As the name suggests, a driving simulator is designed to evoke the feel of a particular machine without having to actually sit inside the original car. It’s by no means intended to replace the real thing, but instead serves to enhance a customer’s appreciation for what the original represents.
Fancy sitting behind the wheel of one of these? [Image: Sotheby's]
That’s what the Leggera eClassic Simulator strives to achieve, one of nine simulators crafted (by hand, mind you) by famed automotive design house Pininfarina at its facilities in Cambiano, Italy. Built in partnership with The Classic Car Trust (TCCT), the eLeggera Simulator aims to bestow upon drivers the sensation of driving an iconic automobile, whether on a leisurely trip or in competition on a virtual race track.
The simulator is based on the Cisitalia 202, a two-seat grand tourer that made its debut at the 1947 Paris Motor Show. It’s important to note that, despite the original 202’s stature as a ‘rolling sculpture,’ it was not a commercial success at the time. As a coachbuilt model, the car was prohibitively expensive, with only 170 examples made between 1947 and 1952.
The Cisitalia 202's ultra-exclusive numbers make it a true classic
But it was special, standing as one of the most sterling examples of a one-piece coachwork body shell, with curves and swells replacing the sharp edges otherwise present on conventional bodies. This legacy of evoking speed lives on in the eLeggera Simulator, with a one-seat open cockpit that channels the sports cars of years past. No paddle shifters can be found here, as drivers rely on standard manual gear shifting and a three-pedal layout.
There’s a vintage Hanhart chronometer on the dashboard, accompanied by a starter button. The Nardi wooden steering wheel is a nice touch, as is the Conolly leather in Marrone Tobacco hue surrounding the driver’s seat. Outside, the entire shell is presented in the enduring Argento Vivo color that defined classic cars then and now. Completing the simulator experience is a widescreen television monitor providing an incredible driving experience.
Drivers are surrounded by classic leather upholstery and a widescreen display [Image: Sotheby's]
Some courses to expect when sitting behind the wheel of the eLeggera Simulator are famed tracks such as the Spa, Nürburgring, Brands Hatch, and 1960s-inspired Monza. As to why the eLeggera Simulator exists, the rig is meant to celebrate 90 years of Pininfarina founder Battista Farina’s start in automotive design.
Such a momentous occasion deserves no small change. In fact, the eLeggera Simulator is currently up for auction at Sotheby’s, with a maximum bid offer of 150,000 Swiss francs (Php 8.1 million). No reservations are allowed, but you do get access to The eClassic Club, benefitting from an online community of collector car buffs with training sessions, races, and casual group drives. If you have the cash and are in the mood for weekends of retro racing, the Pininfarina eLeggera Simulator could be right up your alley.
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