Copper would be right down the bottom of the list with balsa wood when you think of materials that could be used to build a high-performance grand tourer, but Italian design house GFG Style has used exactly that to create one of the most unusual Maserati-based cars ever made.

Called the Peralta D, the striking one-off creation is the work of Fabrizio Giugiaro, son of legendary automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, whose portfolio includes the stainless-steel-bodied DeLorean DMC-12.

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The Peralta D was commissioned by wealthy entrepreneur and collector Carlos Peralta, who previously worked with GFG Style on the equally distinctive Peralta S, a bespoke creation based on the Maserati MC20 supercar.

Both vehicles carry their owner’s surname, with the letters holding special significance. The S was dedicated to Peralta’s sons, while the D represents donne, the Italian word for women, in recognition of his daughters.

Unlike the mid-engined Peralta S, the latest project uses the front-engined Maserati GranTurismo as its starting point. GFG Style hasn’t released detailed performance figures, although the exhaust outlets suggest the it retains the petrol-powered GranTurismo’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 rather than the electric drivetrain from the Folgore.

The unusual bodywork could also add considerable weight compared with the standard Maserati. Underneath the hand-formed copper panels is a carbon-fibre supporting structure mounted over the GranTurismo’s aluminium chassis. Mirrored glass and sharply defined surfaces give the car a futuristic appearance, while the geometric alloy wheel designs draw inspiration from the 1970s.

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Inside, the Peralta D retains elements of its Maserati origins but receives a dramatic makeover featuring copper-coloured finishes and rich brown upholstery. Luxury touches include an illuminated passenger vanity mirror and a dedicated champagne holder.

Fabrizio Giugiaro explained that the project built on the relationship established during development of the Peralta S. “We wanted to build on that stylistic journey by exploring the expressiveness of a fascinating and complex material like copper,” he said.

“The challenge was to combine a minimalist aesthetic – characterised by clean lines and elegant details – with cutting-edge functional solutions to create a true 2+2 Gran Turismo coupé.”

The result is an unusual combination of traditional Italian coachbuilding, modern performance-car engineering and extravagant personalisation. With only one example commissioned, the Peralta D won’t be appearing in Maserati showrooms or joining the company’s regular model range.