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Autech Stelvio AZ1 by Zagato 1990
2019 InterClassics - Maastricht (NL)

Autech is a tuning and modification branch of Nissan, established in 1986, related to Nismo and mainly aimed at the Japanese market. Next to enhanced versions of Nissan production models ("Specialty Vehicle") also modifications for disabled people {"Life-care") and commercial vehicles ("Work-use") are offered.
To give the new name some publicity and credibility one unique Autech model was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1987: the Stelvio prototype. It was a Zagato design, an edgy wedge shape typical for that time, fitted on the platform of the Nissan Leopard. Autech engineers had tuned its 3-litre V6 turbo engine to produce 320 hp, making a top speed of 248 kph possible. In all however it was more of a grand tourer than a performance car, offering a 4 speed automatic transmission and a luxurious interior.
Nissan considered the prototype attractive enough to warrant a limited production run of 200 cars for the Japenese domestic market, which started in 1989. Unfortunately the car was prohibitively expensive and when production stopped in 1991 only 104 were actually made (even less according to the company selling this car, who claim only 88 were made). Some say its somewhat awkward looks were also to blame, though most of this awkwardness was a result of incorporating the wing mirrors in the front fenders, which was a Japenese preference at the time.
An absolute rarity to find on European soil, due to its very limited production which was all sold in Japan, and a fascinating example of 1980s Zagato styling.
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André Ritzinger
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Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D600
DateTimeOriginal 2019:01:11 19:01:16
ApertureFNumber f/7.1