Porsche 356 Speedster Zagato

The Porsche 356 Spider Zagato is a rare and remarkable collaboration between Porsche and the renowned Italian coachbuilder Zagato. Originally commissioned in 1957 by Ferdinand Porsche for French racing driver Claude Storez, this unique car was handcrafted in Milan by Carrozzeria Zagato as a one-off design. Storez enjoyed significant success with the lightweight, aerodynamically refined Spider, securing four race victories and several strong finishes. However, tragedy struck in 1959 when the car was destroyed in a racing accident, seemingly lost to history. Decades later, thanks to the dedication of Atelier Classic and American collector Herb Wetanson, the Porsche 356 Spider Zagato was revived. Using advanced photometric analysis, Zagato recreated the car’s original shape, relying on the few surviving photographs to ensure accuracy. This project marked the third collaboration between Atelier Classic and Zagato, bringing this long-lost piece of motorsport history back to life. In honor of Porsche’s 60th anniversary, the revived 356 Spider Zagato was produced in a limited series of just nine units. Each car was meticulously crafted to reflect the spirit of the original, combining Porsche engineering with Zagato’s signature lightweight bodywork and timeless Italian design. This project is a testament to the enduring appeal of both Porsche and Zagato, demonstrating how craftsmanship and innovation can restore legendary automobiles for new generations to appreciate.