1972 Maserati Boomerang by ItalDesign

Developed over the chassis of the Maserati Bora, it is an extreme dream car, irrational, able to reach a top speed of close to 300 kph, thanks to its powerful 8 cylinders engine and 310 hp. First presented as an epowood model at the 1972 Turin Motor Show, it became a one-off and was exhibited five months later at the Geneva Show of 1973.

The recess on the hood of the Iguana, the front end and belt-line shape of the Tapiro, the whole of the Caimano are the inspirations of the Boomerang. The wedge shape underlines extreme performances guaranteed by the powerful engine and taut lines taken to the extreme. Drawn almost exclusively with a roller rather than with curves, it is more a sculpture than a car.

The windshield rises in an excessive rake: 13º, 2 degrees less than that of the Manta. Glass manufacturers were to consider it heresy as, in their opinion, it would cause significant visibility problems. Giugiaro would have to await the production of the Lotus Esprit (1975) to offer material proof that he was not a heretic but simply a realistic innovator.

The interior saw radical choices, as well. Only the rim is visible on the steering wheel, a circular instrument panel with the speedometer/rev counter unit occupying the upper half lodge in the middle. During this period, the automobile industry began to deal with safety questions. For the Boomerang, Italdesign developed a divided steering column connected by a chain, a complex idea technically speaking but fundamental in keeping the column from moving backward in the event of a frontal collision.

The large, central steering wheel disc was also conceived to create a space for an airbag. The Boomerang's wheel rims deserve mention: looking like sculptures, they are undeniably the best of all those made by Giugiaro.

Source: www.italdesign.it

Images: ItalDesign; Mario Buonocunto; www.shorey.net; Lotusespritturbo.com