The shooting brake: part coupé, part wagon, all class. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to throw on a tailored jacket, grab a pair of fine leather driving gloves, and pretend you’re en route to a countryside estate—whether you own one or not. Originally designed for aristocrats who needed room for hunting gear (and possibly a few hounds), the shooting brake evolved into a rare breed of automobile, blending performance with just enough practicality to convince yourself it’s a reasonable purchase.
Now, take that already stylish concept and hand it over to an Italian coachbuilder. What do you get? Automotive art. For decades, Italy’s finest design houses — Pininfarina, Bertone, Zagato, and others—have taken the shooting brake formula and turned it into rolling sculpture. Whether they were working with Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even brands outside Italy, these carrozzieri created some of the most breathtaking, head-scratching, and absolutely glorious shooting brakes in existence.
So, buckle up (or, in true Italian fashion, loosen your tie and embrace the chaos), as we take a look at 15 shooting brakes that prove when Italians get their hands on a wagon, the results are nothing short of “spettacolare”.
Fiat 1100 TV Speciale Pininfarina 1956
When Pininfarina decided Italy needed a stylish “shooting brake,” they didn’t just design a car—they crafted a masterpiece. Unveiled at the 1955 Turin Auto Show, this elegant, golf-loving beauty was built for those who wanted to hit the green in style. With sleek lines, a refined interior, and a dash of exclusivity (it never made it to mass production), the TV Speciale remains a one-of-a-kind legend—because who doesn’t love a car that makes practicality look this good?
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Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Shooting Brake Frua 1964
What happens when you take a legendary Pagoda and give it a practical twist? You get this one-of-a-kind 230 SL Shooting Brake, crafted by the visionary Pietro Frua in 1964. With its sleek white two-door wagon design and the unmistakable front end of the donor car, it blends style, sportiness, and just the right amount of quirk. A rare fusion of elegance and utility, proving that even a classic roadster can embrace the wagon life—gracefully, of course.
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Ferrari 330 GT Shooting Brake 1967
Take a Ferrari 330 GT, add some Chinetti Jr. creativity, a dash of Bob Peak’s artistry, and Vignale’s craftsmanship—what do you get? A jaw-dropping, one-of-a-kind shooting brake. Originally a 1965 Pininfarina coupe, this Prancing Horse was reborn in 1967 with a bold metallic green and gold finish, extra luggage space, and seating for four. Debuting at the Torino Motor Show, it proved that practicality and Ferrari performance could, in fact, coexist—at least once. A true masterpiece of automotive ingenuity!
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Lamborghini 400 GT Flying Star II 1966
Blending Lamborghini’s V12 power with Touring’s signature elegance, the 400 GT Flying Star was a futuristic take on grand touring. Inspired by prewar “Flying Star” legends, this aluminum-bodied beauty packed a punch with a 5-speed transmission and independent suspension. Sleek, stylish, and practical (by Lamborghini standards), it turned heads at the 1966 Turin Motor Show—despite a dramatic pre-show tumble off a transporter! A true one-off masterpiece, it marked the final chapter of Carrozzeria Touring’s golden era before its 2006 revival.
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Volvo P1800 ES Rocket 1968
When Volvo wanted to modernize the P1800, they turned to Italian design legend Pietro Frua, who delivered the bold, one-off Rocket prototype. With its rounded, truncated rear and avant-garde shooting brake styling, it was a daring take on the classic coupe. Though ultimately outshined by Coggiola’s Beach Car (which inspired the production P1800 ES), Frua’s Rocket remains a fascinating glimpse into Volvo’s experimental side—proof that even sensible Swedes had a wild streak! Now preserved in the Volvo Museum, it’s a true piece of design history.
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Peugeot 504 Break Riviera 1971
Take a stunning Peugeot 504 Cabriolet, add Pininfarina’s magic, and what do you get? The Break Riviera, a sleek shooting brake that made waves at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show. With elegant proportions and a refined roofline, it had all the makings of a stylish grand tourer. Sadly, Peugeot passed on production, leaving this beauty as a one-off show car—an automotive "what if" that still turns heads. A missed opportunity? Absolutely. But a forgotten gem? Never!
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Fiat 130 Maremma 1974
Take the already elegant Fiat 130 Coupé—a Pininfarina creation—and transform it into a luxurious two-door shooting brake. The result? The Maremma, a nearly five-meter-long masterpiece, custom-built for Avvocato Agnelli. Painted in metallic champagne with a refined beige-and-blue interior, it combined style, power, and practicality. A V6 engine and aerodynamic rear spoiler ensured both performance and poise. Debuting at the 1974 Geneva and Turin Motor Shows, this one-off beauty remained an exclusive dream—because some cars are simply too special for mass production.
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Lancia Gamma Olgiata 1982
A sleek three-door shooting brake with Pininfarina’s signature elegance, the Olgiata reimagined the Lancia Gamma with a bold new look. Its 2.5L boxer engine delivered 140 horsepower, while blacked-out rear pillars and a small roof spoiler gave it a dynamic stance. Finished in Gold Metallic with a beige plaid interior, it was as refined as it was rare. Despite its striking design, it remained a one-off, now cherished by a Lombard collector with only 1,000 km on the odometer—a hidden gem in Lancia’s rich history.
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Mercedes-Benz CL Shooting Brake Zagato
Unveiled at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show, the CL Shooting Brake was a striking fusion of German engineering and Italian design, crafted by the legendary Zagato. Based on the W140 coupé, it retained Mercedes-Benz luxury while adding a sleek, practical shooting brake silhouette. Custom bodywork, an extended roofline, and signature Zagato touches made it stand out, but despite its allure, it remained a one-off prototype. Though it never saw production, it paved the way for future grand touring wagons—because sometimes, the best ideas arrive ahead of their time.
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Aston Martin EG 2007
When an Aston Martin Vanquish decided to shed a few pounds and gain a hatchback, the result was the Aston Martin EG, a bespoke shooting brake that’s as exclusive as your favorite VIP club. Commissioned in 2007, this custom creation was born from the vision of a discerning owner and the brilliant hands at Quality Cars in Vigonza, Italy. The EG gets a 600mm stretch, transforming the Vanquish into an elegant family hauler without losing an ounce of style. Inside, you’ll find lobster-colored leather, bamboo wood, and a full-length Isolite glass roof that offers panoramic views (and, more importantly, privacy at the press of a button). Inspired by everything from the 1968 DBS to 1940s British fighter planes, this car is as sleek as it is practical—because who says you can’t have a chic road trip?
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Maserati Bellagio Fastback 2008
The Maserati Bellagio Fastback – a rolling masterpiece crafted by Touring Superleggera in 2009 – is one of only four ever made. Built for Dr. Carlo Bonomi, former Ducati President, this bespoke beauty is based on the Maserati Quattroporte platform. Unveiled at Villa d’Este, it’s got everything you never knew you needed: twin tilting rear seats, a champagne fridge, headrest monitors, a dog barrier, and even a hidden shotgun compartment (because why not?). A perfect mix of Italian craftsmanship, luxury, and practicality for the owner who has everything – except, of course, a shooting brake this cool.
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Bentley Continental Flying Star 2010
The Bentley Continental Flying Star by Touring Superleggera is where luxury meets practicality—because why not have room for your luggage and feel like royalty? Unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, only 19 units were built, and they sold out faster than a hot new gadget. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 6-liter W12 engine with 610 horsepower, all-wheel-drive, and a 6-speed automatic transmission, giving you power and smooth performance to match its stunning looks. This Shooting Brake isn't just about speed—it’s about luxury and space. With four seats, ample trunk room, and bespoke touches, it's the perfect mix of elegance and practicality. Priced at €590,000, it’s a chance to own something truly unique.
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Aston Martin Rapide Jet 2+2
The Aston Martin Rapide Jet 2+2 started as a one-off special, but thanks to a warm reception, Bertone nearly put it into small-scale production—until they hit a bit of a financial bump and the dream fizzled out. Inspired by the classic DB4 GTS Jet 2+3 of 1968, the Jet 2+2 project was a brainchild of car collector Barry Weir, who sketched the idea on a serviette (because, of course, that’s how all the best ideas happen). His vision? Transform the Aston Martin Rapide into a sleek shooting brake. The design process took months, with the rear of the car getting special attention, and Aston Martin’s own Marek Reichman stepping in to suggest using the updated grille design from the Rapide. After approval from Aston Martin, a full-size clay model was crafted to smooth out the kinks. The final result was hand-built by Bertone and debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show—where it garnered plenty of praise for its stunning design. A masterpiece, albeit a one-off!
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Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake Centennial
The Aston Martin Virage Shooting Brake is a one-off masterpiece that combines Aston Martin’s luxury with Zagato’s Italian flair. Unveiled at the 2014 Chantilly Arts & Elegance Concours D’Elegance, this bespoke creation was part of Zagato’s ‘Centennial’ trilogy, marking Aston Martin’s 100th anniversary. A blend of stunning design and practical function, the Virage Shooting Brake marries Aston Martin’s performance with the versatility of a shooting brake—offering space for luggage (or tennis rackets) without sacrificing elegance. Its sleek bodywork seamlessly integrates Aston Martin’s grand tourer style with Zagato’s craftsmanship, making it a true head-turner. Perfect for a European collector, this car is luxury with a practical twist—because who says you can't have it all? Photos courtesy of: Classic Driver / Tom Shaxson
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Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake
Here’s another Aston Martin on our list – the Aston Martin Zagato Shooting Brake. Part of the exclusive Vanquish Zagato family, this beauty made its debut at the 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Powered by a 580 hp V-12 engine, this sleek machine is both fast and functional, with adaptive suspension for a smooth ride. With only 99 units produced, it’s as rare as it is stunning. The carbon fiber coachwork and double-bubble roof give it a unique, aerodynamic look, while the powered tailgate reveals a luxuriously trimmed rear cabin. A perfect blend of style and performance, this Zagato Shooting Brake is an elite addition to Aston’s legacy.
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