1973 Fiat Zagato Aster Coupe Prototype #02

The previously unique Fiat Zagato 132 Aster Coupé returned to the spotlight in 1973 with a refined version showcased at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show.

Building upon the original 1972 prototype, this second iteration incorporated subtle yet meaningful design evolutions that reflected Zagato’s continued exploration of form and function.

Originally conceived as a collaboration between Fiat and the legendary coachbuilder Zagato with head of Design, Giuseppe Mittino, the Aster Coupé was based on the Fiat 132 platform, a newly launched executive sedan that served as the mechanical foundation. Though never intended for series production, the Aster was envisioned as a rolling statement of design and engineering.

Giuseppe Mittino is known for his designs of other prototypes such as the Ferrari Zagato 3Z Cabriolet, Ferrari Zagato NART Coupe and the Alfa Romeo Zeta 6 Zagato but most notably, the 1984 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato that would be an artistic and commercial success for Aston Martin.  

The 1973 prototype retained the fastback coupe wedge silhouette and sharply angular lines that defined the 1972 version but introduced refined detailing and a more cohesive overall aesthetic. Finished in a vivid orange paintwork, the Geneva car commanded attention with its vibrant colour and subtly updated bodywork. 

Crafted with lightweight aluminium panels, the car reflected Zagato’s emphasis on performance and craftsmanship. Inside, the minimalist velvet interior and driver-oriented layout, remained largely unchanged, underscoring the prototype’s focus on driving engagement.

Mechanically, the 1973 Fiat Zagato Aster Coupe continued to use the Fiat 132’s 1.8-liter inline-four engine with twin overhead camshafts, producing around 100 horsepower. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and housed in an alloy-bodied chassis, the Aster’s lightweight build and aerodynamic wedge shape contributed to a surprisingly agile drive. 

While Fiat ultimately chose to produce the Bertone-designed X1/9, the Zagato Aster remains a bold and imaginative alternative, a vision of what a 1970s Italian grand tourer could have been. The 1973 Geneva version of the Fiat Zagato Alster Coupe represents a refined yet striking version of the original concept, still very true to the original form. 

Today, and rather uniquely, both the 1972 and 1973 Fiat Zagato Aster Coupés are available and survive as extraordinary time capsules. 

Preserved in unrestored condition, yet fully roadworthy and in use, they offer an authentic glimpse into an era of bold automotive design, as a pair or on their own.

Both the 1972 and the 1973 prototype come out of long-term ownership with the same owner. Having covered just 30.652km from new, the 1973 Zagato Prototype remains in beautiful, time warp condition. 

This is a unique opportunity for the enthusiast or collector to participate in one of the major concours events. Both cars are eligible for major concours events, the 1972 prototype having already appeared at Villa d’Este, both cars are poised for continued recognition as rare expressions of Italian automotive design.

A FIVA Identity card from 2015 confirming the identity and ownership history of the 2^nd Protype, is included. 

Registered with current Swiss registration documents.

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