This bespoke supercar has been shown on three continents and in video games!
Needless to say, being an automobile lover with deep pockets is an extremely good thing. Not only does it afford you the opportunity to own cars like McLaren F1, but you also have the freedom to commission a one-off supercar from one of the world's best design firms and bespoke car makers: Italian coachbuilder, Bertone. That's Dan Watkins. Ten years ago, Watkins had Bertone custom build a concept vehicle based on the second-generation Corvette ZR1 (which was brand new at the time), and it was the 2009 Bertone Mantide you see here.
Today, the bespoke supercar is up for sale through Autosport Designs listed for $595,000. Not bad for a one-of-one supercar with Italian beauty and American muscle.
Originally painted in dark red, the Bertone Mantide went on a three continent tour the year it was built debuting at the Shanghai Auto Show, taking on the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb and getting a shakedown at the Nardo Test Facility in Italy before being shipped to Watkins in New York. Once in the U.S., Watkins drove the car cross country to show it off at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. A year later, the Bertone Mantide was awarded first place in the Super Car Class during the 2010 Monterey Car Week at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This car was also featured in the video game, Forza Motorsport 4.
The 2009 Bertone Mantide uses the chassis and mechanical components of a 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which include the 638-horsepower, 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 and the six-speed manual transmission. Through the extensive use of carbon fiber, Bertone made the Mantide about 220 pounds lighter than the ZR1 allowing for quicker acceleration (0-60 in 3.2 seconds) and a higher top speed (217 mph). With the exception to the window to the engine compartment, the entire design of the Bertone Manitde is unique with its flowing lines, glass canopy and massive rear buttresses. Opening the butterfly doors reveals an equally bespoke interior filled with plenty of carbon fiber and Alcantara.
Not long after it was built, the Bertone Mantide was repainted to the Bianco Fuji (pearl white) hue it wears today, which actually helps to accentuate the intricate body design better. Likewise, the interior color combinations were changed a little with less red on the dash and more Alcantara.
Here's a video of the car during the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb (*beware that the music in the video may not be age or work appropriate):
