Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera has revealed its latest project and it’s called the Sciadiersia. Literally translating as Shah of Persia, the model is inspired by a previous commission of bespoke Maserati 5000GTs completed by Touring in 1958. Ordered by the then ruler of Iran, a total of three units were completed and they form the inspiration for this new car, which Touring Superleggera says is a four-wheeled version of the Orient Express.

Starting life as the two-door Maserati GranTurismo coupe, the Sciadipersia shares that car’s 454bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine and six-speed ZF automatic or single-clutch semi-automatic gearboxes. The interior is also based heavily to the GranTurismo sharing a similar basic layout, albeit finished with luscious waxy leather and solid polished aluminium trim pieces.

Subscribe to evo magazine Subscribe today to have every issue of evo delivered straight to you. You'll SAVE 39% on the shop price, and get evo for its original cover price for a whole year! Subscribe now

Sign up for our newsletter Get regular updates, news and top reviews. Sign Up

> Click here for our preview of the 2018 Geneva motor show

From this point though the changes are far more substantial, as Touring Superleggera has completely redesigned the body, based on the 1958’s low three-box silhouette and a substantial amount of glazing. The main body’s simple horizontal crease is a distinct contrast to the muscular haunches and aggressive snout of the GranTurismo.