OSCA MV 1700 GTZ Coupé

The OSCA MV 1700 GTZ Coupé by Zagato.

Vehicle Overview

The OSCA MV 1700 GTZ Coupé was a one-off grand touring automobile constructed in 1965 by Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili (OSCA) in collaboration with Carrozzeria Zagato. It represented one of the final developments of OSCA prior to the cessation of its operations in 1967. The vehicle combined OSCA’s competition-derived engineering with lightweight coachwork by Zagato, and it was designated “GTZ” to denote its classification as a Gran Turismo with Zagato bodywork. The MV 1700 GTZ was powered by a naturally aspirated, inline four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,699 cubic centimetres. The unit produced approximately 95 horsepower and was paired with a manual transmission driving the rear wheels. The engine employed hemispherical combustion chambers and twin overhead camshafts, in keeping with OSCA’s established engine architecture derived from its earlier racing applications. The car’s kerb weight was approximately 710 kilograms, yielding a favourable power-to-weight ratio for its class. The chassis was constructed with a tubular steel frame supporting Zagato’s aluminium bodywork. The styling featured a low roofline, aerodynamic contours, and Zagato’s characteristic “double-bubble” roof, intended to reduce drag while preserving interior headroom. The overall design was consistent with mid-1960s Italian GT styling, emphasizing functional aerodynamics over decorative excess. Only one example of the OSCA MV 1700 GTZ was built. It was not intended for series production and remained a unique commission or prototype. No public record of its chassis number is available, and ownership history is limited. The car remained associated with either the factory or the coachbuilder at least through the end of OSCA’s operations. No additional units were constructed, and no follow-up variants were developed. The OSCA MV 1700 GTZ Coupé is historically significant as a final collaboration between the Maserati brothers and Carrozzeria Zagato. It represents the closing phase of Italy’s postwar artisanal GT manufacturing era, combining competition-proven mechanicals with bespoke aerodynamic bodywork. Its singular production status and stylistic clarity render it a distinct artefact within the context of limited-production Italian grand touring automobiles of the period.