carrozzieri-italiani.com

The ultimate italian coachbuilder site

Body Styles6 September 2024 by Andreas 665 Viewed

Virgil Exner’s “Revival Cars” Design Concept: A Tribute to Automotive Legends

virgil exner revival cars

In the rich tapestry of automotive history, few individuals have left as profound a mark as Virgil Exner. Revered for his visionary designs and groundbreaking concepts, Exner’s legacy continues to inspire generations of automotive enthusiasts and designers alike. Among his many contributions to the world of automobiles, one of the most intriguing chapters is undoubtedly his series of “Revival Cars” – a collection of designs that breathed new life into classic marques from bygone eras.

The Genesis of Exner's Revival Cars

Exner’s fascination with automotive history and innovative design led to the concept of “Revival Cars” in the early 1960s. Inspired by classic automobiles’ timeless elegance, Exner and his son, Virgil Exner Jr., collaborated to reimagine iconic marques for the modern era. The Plymouth XNR, crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia, likely served as a precursor to Exner’s vision. His goal was to honor automotive legends while pushing design and engineering boundaries. The Revival Cars concept blended nostalgia with innovation, capturing the spirit of classic automobiles while charting a course toward the future.

The Bugatti T101C Roadster Ghia: A Fusion of Legends

One of Exner’s crowning achievements in the realm of automotive design was the Bugatti T101C Roadster Ghia. Conceived in 1966, this masterpiece was the result of a collaboration between Exner, Bugatti, and the esteemed coachbuilder Ghia. With its sleek lines, graceful curves, and exquisite detailing, the T101C Roadster Ghia captured the essence of Bugatti’s storied legacy while incorporating Exner’s signature flair.

Constructed on a shortened Bugatti chassis and powered by a potent engine, the T101C Roadster Ghia was a testament to Exner’s meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Its debut at the Turin Auto Salon in 1965 marked a triumphant moment in automotive history, showcasing the timeless allure of Exner’s Revival Cars.

The Duesenberg Model D: A Resurrected Icon

In a bold nod to the golden age of luxury motoring, Exner conceived the Duesenberg Model D in 1966, resurrecting the iconic marque with modern sensibilities. Partnering with Carrozzeria Ghia, Exner breathed new life into the Duesenberg legacy, blending classic styling cues with contemporary engineering.

Featuring a potent V-8 engine, sumptuous coachwork, and a host of luxurious amenities, the Model D promised to uphold Duesenberg’s tradition of excellence. Despite garnering significant interest from automotive enthusiasts and celebrities alike, the project ultimately succumbed to financial challenges, leaving behind a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been.

The Mercer-Cobra Roadster: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Exner’s reverence for automotive history found expression in the Mercer-Cobra Roadster, a fusion of classic aesthetics and modern performance. Drawing inspiration from the timeless designs of yesteryear, Exner and his son embarked on a quest to reimagine the iconic Mercer for a new generation.

Teaming up with Caroll Shelby and Carrozzeria Sibona-Basano, Exner realized his vision with meticulous attention to detail. Adorned with brass and copper accents, the Mercer-Cobra Roadster evoked the glamour of a bygone era while embracing contemporary engineering principles. Though its production was limited, its legacy endures as a testament to Exner’s enduring influence on automotive design.

Stutz Blackhawk: The Epitome of Luxury and Exclusivity

Hyman Ltd

Exner’s penchant for revivalism reached its zenith with the Stutz Blackhawk, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic American marque. Partnering with investor James O’Donnell, Exner set out to resurrect Stutz’s legacy with a blend of American power and Italian craftsmanship.

The result was a breathtaking grand tourer, characterized by its distinctive split-windshield design and luxurious appointments. Handcrafted by Carrozzeria Padane using Pontiac Grand Prix chassis, the Stutz Blackhawk epitomized exclusivity and sophistication. Though its initial production run was limited, its impact reverberated throughout the automotive world, cementing Exner’s status as a visionary designer.

Legacy and Impact

In conclusion, Virgil Exner’s “Revival Cars” stand as a testament to his enduring legacy and innovative spirit. By reimagining classic automobiles for the modern era, Exner paid homage to automotive legends while pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. Though his creations may have been few in number, their influence continues to resonate, inspiring generations of designers and enthusiasts alike. Exner’s Revival Cars remain an enduring tribute to the timeless allure of automotive craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of classic design.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

Posts You Might Like

Body Styles 4 March 2024

La dolce vita: the Spiaggina beach cars

The birth of the Spiaggina (Spiaggia = Beach) takes place in the immediate post-war period at the initiative of some Italian coachbuilders which transformed small mass production cars in order to make them suitable for the needs of wealthy customers during the holiday period in the seaside resorts.

0 Comments 1620 Viewed
Body Styles 4 March 2024

The Flamboyant Car Design

Between 1946 and 1950 Ghia, Stabilimenti Farina and Pininfarina proposed a limited series of car bodies with a low and flowing line whose most striking feature were the covered wheel arches on the front and rear, a solution that required to widen the car to allow steering. These cars had opulent shapes, built on the chassis of various brands and conceived with the primary function of showing off the main elegance competitions so widespread at the time (Ghia’s creations made a sensation at the “Jour d’Elegance” in Lausanne in 1946).

0 Comments 1858 Viewed
5 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Alfa Romeo TZ
Girardo & co

The Alfa Romeo TZ (Tubolare Zagato) is more than just a car: it is a landmark in the history of Italian automotive engineering and motorsport. This sleek, lightweight coupé marked Alfa Romeo’s return to racing in the 1960s, bridging the gap between the brand’s glorious pre-war racing heritage and its aspirations for modern motorsport dominance. Created in collaboration with Zagato and Auto Delta, the TZ became an icon of innovation, design, and competitive success.

The Foundations: A Record-Breaking Collaboration

In 1954, Alfa Romeo and Carlo Abarth began a historic partnership, facilitated by Mario Boano of Ghia. Their first project was a record-setting vehicle powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1900 engine, a precursor to the high-performance engineering that would define later models. While Boano left Ghia shortly thereafter, Abarth continued working with Alfa Romeo’s technical team at the Portello factory, setting the stage for further innovation.

In 1957, this partnership yielded the Abarth-Alfa Romeo 1100 Pininfarina Record, a car designed to dominate the “1100” engine category. Equipped with a tubular chassis, a lightweight aluminum body by Pininfarina, and a centrally positioned driver’s seat, this aerodynamic marvel achieved six speed records at Monza before suffering a dramatic crash due to a wheel failure. Though heavily damaged, the tubular chassis would later serve as the conceptual foundation for the Alfa Romeo TZ, demonstrating the enduring value of innovative experimentation.

Technical Highlights of the Alfa Romeo TZ

The first version of the Alfa Romeo TZ, often referred to as “TZ1” to distinguish it from its successor, the TZ2, represented a culmination of cutting-edge design and engineering. Developed under the direction of Orazio Satta Puliga and Giuseppe Busso at Alfa Romeo, the TZ was produced through a collaboration with Autodelta, SAI Ambrosini, and Zagato. Each partner brought unique expertise: Autodelta handled engine tuning and final assembly, SAI Ambrosini constructed the tubular steel chassis, and Zagato crafted the lightweight aerodynamic body—a conceptual evolution of the Giulietta SZ’s truncated tail design.

Alfa Romeo TZ
Girardo & co

The TZ was powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1.6-liter twin-cam engine, derived from the Giulia TI. In its road-going version, this engine produced 112 bhp (82 kW) at 6,500 rpm, thanks to dual Weber 45 DCOE carburetors. Competition versions, however, saw power outputs rise to an impressive 160 bhp (118 kW). To optimize cooling, the engine was tilted 15 degrees to the left, enhancing airflow around the cylinder head.

The tubular chassis was a masterpiece of engineering. Made of nickel-chromium steel, it weighed just 62 kilograms while maintaining exceptional rigidity. Paired with the proven mechanical components of the Giulia, including four-wheel disc brakes, magnesium alloy wheels, and fully independent suspension, the TZ achieved a featherweight of 660 kilograms. This remarkable weight reduction enabled a top speed exceeding 215 km/h in road trim, with race-prepped versions reaching approximately 240 km/h.

Aerodynamics played a pivotal role in the TZ’s performance. The car featured a truncated “Kammback” tail, a design influenced by Wunibald Kamm’s studies and tested concurrently by Zagato on Giulietta SZ prototypes. This innovative shape reduced drag while maintaining stability, making the TZ a benchmark in aerodynamic efficiency.

Racing Debut and Early Triumphs

The TZ made its competitive debut in November 1963 at the Tour de Corse. Although both cars entered retired due to an accident and a suspension failure, success came swiftly. On November 24, 1963, at the Autodromo di Monza during a race organized by FISA, the TZ claimed a resounding victory, taking the top four spots in the prototype category. Lorenzo Bandini, Giampiero Bussinello, Giancarlo Baghetti, and Consalvo Sanesi led the charge.

Following its homologation in the Sport 1600 category, the TZ became a dominant force in both European and North American competitions. Between 1963 and 1965, 112 examples were produced, cementing the TZ’s legacy as a versatile and formidable competitor on road and track.

Legacy and Evolution: The TZ Line and Beyond

The Alfa Romeo TZ holds a significant place in the history of motorsport, not only for its innovative design and competition success but also as a milestone in the evolution of Alfa Romeo’s racing ambitions. The project benefited from the expertise of Carlo Chiti, a brilliant engineer whose career included stints at Ferrari and A.T.S. before co-founding “Auto-Delta” in 1963 with Lodovico Chizzola. Auto-Delta, established in Udine near Gianni Chizzola’s Alfa Romeo dealership, acted as a front for Alfa Romeo’s semi-official racing activities, allowing the brand to re-enter the motorsport scene without making an overt corporate commitment.

Alfa Romeo TZ

By late 1965, Auto-Delta transitioned into Autodelta, Alfa Romeo’s official racing department, and relocated to Settimo Milanese. During this period, a total of 106 examples of the TZ were completed, although the original numbering scheme (750 001 to 750 108) included anomalies. For instance, chassis 750 101 was used for the Bertone-designed Alfa Romeo Canguro rather than a TZ, and some chassis, such as 750 000 (a spider prototype), remain controversial. Additionally, several cars were later modified into TZ2 specifications, including chassis 750 004, 750 072, and 750 079, following damage or repurposing.

Famous Chassis and Racing Success

The TZ enjoyed a decorated racing career. Notable examples include:

750 006, which competed at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Biscaldi and Sala, and is immortalized in a famous photo exiting the Mulsanne curve.

750 011, victorious in its class at the 1965 Targa Florio, driven by Bussinello and Deserti.

750 015, piloted by Frenchman Jean Rolland to the French Gran Turismo Championship in 1964, continuing to compete until 1966.

750 025, driven by Lorenzo Bandini at the Coppa FISA in Monza.

The TZ2, TZ3 Corsa, and TZ3 Stradale

The TZ2, introduced in 1965, represented a more advanced iteration of the original TZ. With a sleeker fiberglass body and enhanced aerodynamics, the TZ2 was even lighter and faster, designed exclusively for racing.

Decades later, Zagato revived the TZ lineage with the TZ3 Corsa and TZ3 Stradale, paying homage to the original models. The TZ3 Corsa, unveiled in 2010, was a one-off racing car powered by an Alfa Romeo engine. The TZ3 Stradale followed, blending Italian design with American power in a road-legal car based on the Dodge Viper ACR platform.

A Collector’s Puzzle and Enduring Legacy

The TZ’s rich history is further complicated by issues of chassis identification and authenticity. Several chassis bear double numbers, while others are suspected replicas. Despite these mysteries, the TZ remains a prized collector’s item, symbolizing Alfa Romeo’s ingenuity and competitive spirit.

From the groundbreaking TZ1 to the futuristic TZ3, the Tubolare Zagato series encapsulates Alfa Romeo’s commitment to innovation, design, and performance—a legacy that continues to inspire the world of motorsport and beyond.

© 2025 Carrozzieri-italiani.com
Handcrafted with love in Italy 🇮🇹