Ercole Spada, Designer of the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato, Has Died at 88
His designs cover everything from Astons and Alfa Romeos to more accessible cars including from Mazda and Nissan.
A prolific designer, he helped shape some of the best-known designs from Zagato during his tenure there.
Improving on the design of an Aston Martin DB4 GT is a nearly impossible task. While the later DB5 would become the icon, thanks to the Bond franchise, the GT version of the DB4 is a stunning machine, and not to be messed with. This did not stop a young Lombardian named Ercole Spada from taking up his pen, and if he felt the weight of the task at hand, he didn't show it. He styled the DB4 Zagato, even prettier and more delicate, and a car worth millions today.
Spada died last week at 88. The portfolio of his life's work extended from near-priceless collectibles to special little cars practically anyone can own. He is not as well known a designer as a Giugiaro or Gandini or Pininfarina, but his legacy stands shoulder to shoulder with Italy's best. In particular, his work for Zagato is some of that company's best.
The DB4 Zagato is probably the most famous Spada design, but he also styled the Lancia Fulvia Zagato, of which some 7000 were built. Far more rare is the Alfa Romeo TZ (for Tubolare Zagato), a lightweight high-performer that's like a pint-sized, four-cylinder Ferrari 250 GTO.
Spada worked for Zagato until 1970, after which he joined BMW as Munich's chief stylist. Here, he was responsible for perhaps his best-known creations, the E32 7-series and the E34 5-series. The E34 in particular is a near-timeless example of design, especially for a modern car. This generation of M5 is just a stunning machine.
Spada helped design Fords and Volvos and Lancias and even a Nissan, everyday fare as well as sporting specials. One of his more accessible designs is the Mazda MX-3, a car which is possibly due for a little more respect as an accessible collectible. With its tiny optional V-6, this little hatchback offers something of the spirit of the Alfa TZ for about what you'd pay for a used Ford Escort.
Many a student of automotive design has seen and been influenced by Spada's work. His cars can fetch $10 million at auction and be displayed at Pebble Beach, or cost just barely into four figures and show up at a Radwood-style event. You have to think any car designer would be proud of such a broad and lasting career. He dared to improve on an Aston Martin, and that daring never left him.
You Might Also Like
Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades
How to Buy or Lease a New Car
Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Deadly early morning crash and fire in Oakland shuts portions of Highway 13 and 580
A fatal car crash that ended in a fire shut down portions of state Highway 13 and Interstate Highway 580 in Oakland early Wednesday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP said that around 3:10 a.m., patrol officers learned about a car that had crashed on northbound Highway 13, just north of I-580. The vehicle reportedly caught fire following the crash. The transition between northbound Highway 13 and westbound I-580 was shut down, with no estimated time of reopening immediately provided. Motorists are advised to expect delays in the affected areas and seek alternate routes while authorities continue to clear the scene and investigate the crash. There were no further details about the fatal crash immediately provided.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tesla is Paying Up to Keep Elon Musk's Eyes On the Road
First came the stick, now comes the carrot. A 24 karat gold carrot. After prominent Tesla shareholders earlier this year threatened to oust CEO Elon Musk if he couldn't give the electric vehicle firm more of his very divided attention, the company's board on Monday approved an interim stock award to Musk worth roughly $30 billion in a bid to keep his attention. It comes just as Tesla faces an endless obstacle course of roadblocks and speed bumps. READ ALSO: AMD Joins Chipmakers Struggling to Impress Traders With Upbeat Earnings and Trump's Moonshot Ignites Nuclear Stocks Rally Flat Tires During the company's second-quarter earnings report last month, Musk admitted the company may be headed for 'a few rough quarters.' In a chat Saturday with customers and retail investors, longtime Tesla engineering executive Lars Moravy was a smidge more optimistic, saying, 'We take big swings… We're in a big swing moment right now with autonomy, Robotaxis, with Optimus, and with Semi.' The company's EV business, on the other hand, looks like it's in a major downswing — not just ahead, but right now. On Monday, new preliminary data released by China's Passenger Car Association showed that Tesla delivered just 67,886 units from its massive Shanghai manufacturing gigafactory in July. That marks the sixth shipments decline in the past seven months, and an over 8% decrease year-over-year as the company continues to face steep competition from Chinese firms like Xiaomi and BYD. It's more evidence of an overall sales slump — total deliveries were down 14% year-over-year in the second quarter, while automotive revenue fell 16% year-over-year — a problem that looks likely to persist moving forward: Monday also delivered the news that the newest model of BMW's iX3, an electric SUV, will offer a driving range of about 497 miles with a maximum charging rate of 400 kilowatts — blowing away the Tesla Model Y's roughly 386-mile range and 250 kW charging rate. That makes BMW just the latest competitor to out-innovate Tesla in the battery department, and adds to the evidence that Tesla's Model Y refresh earlier this year didn't pack a big enough punch. The Model Y typically accounts for about two-thirds of Tesla's car sales; Cox Automotives estimates that Model Y sales in the US were down 15% year-over-year in the second quarter. Stay Awhile: In other words, Tesla shareholders have a lot of reason to hope Musk sticks around (Monday's compensation package only vests if he stays in an executive role for two more years, and compensates somewhat for the $56 billion pay package still stuck in Delaware court legal limbo). It seems that Tesla's board thinks of the company a lot like how a Florida jury last week thought of the company's Autopilot cars: Not quite ready to drive itself. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive delivering razor sharp analysis and perspective on all things finance, economics, and markets, subscribe to our free The Daily Upside newsletter. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Panerai Unveils Two Watches Honoring The Italian Navy Aviation Branch
Panerai's two newest watches – The Submersible Marina Militar (PAM01697) and the Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech (PAM01698) – are inspired by Aviazione Navale, the Italian Navy's aviation branch, which supports the Italian Naval fleet with aircraft that extends its reach and capabilities in difficult environments. Both timepieces are powered by the P.900 caliber automatic movement, integrating expansive functions with streamlined proportions. The movement measures 28mm with a thickness of 4.2mm. The movement boasts a three-day power reserve achievable through a bidirectional oscillating weight stored in a single barrel. Its balance wheel, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, is fixed in position by a balance cock. The caliber is equipped with a stop-second function that enables precise time setting. The main difference between the two watches is the choice of material for the cases. The 44mm case for the PAM01697 is constructed from brushed 316LVM – 1.4441 stainless steel. The unidirectional rotating bezel is paired with a matt green ceramic disk. The case for the 44mm PAM01698 is made of Carbotech, a Panerai proprietary material crafted from carbon fibers that the brand says is both lightweight and robust. The manufacturing process of Carbotech. It involves compressing carbon fiber sheets at a precise temperature and high pressure along with PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone), a polymer that reinforces the composite, enhancing its strength and longevity. 'The resultant Carbotech plates boast superior mechanical properties and performance in terms of strength-to-weight ratio,' Panerai said in a statement. The watchmaker adds that this allows for a comfortable ergonomic fit while being resistant to tough wear conditions. Notably lighter than titanium and ceramic, Carbotech is designed to offer substantial resistance to external forces and corrosion. Its uneven matt black surface, which varies according to the cutting of the material, results in a slightly different appearance for each watch. Both timepieces feature green-grained matte dials with a black gradient finish inspired by Aviazione Navale aircrew flight gear and helmets, as well as the Marina Militare signature at 6 o'clock. Gray Super-LumiNova, taking after the colors of Aviazione Navale aircraft, enhances legibility in low-light conditions, while the small seconds counter's design resembles a radar display, with an engraving of the historical Aviazione Navale aircraft's anchor. The dials' applied indexes are wider by 20% with an expanded Super-LumiNova surface. The casebacks are engraved with the Aviazione Navale wings emblem, a first for in Panerai watches. Designed for deep-sea exploration, the watches are water resistant up to 30 bar (approximately 300 meters). As with all Panerai watches, these timepieces are tested to more than 25% of their stated water resistance. The two Submersible watches are matched with green canvas straps with distinctive T/T stitching, inspired by the Aviazione Navale military uniforms. They are both paired with a second black rubber strap. The new timepieces are in keeping with Panerai's association with Marina Militare (the Italian Navy). An association that began in the early 20th century and continues more than 100 years later. Initially the company founded in Florence, was tasked with designing precision instruments for the Italian Navy's missions. To do this, Panerai pioneered technical solutions that enhanced military operations in extreme conditions and environments. This partnership extended beyond watches, encompassing innovations such as technical equipment and landing systems for aircraft carriers and helicopters capable ships. In 1935, Panerai developed the Ref. 2533 prototype, which resulted in a timepiece that could withstand the rigors of underwater missions. Panerai says it continues to honor this legacy through timepieces that combine robust engineering with contemporary functionality.
