All images courtesy Ares Design
Inspired by the spirit of La Dolce Vita, the Ares Wami Lalique Spyder is a luxury vehicle that defies contemporary automotive trends – less car, more art piece. A collaboration between Ares Modena and legendary French crystal maker Lalique, rather than chasing speed records or flaunting cutting-edge technology with its nostalgic silhouette, retro-styled roadster the Wami instead pays tribute to iconic cars of the 1950s and 60s while incorporating remarkable craftsmanship by Lalique – and marks the first time the glassware company has completely outfitted a production car.
Blending Lalique’s artistry with Ares’s excellence in car design and technology, Silvio Denz, Lalique’s chairman and CEO, describes the collaboration as the ultimate luxury accessory. “This very special collaboration perpetuates the work of René Lalique, whose iconic car mascots were some of his best-known pieces created in the twenties.”
Eschewing the trend of turbochargers, Ares prioritizes the engine’s characterful feel and classic sound: under the hood, the Wami boasts a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter straight-six engine, delivering a modest 231 hp. But what truly sets the Wami apart is its bodywork. Crafted entirely from aluminum and carbon fiber at Ares’ Modena Centro Stile factory in Italy, the long bonnet, distinctive front grille, and vintage wire wheels with chrome accents are some of its most distinguishing features.
The Ares Wami Lalique Spyder Exudes a Timeless Elegance
Lalique added extra layers of luxury – 13 crystals handcrafted at the Lalique factory in Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace adorn the bodywork, wheels, and interior. English oak, fine Italian leather, and carbon fiber are also featured in the cockpit, contrasting with the crystals to amplify their appearance.
“As a young child, I was captivated by the cars driven by the film stars in the 1950s and 1960s, during that wonderful and carefree era known as La Dolce Vita,” said Ares Executive Chairman Waleed Al Ghafari. “This admiration led us to design and develop a car like no other – a retro-styled roadster that not only pays homage to some of the most beautiful cars ever created but one that incorporates remarkable artistry and craftsmanship from Lalique.”
With only 12 cars slated for production, which can be ordered with bodywork in colors including Mediterranean light blue as shown, prices start at €445,000 (or around $484,000), the Ares Wami Lalique Spyder mirrors the rarity of the 1950s legends it seeks to emulate – classics like the Maserati A6GCS Frua Spider and the Ferrari 250 GT California – and keeps the art of coachbuilding alive more than 70 years on.
