Miguel Sánchez
PHOTOS AZTEC BARCHETTA: ITALDESIGN
Giorgetto Giugaro is one of those responsible for revolutionizing car design in the early XNUMXs. Of that there is no doubt. As a sample, we not only have prototypes like the Porsche Tapiro or the Maserati Boomerang, but also the first generation of the Volkswagen Golf. Passionate about straight lines and geometric volumes, Giugiaro spearheaded the fashion of wedge design with Marcelo Gandini. However, our protagonist still had a lot to say almost twenty years later. In fact, here's the 1988 Aztec Barchetta to prove it.
Like fresh out of a futuristic movie, this barchetta is one of the most beloved works of the Italian designer. Not surprisingly, when it was presented at the Turin Salon it assured “Having had the idea of designing a barchetta like this since childhood… a handmade masterpiece”. Anyway, the truth is that these openwork bodies have been seducing since their heyday in the 40s and 50s, now living a curious resurrection thanks to models like the Ferrari SP1 or the Aston Martin V12 Speedster.
Anyway, the really curious thing about the Aztec Barchetta is that, contrary to these new releases, it was not born to wink at times past. Far from it, this creation by Italdesign looked decidedly towards the future thanks to an aerodynamic aesthetic full of elements in the latest fashion. All of this finished off with various appliques that allowed both the roofing of its double cabin like improving your downforce.
A spectacular design exercise that, oddly enough, achieved its homologation to roll on the road.
AZTEC BARCHETTA. FUTURISM APPROVED IN GERMANY
The Aztec Barchetta is a movie car, having appeared in at least two science fiction movies. Something that is not surprising, since its careful aerodynamic study is full of eighties elements worthy of films like Blade Runner. Next to its faired rear wheels, the side of the body incorporates various information tokens typical of a spacecraft. Something that perfectly complements the exotic layout of the cabin, divided into two individual seats for each occupant.
In addition, to complete that spacecraft feel they had an intercom system to communicate from seat to seat. Something that seems absurd when talking about a barchetta, but that in the case of this creation by Giorgetto Giugiaro has all the logic. And it is that it can be roofed! Yes, incorporating two glazed bubbles with gull wing opening the Aztec Barchetta from Italdesign becomes a roofed sports car with two differentiated compartments. Appliques that could be completed with a curious spoiler designed to improve aerodynamics at high speeds.
One of the most curious designs in the career of Giorgetto Giugiaro, who thought for the Aztec Barchetta an arrangement two-seater with rear mid-engined. And be careful, quite well thought out since there was more than enough space for a trunk for a trip of two people. A strange detail when we talk about a prototype. But here comes the surprise. And, although the Aztec Barchetta may seem like a simple design exercise ... The truth is that it was approved in Germany thanks to the efforts of Motoren Tecnik Mayer! From there, Italdesign tried to sell a print run of 50 units, which remained at around 15 or 20 according to sources.
ITALDESIGN BODY, HEART OF AUDI QUATTRO
As a fully functional vehicle designed to be mass-produced, the Aztec Barchetta had mechanics worthy of its design. Under its body made of aluminum, Kevlar and carbon fiber, this creation hides the five-cylinder in-line twenty-valve engine from an Audi Quattro. A heart tuned to more than 250CV coupled with the transmission and all-wheel drive of a Lancia Delta HF Integrale. A kind of tribute to two of the best rally cars of the time, which put together pieces in the shapes of this Italdesign creation.
Completely handmade, this exclusive creation had only one big drawback against its future options: the price. Far above that of the top-of-the-range Ferraris at the time, the cost of an Aztec Barchetta condemned it to be a creature only suitable for true design fans. However, the truth is that the years have not been very good for the revaluation of the model, seeing from time to time units that move in the range of 90.000 to 140.000 euros.
A high figure without a doubt, but not as high as you might expect for a barchetta with hints of a futuristic prototype capable of being one of the most curious and extravagant pieces in Giugiaro's career. A whole design exercise that managed to jump into production for four years, being until 1992 one of the most striking products in the automobile catalog. Perhaps the worthy predecessor of the current barchetta craze within supercar brands. A missing link in the history of this very important type of body in the history of motorsports.
