Andrea Zagato took the wraps of his studio’s latest creation at the Spyker stand in Geneva early on Tuesday morning. Called the Spyker C12 Zagato, the mid-engined supercar is a strictly limited-edition. Only 24 units will be constructed by the Dutch supercar manufacturer based in Zeewolde. The show-stopping Zagato special is based off Spyker’s already exclusive C12 La Turbie.

The bodywork of the Spyker C12 Zagato is perhaps one of the most complicated forms to create in today’s motoring portfolio; from the trademark Zagato double bubble roof in stainless steel, to the intricate design of the voluptuous rear wings, the car exudes exclusive handmade form and detail from every perceivable angle.

The C12 Zagato’s detailing showcases the possibilities in how a coachbuilt car can be dressed combining the latest technology with traditional techniques. Created from a CNC-milled piece of solid aluminium and then hand polished to a jewel-like quality, the car’s highly original rear grille flanked by specific LED tail lamps is just one example, the bespoke turbine-style aluminium wheels are yet another.

Clearly delighted, Spyker Automobielen CEO Victor Muller told Italiaspeed, “The design represents an even more exclusive car to what the Spyker La Turbie already is. The production version will include around 500 man-hours over the open-roof La Turbie. Not only does the design combine the values of Zagato together with Spyker’s brand DNA, but it is also a highly advanced shape tested virtually with the latest fluid dynamic tools. The car is more aerodynamic than the La Turbie on which it is based. It will almost certainly be a source of inspiration for future Spyker models.”
 

The front shape provides a fine reference to Spyker’s recent Formula 1 interests, with the nose incorporating an F1 style in a highly elegant and understated manner. The general form of the car cleverly combines Zagato’s distinct style applied to their mid-engined cars evolving from the 1996 Lamborghini Raptor, together with the unmistakable Spyker characteristics introduced by designer Maarten de Bruijn on the original Silvestris prototype from which the Spyker brand resurfaced. Performance is just as impressive. The Audi-sourced 6.0-litre W12 engine delivers 500 bhp, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h taking 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 310 km/h. The car will cost 495,000 euros excluding taxes.

To add to the Zagato’s creation, it was impressive to learn that this prototype was realised in only three weeks in the lead-up to the Geneva Salon. After Zagato handed over the CATIA drawings to Spyker’s expert panel beaters in England, a buck had to be made before construction could begin, and within this short time span thousands of man hours were accounted for. “They have done us proud,” said a Zagato spokesman.

Spyker’s highly individual design philosophy is proving a help in upcoming markets such as China, as in this new market the supercar brands have more of a level playing field. With the C12 Zagato, Spyker’s exclusiveness has been pushed to yet another level.

By James Granger in Geneva