ELIO ZAGATO......1921 - 2009

The following is from 'Hemmings' if you remember the double-bubble read on:

Elio Zagato, son of the founder of the Milanese carrozzeria, has died at the age of 88, the company has announced. During his long career, he was responsible for bringing us some of the most desirable Italian GTs and race cars: the Fiat 8V Zagato, the Alfa Romeo 1900 SSZ, the Ferrari 250 GTZ, the Maserati A6G and the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, as well as nearly all of the Lancia sport coupes. He developed the “Coda Tronca” and pioneered the use of plexiglass windows, and, with his father, Ugo, was the creator of Zagato’s trademark “double-bubble” roofline.

Zagato was a key figure in Europe’s post-war race scene, and was the epitome of the Italian gentleman driver. He competed in more than 150 races in his lifetime, winning 82, and was GT series champion five times. He faced off against such legendary drivers as Alberto Ascari, Juan-Manuel Fangio and Tazio Nuvolari. Among his victories were the Targa Florio and the 1955 Grand Prix at Avus. Enzo Ferrari called him “Zagatino.”

Elio Zagato prized originality and minimalism in his designs. When asked to explain his design philosophy, he would respond, “You see that car? Is it different from all the others? Then it’s a Zagato.”

Carrozzeria Zagato, which this year celebrates its 90th anniversary, continues under the direction of Andrea and Marella Zagato. For more about the company, visit www.zagato.com.