Nardi Raggio Azzurro I

Vehicle Overview

The Nardi Raggio Azzurro I was designed by Michelotti, and built by Vignale. All of the coachwork with the exception of the roof frame is of alloy, including the floors and inner fenders. The roof is of blue Perspex™ and is equipped with a grilled air scoop and internal directional vents. The side windows are of blue Perspex™ and slide upwards towards the centre of the roof to open. The rear window is also of blue Perspex™. The Nardi Raggio Azzurro I is built on a tubular steel Pan American road racing chassis constructed by Nardi. Power is provided by a Lancia Aurelia B20 engine with Nardi updates including Nardi camshaft, pistons, exhaust manifolds, alloy radiator header, cast alloy Nardi air scoop, and intake manifold to accommodate dual double throat Weber 40DCZS carburettors. The engine is a 2.5 litre 60 degree V-6 with bore/stroke of 78mm x 85.5 mm producing a maximum of 190 BHP at 5,500 RPM, said to be capable of propelling the car to 140 MPH. The car is equipped with a Nardi floor mounted gear change and a four speed Aurelia B20 transaxle with inboard drum brakes. The Blue Ray has vertical pillar independent front suspension, and rear suspension in the form of a de Dion layout with the axle tube supported on conventional half-elliptic leaf springs and located laterally by a Panhard rod. The 400 mm wheels of the Blue Ray were specially commissioned from Borrani and are 68 spoke construction with knockoff hubs. In 1958 the second Nardi Raggio Azzurro, also designed by Giovanni Michelotti was built.