The Dutch design studio Niels van Roij Design presented the Guida Touring Sport (GTS) model at the Concours d'Elegance Mariënwaerdt.
It is a modified version of the Targa, based on the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa with a twelve-cylinder engine. After approximately 3.000 hours of work, it will return to its private owner in Andorra immediately after its premiere. However, the name Ferrari Testarossa is not directly mentioned, although the basis is of course unambiguous. Officially, it is said to be a “modified targa conversion based on the 1987 Italian twelve-cylinder sports car”.
The Testarossa was truly groundbreaking: after the factory initially built just one Testarossa Spider for Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli, Pininfarina produced a number of special editions, including seven for the Royal House of Brunei and a small number of other vehicles for important clients. One such Spider was sold at auction in 2022.
The “regular” Testarossa was presented as a coupé at the 1984 Paris Motor Show; a Targa version was never planned. Niels van Roij Design has carried out the transformation so consistently that it looks as if it was conceived by the manufacturer itself. The basis for this is a design philosophy aimed at original equipment manufacturers, which ensures that the Targa architecture is harmoniously integrated into the proportions and lines.
To this end, the structure of the sills, front and rear door openings, luggage compartment, central tunnel and elements under the dashboard have been heavily reinforced. The measures are largely invisible but ensure a high level of rigidity.
Authenticity was also a major focus in the materials. Classic and contemporary surfaces enhance the interior without distorting the character of the 1980s. Newly designed door panels, a freshly upholstered dashboard, custom-made pockets for roof segments and aluminium-milled levers for opening and closing panels highlight the detailed craftsmanship.
The public has already been able to follow the complex development process on the studio's social media. The GTS has now been presented to automotive journalists and enthusiasts for the first time at the Concours d'Elegance Mariënwaerdt. Accompanying hand-drawn sketches, a series of photographs and a film project illustrate the development. The visual language is strongly oriented towards the 1980s – with cinematic lighting, retro-inspired colours and characteristic period settings. The footage thus combines nostalgia with a modern production aesthetic.
Niels van Roij had the custom-made suit made. With its black fabric, subtle line structure and red accents on the inside, the suit captures the character of the Guida Touring Sport. The cut, finish and details reflect the same precision as used on the bodywork.
Niels van Roij Design is one of the few studios in the world that offers a full cycle of custom body design and production. Previous projects include the Adventum Coupé based on the Range Rover, the Silver Spectre Shooting Brake based on the Rolls-Royce Wraith, the Ferrari 550 Maranello Breadvan Hommage and the Daytona Shooting Brake Hommage, which is currently being completed.
