Gigliato (Japan) - AllCarIndex

Gigliato Design Co. Ltd was established in 1987 by Nobuo Nakamura, a former designer at Isuzu, with the aim of creating a Japanese counterpart to the Italian carrozzeria. The company was based in Fukaya, Japan, and focused on automotive design and production.

The first significant model developed by Gigliato was the Aerosa sports coupe, which was initially showcased in 1989. Following positive feedback, the Aerosa was refined and officially launched at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle featured a centrally mounted American-made Ford V6 engine with a displacement of 3 liters, producing 220 horsepower. It utilized a tubular chassis, complemented by aluminum stressed panels and fiberglass bodywork, and was equipped with an all-independent suspension system using double wishbones.

In its pursuit of expansion, Gigliato announced plans to collaborate with a Formula 1 constructor in the United Kingdom, although this initiative did not materialize. Instead, the company established an office in Düsseldorf, Germany. At the 1997 Geneva Motor Show, Gigliato revealed that Lamborghini had signed a letter of intent to produce the Aerosa. However, this partnership was ultimately hindered by Audi's acquisition of Lamborghini. The 1997 iteration of the Aerosa featured significant upgrades, including a longitudinally mounted 4.6-liter V8 engine that generated 330 horsepower and a 6-speed gearbox, marking a shift from the previous transversely mounted engine configuration.

Gigliato ceased operations in 1998, concluding its brief but notable presence in the automotive industry.