Style, distinction, heritage, words that well describe two realities in the automotive world: the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Touring Superleggera. The history of the Concorso and that of the Italian coachbuilder are forever intertwined with one another. Touring Superleggera has often chosen the Concorso as a privileged stage to unveil innovative prototypes, to create new stylistic trends, and to amaze both audiences and jury. The Concorso also regularly stages exquisite restorations executed by Touring Superleggera’s restoration arm for its customers. They are invariably rare and beautiful, and this year’s Maserati A6G Frua is no exception.
At Villa d’Este, Touring Superleggera has presented the second example of the Sciàdipersia Cabriolet, the open-top grand tourer recreating the luxury and elegance synonymous with the Golden Age of Motoring. Four full-sized seats allow all occupants to enjoy their journey in supreme comfort, while the driver has the pleasure of harnessing the immense and smoothly-delivered power from one of the last great atmospheric V8 engines and revelling in its glorious soundtrack.
Just two months after the ultra-classic Night Blue Geneva car unveiled in Geneva, the second unit features a delicate shade of sand over ochre and cream, with elaborate sunray stitching pattern, a perfect combination for the glamorous venue on the lake Como shores.
The already dramatic proportions of Sciàdipersia coupé are further emphasized in the Cabriolet version. The side view portrays an arrow about to be loosed from a bow, with a suggestion of fletches at the rear. The sharpened front, powerful haunches and Kamm-tailed rear are exaggerated by the smooth flowing lines, depicting a tautness and dynamism that appears even greater with the roof lowered.
The deliberately extended rear overhang is said to hint at the long tails of a morning suit, in-keeping with the overall sense of style and occasion.
Fittingly for an open car, themes are copied across from the exterior to the interior space. The car displays an obvious horizontal divide, emphasized by a continuous line encircling the passengers. The result is typical of Touring’s designs, displaying perfect proportions and restrained elegance without the need for unnecessary and flashy ornamentation. Simple, classic and timeless design that continues to set standards by treading its own unique path, defining a style of its own, and deliberately diverging from common trends.