Zagato’s final ‘Sanction Lost’ Porsche sees light of day

Zagato, the illustrious Milanese styling house, has recently unveiled the conclusion to their ‘Sanction Lost Trilogy’ for the Porsche 356 in Venice, Italy. Specifically, this new model is the Sanction Lost interpretation and tribute to the original 356 Abarth Carrera GT/L, a car with a unique connection to Zagato.

The Sanction Lost story began twelve years ago when American collector Herb Wetanson approached the carrozzeria with an idea to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the Porsche engineering firm by reviving a lost 356 that represented the first official collaboration between Porsche and Zagato.

Claude Storez

In 1958, French gentleman racing driver Claude Storez had commissioned Zagato to create a new, streamlined body for his 356 Carrera Speedster. The resulting car featured aluminium coachwork that was much narrower than that of the standard car and as usual for Zagato designs, was more capable in the world of motorsport. The Speedster proved this point by almost winning the Tour de France. Subsequently, however, matters took a turn for the darker…

On his way to an event, Storez was involved in an accident that damaged the front-right corner of the Porsche. Thus, some repairs were made, with some believing that larger tyres were fitted in preparation for the event. During the race, the car left the road, resulting in its driver’s death. After this event, this special Speedster was never to be seen again.

Revived

Some fifty years later, the Sanction Lost project would revive the Porsche-Zagato story with recreations based upon period designs by the styling house. As a result, both speedster and coupe models were introduced, with ten of each being produced.

Special suite

The final part of this trilogy is one surrounded with mystery. It is a tribute to the 356 Abarth Carrera GT/L, an extremely rare sportscar that was brought about due to a change in regulations for GT racing. Naturally, this recreation is a perfect example of Zagato’s extraordinarily meticulous process for the Sanction Lost programme that combines both traditional coachbuilding techniques with modern technologically sophisticated methods.

This car debuted at a special presentation in collaboration with The Venice Venice Hotel. In dedication to the GTL, Zagato and The Venice Venice Hotel have opened a new suite celebrating both the car and legendary carrozzeria intertwined in its history.