Good morning Paolo, introduce yourself.

Good morning everyone. My name is Paolo Zolesi, I am a 54-year-old mechanical engineer who has worked in both the automotive and aerospace fields. I have spent a lot of time around engines: for example in Formula 1 with Ferrari where I was responsible for the development of engine performance from 1997 to 2001, when we collected many world titles and where I fulfilled the dream of taking part in the victory of both the drivers’ and constructors’ world championships. I also coordinated the design of Alfa Romeo and Maserati petrol engines from 2015 to 2019, a period in which we created the V6 Quadrifoglio for the Giulia and Stelvio and the V6 Nettuno for the Maserati MC20. I am particularly proud that the patent for the pre-chamber combustion and double spark plug of the V6 Nettuno bears my signature as well. Now I manage an aerospace company and I have always had an interest in the design and construction of vehicles, so much so that I have designed and built several ones. I have always been interested in the combination of style and engineering because I think that the most beautiful shapes are born from engineering functionality and not from style as an end on its own.

Let’s get straight to the point and talk about your creation. Tell us what it is and why you decided to create a project of this type.

This project was born chasing the dream of creating my own company for the creation and production of tailored one-offs. I have always had this dream since I was a child in the 80s, ahead of the times when this idea was not the latest fashion and the period of bespoke cars and 60s coachbuilders was over. Nowadays I see a great interest in this sector and I think I had the right vision at the right time.

The Grifun GTZ wants to be the embryo of this specific idea, born to stimulate potential investors who believe in this concept and tailor-made for a particular first customer: myself. In fact, it brings back many 80s styles that are dear to me, such as the 4 square headlights and the rear spoiler, obviously interpreted in a modern key. As I said, I believe that style comes from function and the Grifun (name and symbol are a tribute to my city of Genoa and my passion for soccer, the Genoa team) has a feature in which the lower aerodynamics are divided from the upper one: in fact, the entire lower part, starting from the large spoiler/air intake has the function of conveying and optimizing the flows under the car, while the upper part is dedicated for conducting the flows in the cleanest way possible, combining aerodynamic elements as original stylistic characterizations. An example are the front wing profiles on the wheel arches and the divided rear wing that recalls the front ones.

The technical basis is a very rigid trellis frame (in which great study was devoted to the double parallelogram suspension scheme with multi-adjustable shock absorbers; the front anti-dive and rear anti-squat geometries are particularly sophisticated, in fact depending on the braking or acceleration set-up it emphasizes handling or dynamic stability), coupled with a 3.5-liter V6 Chevrolet supercharged engine capable of delivering more than 400 horsepower and located centrally in a longitudinal position. All for a weight of around 1,200 kg under a substantially analog car, with a manual transaxle gearbox and without traction control. The creation process began with a pencil sketch jotted down in 15 minutes, in a moment of leisure and then developed and designed in every detail with its real dimensions.

Did you encounter any kind of difficulty or did everything go smoothly?

Problems are part of the engineering process and often help to find new solutions. Let’s say that by designing and planning some situations are overcome; the main problem in this type of project remains that every little detail must be made specifically and you can’t go to the auto parts store and buy it. I am lucky enough to also be able to make models and many details, therefore streamlining times/costs. It is also a great excuse to study and learn new aspects.

Did you use any particular technologies?

Essentially the composites processing with materials qualified for aeronautical use and a vacuum mold system for the creation of the bodywork and mechanical processing, both CNC and manual for the mechanics.

Is the car registered for road use?

The car is approved as a unique specimen and despite its hypercar dimensions (similar to those of a Zonda, to be clear), it is very agile. I often drive it on weekends to attend some meetings where it immediately attracts the attention.

Now tell us what it feels like to drive something that belongs to you down to its smallest bolt.

It’s indescribable, it’s creating something that is like a second skin. In the end, that’s what those who produce tailor-made vehicles should do with their customers, to create something that represents them.

What kind of interventions do you consider essential during the creation of a project like yours?

There are three essential elements: a very broad engineering expertise that ranges from mechanics, to aerodynamics, to the engine and electronics, access to construction skills and competences, a certain economic availability as it is an expensive process and I would like to add a fourth who is a very patient wife, just like mine. When I’m on the creative path, I disappear in the evenings and on weekends. That’s why you have to be lucky.

What kind of advice would you give, given your experience, to someone who wants to create a one-off?

First of all, you need to have the elements mentioned above (including a wife or being single – laughs), also plan each phase as best as possible and set yourself some intermediate goals, anticipating the subsequent phases at least mentally. Then you need a great determination to complete the journey.

Do you have any other particular projects in mind for the future?

As said, my desire would be to find someone who wants to invest in creating a company for the production of bespoke vehicles. I have already defined a new project and I must say that it is something that the high luxury market does not yet offer today. Obviously for now it is Top Secret, but it would be really nice to be able to realize it.