In a rare sighting, the only Touring Superleggera Sciàdipersia Coupé in existence was recently spotted in Lugano, Switzerland. This unique vehicle stands apart from the remaining 14 Sciàdipersia models, all of which are Cabriolets. While there have been four documented sightings of the Sciàdipersia Cabriolet on our site, all were of the same car. The first appearance was in 2019 in Italy, followed by sightings in Monaco and Genval, Belgium, later that year. In 2023, the Cabriolet resurfaced in Zürich, Switzerland.
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The Legacy of Touring Superleggera
Carrozzeria Touring, one of Italy's most iconic coachbuilders, was founded in Milan in 1926. Under the guidance of Felice Bianchi Anderloni, a lawyer turned test driver with deep ties to Isotta Fraschini, the company quickly gained renown. After taking over Carrozzeria Falco in 1925 with his partner Gaetano Ponzoni, Anderloni renamed the company Touring. The firm pioneered innovative designs and secured a license for the Weymann method of lightweight body construction. In 1927, designer Giuseppe Seregni joined Touring, creating the groundbreaking Flying Star roadster on an Isotta Fraschini 8B chassis, which solidified Touring's reputation for impeccable styling and craftsmanship.
Anderloni, a self-taught engineer, was a visionary who prioritized weight reduction and aerodynamics, famously stating, "Weight is the enemy and air drag the obstacle." This philosophy culminated in the development of the Superleggera (Super Lightweight) construction method in 1937. This technique, which used aluminum panels over a steel tube framework, became synonymous with the Touring name.
Under the leadership of Anderloni's son Carlo and designer Federico Formenti, Touring created some of the most iconic post-war automobiles. These included the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro and Villa d'Este, the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante of 1952, and the Shah of Iran's Maserati 5000 GT of 1959. Touring also contributed to the design of the Aston Martin DB4 in 1958. Despite its success, the company faced financial difficulties and ceased operations in 1966.
The Touring name was revived in 2006, with the new company, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Srl, headquartered near Milan. Specializing in bespoke, low-volume motorcars, the modern Touring continues to honor its heritage by crafting unique vehicles that adhere to its founding principles.
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The Sciàdipersia: A Modern Homage
Debuting at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the Sciàdipersia draws inspiration from the Maserati 5000 GTs Touring built in the late 1950s, particularly the model commissioned by the Shah of Persia. Based on the Maserati GranTurismo, the Sciàdipersia features a 454bhp 4.7-liter V8 engine, paired with either an MC Race Shift six-speed manual paddle-shift gearbox or a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Weighing 120 kg less than the GranTurismo, the Sciàdipersia accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 299 km/h.
While the interior retains much of the GranTurismo’s layout, it is elevated with premium Italian leather and brushed aluminum trim. Externally, the Sciàdipersia boasts a completely reimagined body, inspired by the low-slung silhouette of the Touring 5000 GT but with a sleeker, more modern interpretation. The design emphasizes elongated lines and natural dynamism, complemented by extensive glazing and a vast glass roof that enhances the passenger experience.
The exterior color, ‘Orient Night Sky,’ evokes a clear nighttime sky, while aluminum accents on the nose, tail, and ‘C’ pillar pay homage to the original 5000 GT. Only 15 Sciàdipersia models were planned, all custom-built to order. The Coupé, the sole example of its kind, was crafted from a 2017 donor car and remains in immaculate condition.
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A Collector’s Dream
Accompanied by its original purchase invoice for €760,620 and a bespoke set of Foglizzo luggage, this Sciàdipersia Coupé represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a masterpiece of automotive design. As a singular expression of Italian craftsmanship and innovation, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Touring Superleggera.
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