Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato: The Ultra-Rare Coachbuilt Masterpiece

Artisanal Velocity - When it comes to rare and beautifully crafted automobiles, some names instantly spark recognition—Ferrari, of course, being one of them. But what happens when a legendary automaker joins forces with one of Italy’s most historic design houses? You get something truly extraordinary. In an automotive world overflowing with badges and horsepower wars, a unique creation like the Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato reminds us that craftsmanship and exclusivity still reign supreme. This isn’t just another limited-edition supercar—it’s a true coach-built masterpiece that blends performance with artisanal flair in a way few modern cars can match.

2007 Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato built based on the 599 GTB by Zagato. (Picture from: TominiClassics)

At first glance, the name itself stirs curiosity. Nibbio, the Italian word for eagle, seems like an odd companion to Ferrari’s prancing horse. It’s not hard to imagine someone pausing in confusion upon seeing this sleek machine glide by, wondering aloud, “Is that a Ferrari or... something else?” And that’s exactly the point. This is a car designed to disrupt assumptions. It isn’t just a Ferrari—it’s a Ferrari transformed through the eyes of Zagato, a company whose legacy stretches back over a century.

2007 Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato built based on the 599 GTB by Zagato. ((Picture from: TominiClassics)

Founded by Ugo Zagato in 1919 in Milan, Zagato started as a coach-building workshop with an eye for aerodynamic innovation and racing pedigree. The brand quickly became synonymous with lightweight construction, flowing lines, and race-ready elegance. Over the decades, Zagato partnered with legendary marques like Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, and Lancia—each collaboration producing cars that have become coveted collectors’ pieces. One of Zagato’s most recognizable features is the double-bubble roof, an aesthetic and functional signature that has graced countless iconic designs.

 

Fast forward to 2007, and the magic of Zagato was called upon once more—this time by a private client with impeccable taste and a desire for something truly bespoke. The challenge: take Ferrari’s 599 GTB Fiorano, already a marvel of engineering, and reimagine it into an ultra-exclusive, hand-built work of art. The result was the Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato—a name that now holds a mythical status among enthusiasts and collectors alike.

2007 Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato built based on the 599 GTB by Zagato. (Picture from: TominiClassics)

Mechanically, this rare gem retains Ferrari’s roaring 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, pumping out a muscular 612 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque. With this powerhouse under the hood, the GTZ maintains the exhilarating performance DNA of its base model. But what sets it apart is everything on the outside—and inside—that makes it unmistakably Zagato.

Only nine units were ever produced, making the 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato one of the most limited Ferrari models in existence. Of those nine, eight were equipped with Ferrari’s F1-style paddle-shift gearbox. The single most visually distinct example wears a stunning two-tone livery known as Blue Cavallino, featuring a deep, moody blue body contrasted by a crisp white roof. This color combination, along with the reshaped body panels and signature Zagato design cues, gives the car a presence that’s impossible to ignore.

2007 Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato built based on the 599 GTB by Zagato. (Picture from: TominiClassics)

Step inside, and you’re greeted with an interior that feels both familiar and uniquely personalized. While the core cabin architecture is Ferrari’s own, Zagato reupholstered the space in luxurious blue leather, elevating the ambiance to something closer to a grand tourer than a raw sports machine. Every surface feels intentional, every stitch a nod to bespoke craftsmanship.

Even by today’s standards, nearly two decades after its debut, the Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato still turns heads—not just for its rarity, but because it represents a meeting of minds between two of Italy’s most revered automotive houses. It’s not just about speed or styling; it’s about legacy, design philosophy, and the quiet confidence of owning something that few others ever will.

In 2019, one of these exquisite machines reportedly sold for a staggering $1.5 million. And while its price may rise and fall in collector markets, its significance as a one-off vision of Italian excellence is timeless. The Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato isn’t merely a car—it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of true automotive artistry. *** [EKA [04122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRIVETRIBE | TOMINICLASSICS | ]

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