Gozzy (Japan, United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Gozzy was a British automotive brand that operated between 1978 and 1983. The brand emerged from a collaboration between Church Green Engineering, a restoration and engineering company based in East Knovle, Dorset, and Italya Co. Ltd, a clothing manufacturer located in Tokyo, Japan. The partnership began when Italya commissioned Church Green Engineering to restore a genuine Mercedes-Benz SSK, a project that resulted in a highly regarded restoration.

Following the success of the restoration, Italya placed orders for replicas of the Mercedes-Benz SSK. To enhance the original design, automotive engineer Len Terry was brought in to modify the vehicle's specifications. The replicas featured a modified suspension system derived from the Leyland Sherpa van and were powered by a Mercedes 200 engine. The construction included an aluminum-over-ash body and custom-made spoked wheels, contributing to the authenticity of the replicas.

Despite the high-quality craftsmanship, the project faced challenges, leading to a limited production run of only six units. The starting price for a Gozzy replica was set at £30,000, but the venture ultimately did not achieve commercial success, resulting in the brand's discontinuation in 1983.