Carrozzeria Castagna is one of the few design houses who manage to present creations which are totally unimaginable, bordering on both the limits of tradition and avant-gardism. This is in part due to their strict historical standing as offering extraordinary coachwork for the super rich and cultured only.

This year saw no exception to the rule, with centre of attention on their stand at the Geneva Motor being the presentation of an imposing Imperial Landaulet based on Porsche Cayenne mechanicals. Currently, the car is only being displayed as a mock-up with a bronzed-out glasshouse, however, Italiaspeed has been told that a fully operational prototype will debut at this year’s glamorous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance.

The new Castagna concept is a modern interpretation of their Tipo 8A Issota Fraschini Imperial Landaulet which was built between 1924 and 1931, representing one of the most famous models in this Milanese coachbuilder’s history. As with the coachbuilder’s latest concept, the original was of elephantine proportions. However, its standard engine output of 115 bhp from an eight-cylinder Issota Fraschini block was a far cry to the modern interpretation’s use of an 800 bhp V12.

The latest creation from Castagna is simply massive, with photographs not able to convey the sheer volume which this monstrous ‘car’ displaces. Its 24-inch chrome alloy wheels are literally dwarfed by its massive carbon composite bodywork which envelops a high-tech chassis. With a dual compression 800 bhp V12 engine, adjustable ground clearance and four-wheel-drive technology, the Imperial Landaulet is what Castagna describe as being an intelligent mixture of elegance and sportivity. In other words, it is a high performance vehicle which can be safely used in all weather conditions.

The design of the chassis is a dedication to the Isotta Fraschini marque, Castagna’s premiere client during their Golden Years back in the 1920s. Measuring almost six metres in length, the Imperial Landaulet provides a cross between a coupe and an MPV. It’s a style which is almost typical of the 1920s and ‘30s, and immediately recalls legendary creations from that period. This ‘back to the future’ type style is what Castagna describes as being “slightly retro”.

The interior, which has not yet been presented, will be accessible though two huge doors on either side which will open like a book (the front door being of suicide type) and make do without a central B-post. Upon opening the doors a running board will automatically appear and act as a footrest. With an exceptionally generous height of 1,630 mm, and a logical ground clearance, the Imperial Landaulet has been designed for exceptional ergonomic access.

Luggage space will also be highly capacious, with the rear boot foreseen to open in a similar style to the famous Antonov airplane’s front nose section.
 

An additional temperature-controlled luggage compartment has been designed in the central bulkhead between the engine compartment and the interior. As with the traditional Imperial Landaulet, the concept’s rear glass roof section will retract completely allowing open-top motoring for the rear passengers. More details of the complete Castagna Imperial Landaulet are expected to materialise this summer during Pebble Beach.

Carrozzeria Castagna of Milan has a history which dates back to 1849 when Carlo Castagna took over the Ferrari coachbuilding company, fabricating luxury horse-drawn carriages for the Italian aristocracy. Their first motorcar bodywork appeared towards the end of the 1800s upon commission from Ottolini and Ricordi, importers of Benz quadricycles for Italy.

Castagn’s Golden Years during the 1920s saw the Milanese coachbuilder construct limousines, torpedoes and two-seaters based on Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Mercedes-Benz chassis. Clients included members of the Italian aristocracy, and wealthy entrepreneurs such as the American magnate William Randolph Hearst. During this period, Castagna were most famous for their bodyworks based on Issota Fraschini chassis, and they also worked with Duesenberg. After World War II, Castagna lost its fame, however saw a welcome renaissance in 1995 when Uberto Petra revived the name with the presentation of the Alfa Romeo SZ-based Vittoria concept at the Geneva Motor Show styled by architect Gioacchino Acampora. At the time, Castagna claimed that their Alfa Romeo one-off produced 320 bhp against the standard SZ’s 180 bhp. 

Castagna quickly rebuilt its international reputation, specialising in contract work, prototype construction for manufacturers, soft tuning and, moreover, their one-off vehicles created upon request. Examples include the 1995 Maserati Auge, 2003 Ferrari Rossellini and 2005 Ferrari Aria based on 575M Maranello mechanicals.

Last year was particularly successful for the coachbuilder, thanks in part to the presentation of their bespoke Mini estates and spin-offs – the CrossUP and Tender. A selection of these Mini creations, supplying English character with Italian style, was also on display at the Castagna stand at the Geneva Motor Show.