Vehicle Description
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.
