Whilst Zagato is considered by many to be one of Italy’s most respected coachbuilders, over the course of its century-long history the company has had an interesting relationship with Enzo Ferrari, dating back to his racing career at Alfa Romeo, but one which has produced very few cars. Bodying a 166 MM (chassis no. 0018M) as the first collaboration between the two companies, the late 1950’s would see Zagato produce five 250 GT LWB ‘Tour de France’ Berlinettas clothed in Zagato coachwork. These cars are unquestionably the most desirable of the TdF Berlinettas, with each example bearing unique and distinctive features different from its brethren.

Over the ensuing years, Zagato and Ferrari seldom collaborated as the automotive industry in general moved away from coachbuilding and towards mass-production of bodywork in-house by the manufacturer. Zagato continued to find work with other Italian manufacturers during this time, notably with Alfa Romeo and Lancia, but produced only a handful of Ferraris. Nineteen-ninety saw the production of ten 348 TB Zagato Elaborazione and in the 2000s, there became a growing number of well-heeled automobile collectors looking to design a car to their own tastes. Naturally, some turned to Zagato and Ferrari to make their dreams a reality.

Japanese Ferrari collector Yoshiyuki Hayashi commissioned two Zagato-bodied Ferrari 575M Maranellos in 2005 (allegedly one was to be used regularly, while the other was displayed in his garage), leading to Zagato producing another four cars for other clients. It should be no surprise that in 2007, with the introduction of the 575M Maranello’s replacement, that Zagato was once again approached to work their magic on a customer’s 599 GTB.

Dubbed the 599 GTZ Nibbio, customers could have their new Zagato-bodied Ferrari in either coupe or spyder coachwork, and the car offered here is the later. Six spyders were built, all in different colour schemes for their discerning clients and therefore easily identifiable. Its striking design beautifully marries a round, sculpted nose with a sharp, angular tail, a tail starkly different from that of the 575 GTZ, but still instantly recognizable as Zagato’s craftsmanship. Although the double-bubble roof of the coupe is lost in the Spyder, that design cue appears on the spyder’s rear deck.

Prior to its conversion, the donor 599 GTB was purchased by the consignor in Switzerland from Modena Cars, the official Ferrari distributor in Geneva. It is reported as having been in excellent condition upon purchase, was never involved in an accident and driven only 20,100 km by that time. Its conversion by Zagato was finished in January of 2020. Tastefully finished in a gunmetal grey with a black leather interior, its colour combination is particularly subtle in an effort to give more attention to is incredible bodywork. Other optional extras include the challenge-style wheels, red brake caliers, yellow tachometer, and carbon-fibre steering wheel with LEDs. Following its delivery to the consignor from Zagato, it has been driven roughly 800 km and as such, presents in beautiful condition both inside and out.

Harkening back to the glory days of post-war coachbuilt automobiles in 1950’s and 1960’s, modern Zagato-bodied Ferraris are seldom offered for public sale. They represent they very pinnacle of 21st century coachbuilding and celebrate an era in which design ruled the road. Having covered just 400 km since its conversion was completed last year, this example is ready for its next custodian and would stand proud in even the finest collections worldwide.