A unique piece of automotive history, the 1988 ItalDesign Aztec, is set to make waves at the Monterey Jet Center Auction in 2024. With an estimated value between $275,000 and $325,000 USD, this ultra-rare roadster, designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, is one of fewer than 25 examples ever produced. Known for its futuristic design and innovative features, the Aztec remains a testament to the bold vision that defined 1980s supercar design.
A Masterpiece by Giorgetto Giugiaro
The ItalDesign Aztec was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ItalDesign, the studio responsible for iconic vehicles such as the Delorean DMC-12. Unveiled at the 1988 Turin Motor Show, the Aztec was part of a trio of concept cars, alongside the Asgard space wagon and Aspid coupe, that showcased Giugiaro’s forward-thinking approach to automotive design.
The most striking feature of the Aztec is its dual-cockpit layout, a bold reimagining of traditional sports car design. Each cockpit is identical, offering separate but interconnected spaces for the driver and passenger. The passenger side even includes a steering-wheel-like console housing a trip computer, emphasizing the car’s futuristic appeal. The driver’s compartment is meticulously designed with ergonomic precision, featuring a steering wheel contoured to match the shape of the gauge cluster, ensuring that all controls are easily accessible.
Futuristic Design and Advanced Engineering
The Aztec’s exterior is as innovative as its interior, featuring gullwing-style canopies, transparent door inserts, and intricate side fairings that house futuristic service panels. These panels, which could be activated by three-digit codes, were designed to provide access to features such as an oil drainage spigot, tool kit storage, and a hydraulic jack system—ideas that were revolutionary at the time.
Powering the Aztec is a turbocharged Audi inline-five-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual transaxle and a Lancia Delta-derived four-wheel-drive system. This combination, along with the car’s aerodynamic wedge shape and lightweight construction, gave the Aztec a theoretical top speed of 150 mph, making it not just a design marvel but also a formidable performer.
A Rare and Coveted Collector’s Item
Initially conceived as a one-off concept, the Aztec’s groundbreaking design attracted the attention of Japanese industrialist Mario Myakawa, who commissioned a limited production run. While 50 units were planned, fewer than 25 were ultimately produced, making the Aztec one of the rarest cars of its era. Chassis number 12, the example now heading to auction, spent time on display at the Shanghai Automotive Museum before being imported to the United States by the Blackhawk Collection in 2015.
Recently, the Aztec underwent a mechanical refresh by Autocouture Motoring in March 2024, ensuring that it remains in excellent running condition. This service included addressing ignition system issues and rebuilding the right-rear brake caliper, with the total work costing $4,908.18. The attention to detail in maintaining this vehicle underscores its status as a functional piece of automotive history.
A Legacy of Innovation
The ItalDesign Aztec is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of the visionary design and engineering that defined the late 1980s. With its dual-cockpit layout, advanced features, and rarity, the Aztec has influenced future concepts like the BMW Nazca C2 and remains a highly sought-after collector’s item. For those who appreciate the pinnacle of 1980s supercar design and innovation, this ItalDesign Aztec represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Elizabeth Puckett