Elio Zagato
Introduce
Elio Zagato (February 27, 1921 – September 14, 2009) was an influential Italian designer, entrepreneur, and racing driver, best known for his work with the renowned Zagato design house in Milan.
Elio followed in the footsteps of his father, Ugo Zagato, who founded the Zagato company, which became famous for designing innovative and lightweight car bodies for various high-performance automobiles. After the passing of Ugo in 1968, Elio took over the direction of the company, furthering its legacy of exceptional design and craftsmanship. Under his leadership, Zagato continued to build a reputation for creating stylish and aerodynamic car bodies, often seen on cars produced by prestigious brands like Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Ferrari.
Aside from his contributions to automotive design, Elio Zagato was also an accomplished racing driver. He participated in several prestigious competitions and achieved success in multiple events, including victories at the Targa Florio, five GT series, the Inter-Europa Cup, the Golden Cup of the Dolomites, and the Berlin Avus Cup in 1955. He also won the Italian Championship in the 750 GT class in 1951 and 1952, driving specially modified Zagato-bodied cars built on Fiat Topolino chassis. His racing success not only bolstered the Zagato name but also demonstrated his deep understanding of automotive performance and design.
In 2009, his son Andrea Zagato, alongside his wife Marella Rivolta-Zagato, took over the family business, continuing to lead the company with a focus on maintaining the iconic legacy established by Elio and his father. Elio’s autobiography, Storie di corse e non solo, was published in 2002, offering a personal reflection on his career in both design and racing.
Elio Zagato’s legacy as both a driver and a designer remains a significant part of automotive history, and his work at Zagato continues to be celebrated for its timeless elegance and cutting-edge design.
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