Better known for their work for marques such as Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Aston Martin and Bristol, Zagato only ever produced a handful of prototypes based on BMC/BLMC models.
In 1948, some five years prior to the Austin-Morris merger, they presented the Y-Type saloon-based MG 1500 Panoramica coupé. This was the only MG-based car in the series of Panoramica models which Zagato produced in the late 1940s, the others being based on a variety of models from Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati. They were so-named because of their oversized glass-houses, achieved by the pioneering use of curved side glass that would become a Zagato hallmark in later years.
During the late 1950s, Zagato also produced a couple of Jaguar prototypes, based on the contemporary XK140 and XK150 respectively.
BMC Mini Cat
Dating from 1961, this glassfibre Mini-based coupé prototype (also known as the Zagato GT Coupe) was designed and built by Zagato using as its basis the longer-wheelbase floorpan of the van derivative. It was displayed at that year's London Motor Show, at which time a weekly production of 30 was projected, but little more was ever heard of it. Three years later, Zagato presented the Hillman Imp-based Zimp Coupé, which was similar in style and concept.
Rover 2000 TCZ
This Zagato-styled concept created by Sig. Ercole Spada and revealed in at the Turin Motor Show in 1967, was never seriously considered for production - and that is a shame. Look closely and you will see that the standard Rover P6 radiator grille and headlights were used! David Bache had also been working on a coupé version of the P6 during the mid-Sixties (codename "Gladys"), with the intention of launching the car as an Alvis - thereby instigating an upmarket form of badge-engineering.
Rover B 200
Presented in 1969. Further information and photographs pending.
Zagato TCZ pictures kindly supplied by Graham Arnold