Bertone Pirana

The Bertone Pirana (not "Piranha" as some sources have it) was a concept car created by Bertone for the 1967 London Motor Show at Earl's Court. The sleek 2+2 GT car was based on the chassis and powertrain of the 4.2 litre Jaguar E-type but was re-bodied with a unique steel monocoque body and luxurious interior. The Pirana was designed by Marcello Gandini, perhaps best known for styling the Lamborghini Countach. Unusually for a show car, the Pirana was commissioned as a publicity stunt by the Daily Telegraph, a leading British daily newspaper, as an example of an "ideal car." After a successful showing at the London Motor show, the Pirana was subsequently exhibited at the New York car show and then at the British Motor Show in Montreal. Some commentators credit the Pirana with inspiring the Lamborghini Espada which Bertone produced a year later.