History of the Cizeta V16T

Okay - I guess this could be considered stirring the pot a little, but I know a few pieces of Cizeta/Zampolli history myself and for this portion of Claudio's original post to be completely accurate...

...then this article covering details of the $150 Million dollar lawsuit Claudio apparently filed against Jay Leno back at the end of 1999 for hurting his reputation in the automotive world and ability to sell more Cizetas must be a false story?

More details on the lawsuit can be found here as well.

So, which is it?

>8^)
ER

 

ER, Read what Claudio wrote, this lawsuit your referring to was for slander, not the car. From what I know, Claudio has delivered on every car he has promised to do so. There is one car that he has been working on for sometime due to the client pushing back the delivery time not Claudio.

 

I kind of disagree - while the basic premise was slander, there is no way of justifying $150M in claimed damages if it was unrelated to the harm Leno's comments might have had against the business of Cizeta Automobile and Claudio's ability to sell more cars.

I can imagine that a search of a system like PACER for the text from the original complaint, that the word 'Cizeta' would be included in those documents on more than one occasion.

My .02¢ anyway.

>8^)
ER

 

Thank you to those of you, who offered your kind support and admiration of the Cizeta V16T. As many of you know, I'm not much of a talker..especially online, and I am very occupied with my work. I am very sorry that I cannot answer each of you individually as I would like to.
As for Brian, I just question his motivation for his accusations and for continuing this project in spite of these circumstances!
In regard Jay Leno, I would like very much to answer in a proper way, but some day you all will know “the end of the story” I don’t mind of someone negative opinions as Enzo Ferrari always said “I don’t mind the bad chatting about me, but as long they talking I am just fine”

Thank you for your continued support. The official website (www.cizetav16t.com) will be updated soon.

Ciao,
Claudio

 

Welcome back Claudio. Are you able to comment on the current status of the Cizeta discussed in this thread:

Feds seize Cizeta V16...

We're all very interested to see you get the car back, hopefully.

>8^)
ER

 

…The only thing I can say…the case is on the attorney’s hands!
As soon I got to know the “Verdict” Ferrari Chat would be the first
to know.

 

When will that be, any idea?
Thanks!

 

in bocca al lupo

 

Joe Sackey, You are a Gentleman and Friend, to Claudio and Brian. I hope your offer will be accepted, by both men. It's sad to see them at odds and disagreement.

Bravo to you Joe.

Ciao...Paolo

 

Thank you Paolo.

 

It's pretty obvious the challenges here.

A: Brian doesn't wish to put his name on a book that leaves out all the 'facts' he has uncovered in his research.

B: Claudio, on the other hand, either disputes those 'facts', or does not wish to have his dirty laundry aired in print.

Perhaps the solution is to allow Claudio a chance to respond directly to each item he takes issue with in the book, and Brian will agree to include that response in the text?

I don't know if that is agreeable to either side, but it seems like the kind of compromise that I would pursue if I had the chance to broker a deal like Joe has offered to do.

The way I see it, Claudio will need to be a little more forthcoming in his responses than simply stating they are 'nonsense" if that's the approach he would take to such an opportunity though.

I do hope something can be worked out swiftly as I am still in line to purchase this book and will read it with the same enthusiasm I had when I picked up my first copy of "Driving Ambition" which chronicles similar history on my favorite supercar - the McLaren F1.

>8^)
ER

 

Hey Erik!
Just a simple question…would you have bought Brian’s “coffee table” book for $800.00?
Because this is one of the many disagreement we had.
I wish Brian can com-up with any statement as you putting…”dirty laundry”
So I can fully debate without any remorse…Please “my old friend Brian” open my dirty bag, and lay down in a clean surface so everyone can see… thus I can reply and display your dirty tricks that you did to me.
more to come…………….

 

Claudio- "Dirty laundry" was my description and no one elses. It's just a metaphor - no need to be unreasonably upset about it.

I have always expected that Brian's book will not be inexpensive. Neither were the cars you have built - but I will feel lucky to be able to afford one of the two.

I've paid considerable amounts of money for motoring literature in the past - the more limited the subject, the higher the price is needed to justify the author's time and effort in researching and writing it.

If $800 is the price I have to pay to add "History of the Cizeta V16T" to my library, then I'll have to make that decision when it becomes available. Obviously Brian will have to make the determination of where to price the book and it may be a delicate balancing act between losing money (lower price), or losing sales (higher price).

Everyone who markets a product of any kind must do the same math.

>8^)
ER

 

I'm not taking any sides; however, I suggest that Claudio not dredge through this on the web. Answering Erik and Brian won't win any arguments; as in my experience, forums are a mob; and it is far too easy to hit a man while he is down. I would not want to see that happen to anybody; let alone one of the most respected Italian automotive engineers of our time.

Also, congrats on un-seizing the V16t (or at least starting the process).

If the facts are the same type of facts that the motoring journalists, and general "know it alls" know about another 1990's supercar, the Vector W8; than that leaves a lot to be desired. It changes the word "fact" into something else altogether. Even talking to some of the more available previous owners would weave an author/ enthusiast / etc. in a web of lies, or withheld truths.

Nobody wants to look as if they were wrong in print.

 

Just want to clarify, the only side I have taken is that of a Cizeta enthusiast looking forward to the book. If I didn't respect Claudio or his accomplishments, I wouldn't have any interest in buying one.

If any/some/all of my posts here have given you a different impression so far, then I apologize.

>8^)
ER

 

hey nthfinity when are you writing the definitive Vector W8 book then?

 

There isn't much of a market for it

I do have a friend with something that is more marketable; but still isn't... a 16 volume history of Packard. Who would buy all all 16 volumes? He's been sitting on that for 30+ years.

The Vector story is stranger than fiction; and might make a good movie

 

Erik…I love you!
If you are willing to pay $800.00 for the book…I may have good news for you, and others like you.
In a near future it will be available, the “history of the Cizeta and the man behind” with the good, the bad, the ugliness, and the good again! With immaculate pictures of all the delivered cars, and future production, technical drawing, and perhaps a…surprise…and it would not be that much money. Just give me some time; you all would not regret to wait for the real thing.

In regard the “thirty laundry” you stated…because Brian already mention many times about the dark side of me. Again…I invite Brian to do it now, and not on his phony book. Once in the book I obvious cannot defend myself from all the accusations, instead, he should put a bright light in that “BAG”, and expose all what he contend…But…wherever he saying, he better demonstrate the real prove and sources.

I have the copy of Brian book, and if you would read it...he put me in a big pedestal…and now he put me underground……………go figure……………

I can’t wait for the challenge!

Ciao Claudio

 

You two gentlemen both have e-mails from me.

Please consider them carefully.

 

You are right Joe!
This is it…basta…finito…I will reply to Brian one more time because I feel the necessity to do it (see bellow) and I hope that it will be the last one! There is no logic for me wasting my voluble time to argue with him…because he only can threat with no facts. At this point, my “old friend Brian”, you can do and say whenever you like, on the FERRARI CHAT or on your book. you are right…we are fortunate to live in a free country!!!
I believe I made my POINT … no more questions and no more answers…CASE CLOSE…………………..

My main focuses now…to resolve the Cizeta seizure, and I will update you all with the outcome.

Ciao Claudio

The following are some extract from emails that Brian send to me:

…“I know you and I come from different times and cultures. You took it
personally and thought it inappropriate I contact Harada, yet I looked at
is as why not, there's nothing to that would negatively impact you or this book.

I received the interview back from Harada and it was quite positive about the car and you”

Next is the aftermath:

…”If this whole thing is really about Harada, I can't help but think that
you are so upset because I uncovered something you did not want me to
know about. I'm not trying to expose the skeletons in your closet, but
simply trying to tell the Cizeta story, for which, whether you like it or not,
he is a part of. It's on your conscious - not mine - that you accepted
$100,000 deposit from the man to build a car you weren't in a position
to build or deliver” …………………

Brian, as I told you before “you are the master of betrayal”

Hey Brian! Just to refresh my memory…this Cizeta that you talking about…was not the one that you wonted to buy so desperately? and I rejected your offer when you try to put your Ferrari Mondial convertible as down payment? And the reason of interviewing Arada…was not to check if Arada still won’t the car?

…and the book deal of $800…and the airplane models sale…and the Cizeta Spyder model (which you never mention to me) and so on...was not all this to accumulate money to buy the Arada Cizeta?…am I wrong?

Next is the email send to me from Mr. Perini, he was the one who took 80% of pictures on Cizeta right from the beginning of the project, great photographer and a well known Journalist.

…”Dear Claudio,

I am simply amazed, but not surprised.

Your "friend" Brian seems to be the perfect "American Friend" who only knows
a questionable and suspicious set of values.....

I shall let him be happy with them and wish him all the best.

I can live without his dollars and even do not mind having spent so much
time and money trying to help him. I consider this as an act of charity, and
a courtesy to you.

I am sure your friend will not use a single lines base on my reports, since
he consider them "a sugar coated lie". Indeed, as a professional writer he
will be reporting "first hand news" and facts that he has witnessed himself.

On the other hand, I am not sure it is a good idea to publish another book
just to for the sake of it.

I am glad this puts an end to this chapter.

In the future, short or long term, I might consider a legal action or two,
as most appropriate against your friend.

You may forward this to your "friend", if you wish.
I would not bother, though.

Ciao

Giancarlo.

Dott. Giancarlo Perini
STUDIO PERINI
Tel. +39078998628


-----Messaggio originale-----
Da: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Inviato: mercoledì 26 agosto 2009 3.42
A: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]

 

This thread went into surreal mode real quick.

Claudio, I love the car and it's fantastic piece of engineering.. but don't drag yourself through the mud here. It's painful to watch!

Brian, I look forward to whatever you come up with.

 

Cue flashback to "Falling Down"