The Unseen Legendary Cars That Were Never Released
The gallery itself is a celebration of innovation, hosting everything from one-off concepts to functional prototypes that showcase Italdesign’s unique approach to both engineering and aesthetics. Highlights include original design sketches for legends like the Lancia Delta, Alfa Romeo Alfasud, DeLorean, and BMW M1, giving rare insight into the creative process behind these icons.
Among the standouts is the BMW Nazca series. The Nazca M12, unveiled in 1991, boasts one of Italdesign’s first carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a BMW V12 from the 850, making it a futuristic homage rather than a commissioned effort. The Nazca C2 evolved for the 1992 Tokyo Motor Show, and these prototypes were actually driven and tested, not just showpieces. Another rarity is the Volkswagen W12, developed in the 1990s. Originally built to demonstrate Volkswagen’s new W12 engine, this fully functional prototype set a world endurance speed record at Nardo and produced over 700hp from a naturally aspirated setup.
The episode dives into Italdesign’s enduring connection with Japan and the brand’s willingness to create concepts for global tastes, from the road-ready Golf GTI five-door (one of three, and Giorgetto’s personal daily driver) to surprising collaborations for Tokyo and Beijing motor shows. The team also spotlights the Lotus Esprit concept, the actual prototype presented to Colin Chapman in Turin—remarkably similar to the eventual production version, and recently restored with full attention to the brand’s legacy.
The tour shifts forward with the GTR50 project—a wild reimagining based on the Nissan GT-R Nismo R35 platform, with only 20 built due to the pandemic’s interruption of their goal to build 50. There’s also a preview of the “Quintessent,” a 2024 Beijing Motor Show concept blending SUV flexibility with convertible pickup utility, using natural fiber linen for the interior instead of carbon fiber—spearheading the move toward more recyclable, eco-friendly materials in car manufacturing.
Off-the-wall details abound, like Italdesign’s in-house designed stemware for sparkling wine, and a reminder that their talents extend far beyond cars, with famous contributions ranging from Nikon cameras to space station modules. The video also shows the team’s focus on design functionality, sustainability, and their tendency toward pushing boundaries, whether it’s in automotive interiors or the innovative details in their glassware.
Rounding out the gallery, viewers see not just the DeLorean—immortalized by Back to the Future—but also unique R8 V10-engined supercars and other one-off masterpieces, each representing a what-could-have-been in the automotive world. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this behind-the-scenes journey through Italdesign’s hidden history is a look at some of the most influential cars (and concepts) never to reach the showroom—proof that true innovation sometimes hides just beyond the public eye.
