Only one of these decadent Zagato-Jaguar hybrid cars exists after its creation was result of an accident
Published on Sep 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Sep 18, 2025 at 7:54 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Henry Kelsall
Only one of these remarkable and decadent Zagato-Jaguar XK140 hybrid cars exists, mostly because its creation was the result of an accident.
Zagato is a famous Italian coachbuilder, famous for producing incredible bodywork for various cars, be they an Alfa Romeo or an Aston Martin.
This particular car started out as a Jaguar XK140 Coupe, but after its owner had an accident, he decided to commission Zagato to rebuild it.
They did this to coachbuilt standards, and only two were ever made, although sadly, one has been lost forever.
DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars
How did this incredible Zagato-Jaguar hybrid car become reality?
Italian dealer Guido Modiano had a Jaguar XK140 sports car that had been involved in an accident, and it needed rebuilding with fresh bodywork.
Rather than have the standard bodywork on the sports car, Modiano decided to commission Zagato to rebody it.
Equally lavish was the interior, which took on a very decadent theme, coated in full suede.
The car was so striking that Modiano took it to the 1957 Paris Auto Salon.
A brochure was then made up for more potential conversions.
But as it transpired, the project would only extend to one extra car.
The coachbuilders built just two of these Jaguar coupes
In the end, the whole project finished after just one more conversion, this time using an XK150 coupe.
After that, Zagato would focus on other designs, and the two Jaguars disappeared from public view.
Many thought they had been lost for good.
However, the lost XK140 was found by Scott Gauthnier in a service garage in Florida.
Thankfully, the car was mostly complete, with much of it stored in boxes, including the suede interior.
The car would soon recieve a full restoration, which was completed in time for it to be shown at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours.
Gauthnier still owns the Zagato-Jaguar.
He has been lucky to put a good number of miles on it and drive it as it was intended.
Ghia has also produced three XK140 coupes, with these designed by Giovanni Michelotti.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
