Voiture Cizeta V16T 1988 a vendre

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Monterey Auction event, 13 - 15 August 2026.
$1,400,000 - $1,800,000 USD

The original Cizeta-Moroder prototype and show car, chassis 001; the only example badged as a Cizeta-Moroder
Owned by music producer and original Cizeta-Moroder investor Giorgio Moroder until 2022
Displayed at the 1989 Los Angeles and Geneva Motor Shows and exhibited at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Full mechanical restoration by Canepa Design in 2018; over $13,000 in service and detailing completed in 2024
A fully functioning prototype with significant differences from the production model

A CAR IS BORN

You can count on one hand, and quite likely on just one finger, the number of automobiles that made their global debut to the sound of a musical track composed specifically for that occasion—and by an award-winning composer and producer, no less.

Then again, only a single model was ever built with the backing of the “Father of Disco” himself: The Cizeta-Moroder V16T.

The V16T was in every respect a product of its place and time. Lamborghini test driver and development engineer Claudio Zampolli had relocated to Los Angeles in the 1980s, where he started a successful business servicing exotic vehicles. But his dreams did not end there: Determined to build his own supercar, Zampolli teamed up with music producer and composer Giorgio Moroder in the late 1980s and embarked on a journey to create a machine like nothing that had ever been seen before.

Moroder, for his part, was at the peak of his game, having already worked with many of the best-selling artists of the day and with three Academy Awards and four Grammy awards to his credit. Moroder met Zampolli at his Los Angeles exotic car repair shop, and their shared interest in sports cars led to discussions on creating a new supercar.

Zampolli wanted to build something that would grab headlines, and he knew that an innovative V-16 was the answer. Inspired by the engine layout of the Lamborghini Miura, Zampolli’s creation featured a transverse-mounted 6.0-liter V-16 with a five-speed manual gearbox. The stunning bodywork was penned by legendary designer Marcelo Gandini, who is also known for designing the Miura, Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos, and countless other iconic cars.

Cizeta-Moroder V16T chassis number 001, was first shown to the public at a glamorous unveiling event held in Los Angeles on 5 December 1988. Jay Leno hosted the dramatic evening, and Moroder even composed an original song for the event titled, fittingly, "A Car is Born." Chassis 001 later was displayed at the 1989 Los Angeles and Geneva Motor Shows, introducing Cizeta-Moroder to the world.

Finished in pearl white with a red leather interior, the prototype car was fully functional. Many subtle differences were made to the production V16T, however, making chassis 001 unique in its own right. Some of the exterior differences include significantly larger side air intakes with more strakes, a diagonal crease in the lower bodywork tying into the rear bumper design, different turn signals and fog lamps, and different side mirrors. Chassis 001 also has a completely unique interior, with the dashboard, central tunnel, steering wheel, door panels, and seats all different from those of the production V16T.

MORODER’S OWN V16T

Ultimately, only nine production examples of the V16T (plus the prototype, for a total of 10) were built due to production challenges and the sheer complexity of the cars. Moroder’s partnership with Claudio Zampolli dissolved after the creation of the first prototype due to frustrations over delays, and the Moroder name was dropped from the production cars, which were badged only as Cizetas. Thus, in addition to its design differences, this car, chassis 001, is the only example to bear the Cizeta-Moroder name.

Giorgio Moroder retained ownership of the car after its show duties ended, and he kept it in storage before eventually deciding to have it fully recommissioned. On the recommendation of Jay Leno, chassis 001 was shipped to Bruce Canepa of Scotts Valley, California, where a full restoration began. Canepa’s team found that, even though it was a functional prototype, there were some details which needed to be improved before it saw serious use. For example, additional heat shielding was added around the fuel tanks, and the car was mechanically sorted. It was then tested by the Canepa team after restoration to ensure it was ready to return to roadworthiness; today, it still stuns audiences, just as it did in 1988.

The V16T remained with Moroder until 2022, when it was acquired by the present consignor. Under his care, the car was exhibited at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part of the special Wedge Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes class. Prior to this, it benefited from over $13,000 in mechanical and cosmetic service, including selective bodywork refinishing, the fabrication and fitment of period-correct logos and badging, and more, all with the goal of returning it to its correct original appearance.

The Cizeta-Moroder V16T is a seldom-seen but incredibly interesting supercar, and it is also one of very few post-war 16-cylinder vehicles put into production. Representing the realization of Claudio Zampolli’s dream, and bearing the imprint and name of one of the 20th century’s most important music industry figures, this is a truly fascinating machine—historically, mechanically, and, needless to say, visually.

Chassis 001, Giorgio Moroder’s personal car and the most famous example of the model—as well as the only chassis to wear the Cizeta-Moroder nameplate—is in even more rarified company. Now offered by only its second owner from new, and having benefited from comprehensive restoration work, this is a truly spectacular opportunity for collectors. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/.

1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T | RM Sotheby's | The Monterey Auction

1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T | RM Sotheby's | The Monterey Auction

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