Rayton Fissore Magnum

The Rayton Fissore Magnum was a luxury four-wheel-drive vehicle produced in Italy from 1985 to 1998 by Rayton Fissore, a company founded by Giulio Malvino after the acquisition of the historic Carrozzeria Fissore name. The Magnum was conceived as a high-end off-road vehicle positioned above utilitarian 4×4s and aimed at private, institutional, and export markets. The design was attributed to Tom Tjaarda, who developed a squared, architectural body emphasizing vertical surfaces, a high beltline, and a formal front end. The bodywork was mounted on a shortened and lowered Iveco WM40-10 truck-derived chassis, retaining its robust four-wheel-drive layout, live axles, and heavy-duty suspension components. Rayton Fissore employed a patented construction method known as UNIVIS, combining a tubular steel frame with bolted body panels to increase torsional rigidity and facilitate assembly. Production began in 1985. Early European versions were offered with a range of engines sourced from multiple manufacturers, including supercharged four-cylinder petrol units, Alfa Romeo V6 engines, and turbocharged diesel options. Transmissions included manual and automatic gearboxes depending on specification. Interior trim levels were markedly upscale for the segment, featuring leather upholstery, wood inserts, air conditioning, and power accessories. The Magnum found institutional use in Italy, with turbodiesel variants supplied to police and government agencies. Civilian sales were limited but steady, with the vehicle marketed as an alternative to Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Class models. From 1989, the Magnum was adapted for the North American market under the name Laforza. The original Laforza 5-liter was updated by Pininfarina who also did the final assembly. These versions were modified to meet U.S. regulations and fitted with Ford V8 engines, most commonly the 5.0-litre unit, paired with automatic transmissions. Partial assembly and final modifications took place in the United States.