Aston’s exclusive Zagato race car to hit the road

Aston Martin is to put its V12 Zagato model into production – but very few buyers will be able to get one.

No more than 150 examples will be made of the car, which debuted as a concept at the Villa D’Este Concours and then took part in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race.

Each will cost from £330,000, plus all taxes.

The V12 Zagato was developed from the Vantage model and created with endurance motor racing in mind.

Powered by a 6-litre engine offering 510bhp, it is distinguished by its body, hand crafted in aluminium and carbon fibre.

In creating the shell, Aston Martin’s designers harked back to previous Zagato editions, notably the DB4GT Zagato built 50 years ago. This is particularly notable in the ‘double bubble’ cabin roof, formed form five separate pieces.

The V12 Zagato debuted at the Villa D’Este Concours on the shores of Lake Como in Italy on 18th/19th June where it won the design award in the Concepts and Prototypes class.

A week later two Zagatos were entered by Aston Martin in the Nuburgring 24 hours around the iconic 14-mile German circuit. They both reached the race end, finishing fifth and sixth in class.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez sees the Zagato as both a celebration of the firm’s past and a signpost for the future; “Such style, exclusivity and fastidious craftsmanship ensures it will be one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history,” he says.

“A fabulous celebration of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the V12 Zagato is the perfect inspiration for the next 50 years of Aston Martin,” Bez adds.

The order book is open for potential Zagato owners with first deliveries expected late in 2012.

Words by: Andrew Charman