In terms of design, concept cars have a reputation for being unique. But not all of them make it to production, despite their popularity. One of the most famous concept cars was the Lamborghini Marzal, which recently appeared in public for the first time since 1967. The car was driven at the Monaco Grand Prix to much acclaim. The car itself is a representation of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s genius. We’re looking into the history of the Marzal to see how it was created.
Design
Early on, Ferruccio Lamborghini had decided he wanted a car that would be the star of the 1967 Geneva Motor Show. He enlisted the help of renowned designer Marcello Gandini to construct his vision. Gandini focused on a four seater and consulted Lamborghini engineer Paolo Stanzani.
The duo decided that in order to make room for four people there needed to be half a Miura engine. The V12 was cut in two and transversely mounted behind the passenger compartment. This led to the creation of a 2-litre six-cylinder engine block, turned 180 degrees in order to work for the Marzal’s layout. The Marzal was based on a modified Miura chassis, with the glass area being created by the Belgian company Glaverbel. The car was completed by a set of huge Bertone gullwing doors.
A car to remember
When the Marzal appeared in Geneva it captured the public’s imagination. Named after a fighting bull, the Marzal came to Monaco, with Lamborghini convincing Prince Rainier III to drive it on the circuit. Then, it returned to the factory for an evaluation, being tested by engineer Bob Wallace, only to be found inappropriate for production use.
The motor was displayed at the 1967 Earls Court London Motor Show, as well as in Brussels and Belgium. Although the Marzal was meant to be shipped to the US, it was impounded at the docks in Genoa. This happened because of paperwork problems and a missing tax payment.
Eventually, the Marzal ended up in the Lamborghini museum until the company went bankrupt and the car was sold off. At this point, the Marzal was heavily corroded. Eventually, it found its way back to Lamborghini for full restoration.
The Marzal’s importance can’t be understated, serving as the inspiration for cars like the Espada. It may not have made it down the production line but at least we can still see its influential presence out on the roads thanks to this.
