Once upon a time, coachbuilding was a thriving industry, especially in Italy with marques like Zagato, Vignale, Bertone, Ghia and Carozzeria Touring Superleggera. Today, despite the fact that the coachbuilding business isn’t what it used to be, some companies have managed to keep the flame alive. Touring Superleggera for example is showing off two unique concepts at this weekend’s (April 25-27, 2008), classic car show “Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este”.

Apart from the Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Estate / Fastback, the Milan based coachbuilder also unveiled the A8 GCS Berlinetta Touring at the classic car show. The lightweight compact coupe is inspired from Pininfarina’s jaw-dropping A6 GCS Berlinetta –hence the name.

Touring Superleggera’s modern interpretation of a classic 60’s Italian sportscar is magnificent –we could have done without the retro wheels though, and we can’t but cross our fingers and hope that this study finds its way into production as an entry-level Maserati that could take on the likes of the Porsche 911 and BMW M3.