Zagato

Founded in Milan in 1919 by Ugo Zagato, the company initially sought to apply aeronautical construction techniques—specifically lightweight aluminum frames—to the automotive sector. This approach quickly caught the attention of racing teams, leading to a historic partnership with Alfa Romeo in the 1920s and 1930s, where Zagato-bodied cars like the 6C 1500 and 1750 dominated prestigious races such as the Mille Miglia. Following World War II, the company entered its most prolific era under the leadership of Elio Zagato. This period saw the birth of the 'Gran Turismo' concept and the introduction of the 'Double Bubble' roof, which provided extra headroom for drivers wearing helmets while maintaining a low, aerodynamic profile. Collaborations expanded to include Ferrari, Maserati, Abarth, and most famously, Aston Martin with the 1960 DB4 GT Zagato. As the automotive industry transitioned to mass production and monocoque chassis in the 1970s and 80s, Zagato adapted by shifting toward niche production and design consultancy. Notable projects from this era included the Alfa Romeo SZ and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato. The firm maintained its identity as a boutique atelier capable of producing high-performance cars with avant-garde styling. In the 21st century, under the stewardship of Andrea Zagato (the founder's grandson) and Marella Rivolta-Zagato, the company has focused on 'Total Design' projects and reviving heritage brands. Recent highlights include the Alfa Romeo TZ3, several collaborations with Aston Martin for their 100th anniversary, and the resurrection of the IsoRivolta brand. Today, Zagato remains one of the few surviving family-run Italian ateliers, operating as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern computer-aided design.