This is the 1993 ItalDesign-BMW Nazca C2 Spider, a one-of-a-kind project car that was first ever displayed in 1993 Formula One Grand Prix held in Monte Carlo. The Nazca project was developed by Italdesign-Giugiaro studios, while under licensing from BMW. The project began by using the design language of the Bugatti ID90 concept which debuted at the 1990 Turin Motor Show, and applying it to a more feasible project. The first car of the series, the 1991 BMW Nazca M12, was the first car to be designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro (26 at the time), the son of the well-known Italian designer, and founder of ItalDesign, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Fabrizio, with some guidance from his father, was inspired by formula 1 and group C cars, enabling him to create a low-slung curvaceous and aerodynamically efficient design, with a drag coefficient of Cd=0.26. The M12 was first shown at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, and boasted a low-slung carbon fiber body, semi-gullwing-style windows with conventionally hinged doors, a 295hp BMW 850i V12 engine, and a beautiful glass canopy. One year later, at the 1992 Tokyo Motor Show, an updated, and revised model was presented, called the C2, featuring new bodywork and a more powerful Alpina-tuned 345hp 5.0 L M70B50 V12. The C2, at around 220lbs lighter than the M12, featured with fixed racing seats, and other characteristics designed to enhance the cars performance. Finally, in 1993, at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, the Nazca C2 Spider was revealed, shown here. This time, the car featured targa-style removable glass panels and no rear glass cover, which allowed for a perfect open view of the now even more powerful 375hp 5.6L S70B56 V12. The Spider variation featured even more enhancements, such as a modified intake manifold, a roll bar, and a 6-speed gearbox as opposed to the 5-speed unit used on the previous C2.
How many made? M12 (3x), C2 (1x), C2 Spider (1x). 5 total (publicly).
Engine: 5.6L S70B56 V12
Debut: 1993 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Top Speed: n/a
0-60: n/a
Photo credit: @smevcars
Research: @rarecarsonly