It's not every day that a truly head-turning, show-stopping, one-of-a-kind concept car goes up for auction, but that day is coming soon.
Bonhams consigned the one and only Maserati Boomerang concept for its upcoming auction in Chantilly, France. The concept, designed by the inimitable Giorgetto Giugiaro at his Italdesign studio, debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, and resurfaced at the Geneva Motor Show the following year in fully functional form.
It was based on the Maserati Bora (by the same designer), packing a V8 engine good for 300 horsepower and 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). What really set it apart, however, was its dramatic wedge shape that could only have been penned by Giugiaro. Of course it was never put into production, but its design was said to have influenced the original Golf that Giugiaro designed for Volkswagen shortly thereafter – to say nothing of the BMW M1, DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and so many others.
In correspondence with Autoblog, Bonhams specialist Philip Kantor quoted its pre-sale estimate range at €3-4 million (about $4 million, give or take half a million, at current exchange rates). That might seem like a big chunk of change, but as Kantor points out, "It's a unique, road registered concept car by the best car designer of the 20th century, so in comparative terms it's very realistic."
We'll look forward to seeing bidding reach that range when the gavel drops on Sept. 5. For now, you can check out its sharp lines in the high-resolution image gallery above.
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Bonhams consigned the one and only Maserati Boomerang concept for its upcoming auction in Chantilly, France. The concept, designed by the inimitable Giorgetto Giugiaro at his Italdesign studio, debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, and resurfaced at the Geneva Motor Show the following year in fully functional form.
It was based on the Maserati Bora (by the same designer), packing a V8 engine good for 300 horsepower and 300 kilometers per hour (186 mph). What really set it apart, however, was its dramatic wedge shape that could only have been penned by Giugiaro. Of course it was never put into production, but its design was said to have influenced the original Golf that Giugiaro designed for Volkswagen shortly thereafter – to say nothing of the BMW M1, DeLorean DMC-12, Lotus Esprit, and so many others.
In correspondence with Autoblog, Bonhams specialist Philip Kantor quoted its pre-sale estimate range at €3-4 million (about $4 million, give or take half a million, at current exchange rates). That might seem like a big chunk of change, but as Kantor points out, "It's a unique, road registered concept car by the best car designer of the 20th century, so in comparative terms it's very realistic."
We'll look forward to seeing bidding reach that range when the gavel drops on Sept. 5. For now, you can check out its sharp lines in the high-resolution image gallery above.
THE ONE-OF-A-KIND MASERATI BOOMERANG OFFERED AT BONHAMS
5 Sep 2015, The Chantilly Sale
A signature concept car of the 1970s, the Maserati Boomerang was a one-off prototype unlike anything seen before. Using geometric shapes and ruler straight lines, its angular style made a strong statement at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. Now the Boomerang is set to cause a stir once again as a highlight lot of Bonhams 5 September Chantilly Sale.
Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring, said: "The Boomerang was the first car of its time to create such a strong, angular style statement. It's considered by many to be one of the most remarkable designs of the 20th century and the 'grandfather' to the Volkswagen Golf Mk 1. The Boomerang has been shown at many world-class events including exhibitions and concours d'élégance such as Villa d'Este and Pebble Beach, and is now offered at Bonhams first ever sale in Chantilly."
First unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor show, the Boomerang was also exhibited at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show, this time transformed to a fully operational vehicle. Developed over the chassis of the Maserati Bora, the Boomerang boasted an impressive 300bhp, and a top speed of 300km/h. With the V8 engine, the Boomerang took the best of Maserati mechanics and combined it with the imagination of Giorgetto Giugiaro. These elements created a fully functional, one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Giugiaro was discovered by Fiat Technical Director, Dante Giacosta, who, impressed by the artist's work at art school, offered him a chance to join Fiat's Styling Office. In 1959, four years later and at the age of 21, the talented Giugiaro was offered a position as manager of the Bertone Design Center, where he honed his craft by creating designs for the likes of Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, and Maserati – this grounding later lead to the innovative design of the Maserati Boomerang.
Still in working order and fully road registered, the Maserati Boomerang is offered at Bonhams Chantilly Sale, taking place on 5 September at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, held in Chantilly, France. For further information, visit Bonhams website: www.bonhams.com/chantillysale"
Entry to Bonhams Chantilly Sale is by catalog purchase only. To purchase a catalog, please visit the Bonhams website.
For tickets to Chantilly Arts & Elegance, visit http://peterauto.peter.fr/en
For further information on Bonhams motoring department, visit: www.bonhams.com/cars
5 Sep 2015, The Chantilly Sale
A signature concept car of the 1970s, the Maserati Boomerang was a one-off prototype unlike anything seen before. Using geometric shapes and ruler straight lines, its angular style made a strong statement at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. Now the Boomerang is set to cause a stir once again as a highlight lot of Bonhams 5 September Chantilly Sale.
Philip Kantor, Bonhams European Head of Motoring, said: "The Boomerang was the first car of its time to create such a strong, angular style statement. It's considered by many to be one of the most remarkable designs of the 20th century and the 'grandfather' to the Volkswagen Golf Mk 1. The Boomerang has been shown at many world-class events including exhibitions and concours d'élégance such as Villa d'Este and Pebble Beach, and is now offered at Bonhams first ever sale in Chantilly."
First unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor show, the Boomerang was also exhibited at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show, this time transformed to a fully operational vehicle. Developed over the chassis of the Maserati Bora, the Boomerang boasted an impressive 300bhp, and a top speed of 300km/h. With the V8 engine, the Boomerang took the best of Maserati mechanics and combined it with the imagination of Giorgetto Giugiaro. These elements created a fully functional, one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Giugiaro was discovered by Fiat Technical Director, Dante Giacosta, who, impressed by the artist's work at art school, offered him a chance to join Fiat's Styling Office. In 1959, four years later and at the age of 21, the talented Giugiaro was offered a position as manager of the Bertone Design Center, where he honed his craft by creating designs for the likes of Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, and Maserati – this grounding later lead to the innovative design of the Maserati Boomerang.
Still in working order and fully road registered, the Maserati Boomerang is offered at Bonhams Chantilly Sale, taking place on 5 September at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, held in Chantilly, France. For further information, visit Bonhams website: www.bonhams.com/chantillysale"
Entry to Bonhams Chantilly Sale is by catalog purchase only. To purchase a catalog, please visit the Bonhams website.
For tickets to Chantilly Arts & Elegance, visit http://peterauto.peter.fr/en
For further information on Bonhams motoring department, visit: www.bonhams.com/cars
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Featured Gallery Maserati Boomerang
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