a great car for driving in the wind during the spring or fall, perfectly suited for those who prefer to dress like a F-16 pilot out of Top Gun in the winter, and is an excellent match for a white T-shirt and Ray-Ban sunglasses in the summer! When driving an AZTEC there is no doubt that you will be the center of attention in any season. One thing you should never forget is to wear a helmet under the double canopy. If possible, use an Air Force helmet. You are guaranteed to feel as if you are in a Star Wars movie.
This is your last chance to purchase an AZTEC.
Click here for details: URL aztec.link
AZTEC Specifications
Year of manufacture: 1988
Maker: Italdesign
Model: AZTEC concept car
Engine configuration: Transverse midship engine Audi Quattro 5-cylinder turbo, 2226 cc/135.8 cu displacement, 4WD, 250 HP, 5-speed manual transmission, vented disc brake.
Length: 4270 mm
Width: 1970 mm
Height: 1175 mm
Wheelbase: 2600 mm
Weight: 1500 kg
Condition: Excellent, fully maintained
Miles: 950 km
Price: $535,000 FOB Japan (shipping fees, insurance must be paid by buyer)
Escrow services preferred for the settlement of funds.
Inspection of the car in Japan can be arranged prior to purchase.
Revisiting my visit with the master of car design, Giorgetto Guigiaro
https://news.classiccars.com/visit-master-car-design-georgette-guigiaro/
