Giuseppe Mittino

Giuseppe Mittino was a pivotal figure in the evolution of car design during his tenure at Carrozzeria Zagato, where he took over from Ercole Spada in 1969. Taking the helm of the design department at such a renowned Italian design studio was no small feat, and Mittino’s early designs faced the challenging task of living up to the legacy of his predecessor. His early work at Zagato was met with mixed reviews, but he would later find his stride and leave a lasting mark on the brand.

One of his significant contributions in the early 1970s was the creation of the Volvo 2000 GTZ, a project initiated by the Italian Volvo importer Motoauto. The car, which debuted at the 1969 Turin Motor Show, was initially based on the Volvo 140, but due to a lukewarm reception from Volvo, the design was revised and reintroduced as the 3000 GTZ at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970. This version was based on the Volvo 164 and featured a more ambitious mechanical setup with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. However, despite Mittino’s efforts, Volvo remained uninterested in the project.

The same year, Mittino designed the Zagato Nart, a striking V8-powered coupe with an unconventional rear-seat layout, aimed at the North American market and commissioned by Luigi Chinetti Jr., the Ferrari importer in the U.S. The Nart coupe, with its bold dimensions and unique design elements, such as a convex rear window and rubber bumper trim, was unveiled at the 1970 Turin Motor Show.

Mittino’s later designs in the 1970s and 1980s included the Zagato 3Z, a two-seater Ferrari-based cabriolet with angular forms; the Fiat 132 Aster, a futuristic vehicle combining steel and aluminum in its construction; and the 3000 Convertible, a Targa-style Ferrari prototype with a removable roof. One of his most ambitious projects was the Zeta 80, an aerodynamic sports car concept displayed at the 1976 Turin Motor Show, which envisioned the car of the 1980s with an aluminum body over a steel frame.

In 1983, after a period of relative creative stagnation, Mittino’s vision came to the forefront with the Zagato Zeta 6, a coupe based on the Alfa Romeo GTV 6, which drew comparisons to the Porsche 928 with its sleek and sensual design. However, despite the vehicle’s appeal, Alfa Romeo decided to focus investments elsewhere.

Mittino’s design career at Zagato reached a major milestone in 1984 with the unveiling of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato at the Geneva Motor Show. The collaboration with the British luxury brand marked a revival of the iconic Zagato-Aston Martin partnership that had begun with the DB4 GT. Under Mittino’s direction, the V8 Vantage Zagato captured the spirit of its predecessor, blending nostalgia with contemporary style, and was a commercial and image success for both Aston Martin and Zagato.

However, after years of dedicated work, Giuseppe Mittino left his position at Zagato in 1985, leaving behind a legacy marked by his unique approach to automotive design and his ability to blend creativity with the technical challenges of car manufacturing. His work continues to be remembered as a critical chapter in Zagato’s long history.