If the standard 599 GTB Fiorano embodied Ferrari’s golden-era V12 ethos, the Nibbio GTZ feels like a love letter to the days when visionary drivers commissioned bodies to match their dreams. Zagato’s re-interpretation is not a simple aesthetic flourish, but instead is a deep re-imagining that was available in both coupé and spyder, giving the new car entirely different personalities on top of their neck-breaking road presence. Even some of the most decorated of car spotters may have only seen one or two, and yet Car Collector AG proudly showcases both variants up for grabs.
The hallmark double-bubble roof has been distilled into elegant bodywork of the 599, tapering like aerodynamic tail fins of old endurance racers and Mille Miglia champions. The bodywork, which is made of hand-formed aluminium, delivers that delightful Zagato paradox; muscular yet minimalist, purposeful yet romantic. Nothing has been over-styled, nothing has been forced, and instead, a clean, almost architectural language invites the eye to linger over every surface.
Of course, adding to the theatrical bodylines lies Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12, a masterpiece of mechanical symphony capable of surging past 8,000rpm with ease. Yet the Nibbios are not merely an exercise in chasing numbers, it is about sensation. With a mere 15 examples believed to exist, nine coupes and six spyders, each example is a personal celebration of taste and patronage. The Nibbio Zagato is not destined for showroom plinths or rotating displays at concours lawns alone, it is a car to be driven and seen by adoring fans around the world, standing out in the best possible way amongst some of the best backdrops, be it a winding alpine pass or sun-drenched coastal road.
Whether you opt for the Burgundy Metallic over Ice Blue leather coupé, or lust over the reversed Ice Blue Metallic over Burgundy leather Spyder, the cars complement each other perfectly, meaning the only true way to acquire such special cars is to obtain both, as it would feel almost wrong to split up these siblings. As millennium-era Ferraris continue to grow in popularity and price, examples such as these are becoming harder and harder to find, with many being tucked safely away into collections ready for their prices to rocket.
