The sleek GT car was based on the chassis and powertrain of the 4.2 litre Jaguar E-type, with a unique steel semi-monocoque body and luxurious interior.

[1] The Pirana was designed by Marcello Gandini, perhaps best known for styling the Lamborghini Countach.

Sir William Lyons was contacted beforehand about the project and agreed to sell Bertone the Jaguar engine and chassis.

The car was later converted to a 2+2 seater arrangement and the transmission changed from manual to automatic.

The wooden body buck built for the Pirana was used in the construction of an early Espada prototype.