by Mike Gulett –
This unique concept car is a blend of Italian styling (Bertone) with British chassis and power (Jaguar) and is up for auction in Monterey in August 2019 by RM Sotheby’s.
1967 Jaguar Pirana by Bertone
The Bertone Pirana (or Jaguar Pirana) is a concept car created by Bertone for the 1967 London Motor Show at Earl’s Court. It is based on the Jaguar E-type 2+2 with a steel semi-monocoque body and beautiful interior.
The Pirana was designed by Marcello Gandini, and it is clearly a warm up for the Lamborghini Espada which was also preceded at Lamborghini by the Marzal concept. See the slide show at the bottom comparing the Pirana and Espada.
The Pirana was commissioned by the Daily Telegraph, a leading British daily newspaper, as an example of an “ideal car.” After a successful showing at the London Motor show, the Pirana was shown at the New York City car show and then at the British Motor Show in Montreal.
RM Sotheby’s writes,
Offered without reserve
– Chassis No. 1E 50950
– Engine No. 7E 53230-8
– The only example ever built
– Highlight of the 1967 Earls Court Motor Show
– Designed by Marcello Gandini; precursor to the Lamborghini Espada
– Recently and beautifully restored
– Complete with Jaguar Heritage Certificate
Today the Bertone-Jaguar Pirana concept car serves as a link between the Marzal concept car and the later Espada that it inspired. While the leaping-cat badge makes this quite a unique bridge between those two Lamborghini bulls, its true legacy is representing one of the few times a true dream car was crafted into reality
What a perfect joint effort between British and Italian car creators, that led to the beautiful Lamborghini Espada, which makes the Pirana extra special.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Read more from RM Sotheby’s here.
Pirana photos by RM Sotheby’s and Espada photos by Mike Gulett.
The slide show below compares the styling of the Pirana with the Lamborghini Espada.
Oh, Mike! You just have to buy this car!
Mike, What do you think of the price guideline of $400-$600k? I see the auto gearbox has thankfully been replaced by a manual.
Eric,
Good question – if you look at this as a custom bodied ’67 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 (like a hot rod or custom) it could be worth the cost of the base car plus the cost of construction which would be about $200k, if anyone liked it that is. This assumes someone else has the same taste as the builder. Many custom cars sell for less than the cost of construction.
However, this is much more that a custom bodied E-type 2+2. It was designed by Gandini at Bertone and is a design exercise that led to the popular Lamborghini Espada. So, it has provenance and may attract a buyer in the $400k range. I think it is wise they listed it at no reserve.