The automotive world is filled with stories of innovation and rejection, but few are as intriguing as the tale of the Cizeta-Moroder V16T. This rare supercar, with only ten ever built, traces its origins back to a design that was initially rejected by Chrysler for the Lamborghini Diablo. The result is a vehicle that combines stunning design with a powerful 6.0-liter V16 engine making it a standout in automotive history.
The Cizeta-Moroder V16T prototype chassis 001, is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s in Monterey, California. This particular model is the only one to bear the Cizeta-Moroder name and is considered the most historically significant example of this short-lived supercar. However, as a prototype, it lacks a 17-digit VIN, which means it cannot be registered for public road use and will likely remain a collector’s showpiece.
The Visionaries Behind the V16T
The brainchild of former Lamborghini test driver and engineer Claudio Zampolli the Cizeta-Moroder V16T was a collaboration with legendary music producer Giorgio Moroder. Zampolli, who had moved to Los Angeles and opened an exotic car repair shop, met Moroder and together they set out to create a supercar unlike anything else on the road. Moroder, known for his work with Donna Summer and his Academy Award-winning film scores, brought a unique perspective to the project.
The name Cizeta itself is derived from the initials of Claudio Zampolli, representing the Italian pronunciation of ‘C’ and ‘Z’. This personal touch adds to the car’s unique identity and the passion behind its creation.
The Heart of the Beast: The Transverse V16 Engine
To make headlines, Zampolli commissioned a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine mounted transversely behind the cabin. This engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission, reportedly produced 540 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and featured 64 valves worked by eight overhead camshafts. The bodywork was designed by the legendary Marcello Gandini known for his work on the MiuraCountach and Lancia Stratos.
The design included four pop-up headlights and was three inches wider than a Ferrari Testarossa. The estimated base price in 1989 was $280,000 which, adjusted for inflation, would be around $772,000 today. This price point placed the Cizeta-Moroder in the realm of hypercars, a term that didn’t even exist at the time.
The Diablo That Got Away
The design of the Cizeta-Moroder V16T has a fascinating backstory. Gandini had originally penned the design for the Lamborghini Diablo but Chrysler, which owned Lamborghini at the time, insisted on softening the sharp-edged styling. Gandini disliked the revisions enough to walk away, later adapting many of his original ideas for the Cizeta. Ironically, Lamborghini continued to celebrate Gandini’s designs while keeping their creator at arm’s length.
Gandini revealed that he wasn’t even consulted on the modern Countach revival until it debuted, later criticizing the retro supercar for betraying the philosophy of the original.
A Car Is Born, With Jay Leno Hosting
Chassis 001 debuted in Los Angeles on December 5, 1988 during an event hosted by Jay Leno. Moroder composed an original song titled ‘A Car Is Born’ specifically for the unveiling. The pearl white prototype featured unique bodywork, lighting, mirrors, and a one-off red leather interior that differed substantially from the nine production cars built afterward.
Moroder eventually split with Zampolli before production began, leaving this prototype as the only example to wear the Cizeta-Moroder badge. He held onto it until 2026, after which it went through further restoration at Bruce Canepa’s workshop near Santa Cruz. The car was made ready for the road and later showed up at the 2026 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The Cizeta-Moroder V16T is a fascinating piece of automotive history. Had Chrysler simply signed off on Gandini’s original Lamborghini proposal, one of the wildest V16-powered supercars ever conceived may never have existed. Or maybe it would’ve had a Raging Bull badge on its nose. We’ll never know.
