5935cc DOHC V12 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
460bhp at 6,800rpm
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes


*One-off Zagato Aston Built for the 2004 Geneva Salon
*EPA/DOT Certified for Show or Display
*Fully operational concept/prototype
*Only 13,000 miles from new


ZAGATO AND ASTON MARTIN

Now in its 96th year, Zagato has rightfully earned its existence as one of very few surviving coachbuilding houses. That it has persisted where others did not can almost certainly be attributed to the fact that its designs have always been fresh, different and of the very finest quality. And in what may be the ultimate expression of life imitating art, even today, founder Ugo Zagato's name sounds exciting, edgy and modern. Pioneering designs such as the solution to increasing localized head room by creating twin roof bulges brought the expression 'Double Bubble' into existence, a rare example of the coachbuilder creating a hallmark that extends beyond the car brand.

While other houses also created incredible designs for various car manufacturers, frequently in today's collector car market it is the combination of Zagato with the brand that is most prized and for more than 50 years an association with Aston Martin has existed since their collaboration on nineteen DB4GTs in the early 1960s.

This connection was renewed in the 1984, when it is said that the neighboring stands at the Geneva Salon inspired contact between Aston's boss Victor Gauntlett and the Zagato brothers. Two years later at Geneva, a prototype was shown again in Geneva, and following sufficient receipt of deposits a production run of 50 distinctive V8 Vantages was made. And, in the 2000s again the relationship was forged with the DB7 V12 Vantage Coupe and AR1 Roadster of which 99 cars were built.

Against this backdrop of production cars, there have also been the occasional one off projects between the coachbuilder and manufacturer, this stunning car is one such collaboration, but more a case of what could have been, than an intended rarity.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Bonhams is proud to present its latest offering of an important and unique Aston Martin with the unique Vanquish Zagato Roadster Prototype, a car which is its own intriguing piece of history.

With its successful history at Geneva, following in the footsteps of other collaborations Zagato unveiled this new Aston Martin at the 74th edition of the Geneva Salon in 2004. Nori Harada, Automotive Chief Designer of Zagato and Peter Hutchison, Design Manager at Aston Martin had reworked a former testbed Vanquish coupe and to the delight of onlookers, they proposed a truly 'convertible' open car.

Contemporary reports were extremely complimentary - Alistair Weaver of Streetsmart recorded 'This model is much more than just a show-stopping concept--it has even been windtunnel tested to make sure that the cabin is buffet-free. An integrated hardtop is employed during winter months, and this is replaced in summer by a curvy double-bubble of hardened glass and a soft material cover. This cloth top stows in the boot when it's not in use.' (It should be noted that the alternate tops were not actually seen, nor remain with the car)

Noted journalist Winston Goodfellow had the opportunity to test drive the Aston later that year and wrote very favorably of his experience in this car. 'take it out for a drive on an Italian autumn afternoon ... I would immediately line up to buy it'.

At the time he quoted Andrea Zagato as having found the car's creation to have been somewhat of a challenge 'because the Vanquish is such a beautiful car' and 'I have great respect for Ian Callum's work', the 'challenge was to get the right proportions. The nose is so lovely, and that meant we had to have the right proportions in the rear'. Commenting on the aesthetics Goodfellow astutely observed how Zagato had so cleverly crafted a car that indeed had such perfect proportions - 'the steep rake of the A-pillar screams speed, and the haunch over the rear wheels keeps the strength of the design' evolving its stealthy looks into a truly 'pretty car'.

Winston's on the road souvenirs are as ever witty and insightful 'without the roof you hear the exhaust burble at idle, a marvelous impersonation of a Riva motorboat waiting at the dock.' then, 'in less than a mile it is obvious a topless Vanquish is a surreal, ethereal experience' and 'More intoxicating is the V12's song. Hidden at low speeds by that lovely exhaust, the engine emits a fabulous muscular deep growl that fills the cockpit in a way Vanquish coupe owners can dream about'. He concludes with two sentiments, one of disappointment that after his drive a conversation with Aston's CEO confirmed that they had too much on their plate for the Zagato Vanquish to enter production, but more positively 'I've always been a huge fan of the Vanquish, and Zagato's Roadster takes it to another level'.

Echoing Goodfellow's comments, the tale goes that despite numerous order requests to Zagato, Aston Martin had too many other projects in the works to consider an open Vanquish, as we now know it would be a decade before they offered a convertible version of this model.

Unfazed, Zagato chose to continue to showcase the car and it was imported to America to be displayed on the upper lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2004.

It was there that the current owner fell in love with the car and through extended negotiations was able to acquire it. Complying with its temporarily imported status the car returned to Italy before being reemitted to the U.S. and was correctly imported by an Aston Martin dealer in Massachusetts, on EPA/DOT regulations as a 'show and display' vehicle. It has resided in this original and single private ownership ever since.

Over the course of 8 years of his ownership the car has been shown occasionally, with highlights including display here at The Quail - A Motorsports Gathering in 2013. Recently it was demonstrated by Bonhams in Manhattan as part of a showing of this auction's highlights, where again it received rapturous attention. In all and despite regular but modest exercising it has totaled a mileage of just over 13,000.

It is amazing to think that 11 years have passed since this stunning and unique roadster made its debut at the Geneva Salon, and all the more sad to think how many people could have enjoyed its striking styling. However, that decision, means that the honor of ownership will always be the privilege of one person, and today that one person can be you!