Alfa Romeo 106 2600 Sprint Zagato
Zagato cars always had and still have the potential to provoke strong opinions amongst car enthusiasts.
The Alfa 2600 SZ is such a breed. A total of 105 cars were built, among them 5 prototypes. Currently there are about 60 cars known, spread all around the world. Not many of them are seen on the road. It seems most of them are pure collector’s cars, and they endure their lives in the garage without being driven.
But this is a car that will be recognized for its remarkable appearance and unconventional design. Its designer, Ercole Spada, born in Busto Arsizio close to Milan, is one of the lesser known, though most important automobile designers of northern Italy.
The 2600 Z is a car well worthy to look at its details – to view it from every angle. The shape does not come into play when viewed in a garage or a small space. Its beauty will not emerge there. It needs air and space to breathe, and distance to be looked at. Time is needed to understand the designer’s language.
The fine lines at the rear, almost tender looking, with its chopped tail; in front the low, dangerous, shark nose combined with a sensual grill and seductive bonnet lines. There is complex tension between sporting aggressiveness and a subliminal erotic touch. Mid Century Modern inspired interior design, organic, curvy forms and surfaces reminds me of the dynamic furniture and Industrial designs of Joe Colombo. You can feel the ultimate spirit of the 60s in every aspect of the design.
Today the 2600SZ is still a hidden champion, or an “unsung hero” as Maurizio Thiebat said in an article some years ago. Many people don’t know it at all. The Lancia Zagatos, the Giulias and Giuliettas SZs, and of course the Aston Martin GTZ are much better known and appreciated. The 2600 is a secret, but as with certain paintings, its art needs time to enfold one with its power and strength.
Alfa Romeo 106 2600 Sprint Zagato
Zagato cars always had and still have the potential to provoke strong opinions amongst car enthusiasts.
The Alfa 2600 SZ is such a breed. A total of 105 cars were built, among them 5 prototypes. Currently there are about 60 cars known, spread all around the world. Not many of them are seen on the road. It seems most of them are pure collector’s cars, and they endure their lives in the garage without being driven.
But this is a car that will be recognized for its remarkable appearance and unconventional design. Its designer, Ercole Spada, born in Busto Arsizio close to Milan, is one of the lesser known, though most important automobile designers of northern Italy.
The 2600 Z is a car well worthy to look at its details – to view it from every angle. The shape does not come into play when viewed in a garage or a small space. Its beauty will not emerge there. It needs air and space to breathe, and distance to be looked at. Time is needed to understand the designer’s language.
The fine lines at the rear, almost tender looking, with its chopped tail; in front the low, dangerous, shark nose combined with a sensual grill and seductive bonnet lines. There is complex tension between sporting aggressiveness and a subliminal erotic touch. Mid Century Modern inspired interior design, organic, curvy forms and surfaces reminds me of the dynamic furniture and Industrial designs of Joe Colombo. You can feel the ultimate spirit of the 60s in every aspect of the design.
Today the 2600SZ is still a hidden champion, or an “unsung hero” as Maurizio Thiebat said in an article some years ago. Many people don’t know it at all. The Lancia Zagatos, the Giulias and Giuliettas SZs, and of course the Aston Martin GTZ are much better known and appreciated. The 2600 is a secret, but as with certain paintings, its art needs time to enfold one with its power and strength.