Much as this site is dedicated to the everyday motoring that we all do, sometimes out of necessity, sometimes for pleasure and on the odd occasion, both at the same time, it’s often inspirational to look at the kinds of dream motor car that we might purchase if that elusive lottery win ever comes to fruition. Up here in MotorMartin Towers, MotorMartin can often be found compiling together his dream garage. Although it does change on nearly a daily basis. Some days they’ll be a classic Aston, some days a modern Aston but there’s usually an Aston of some description. So when Aston Martin were looking around for somewhere to discuss their latest creation, Aston Martin naturally came knocking here at the Towers. And what a pleasant bunch they were.
Aston Martin have informed MotorMartin today that a limited series production of the exhilarating Vanquish Zagato Coupe; the latest creation from its long-standing partnership with the prestigious Italian design-house Zagato, is to be released.
Unfortunately, it would appear that Aston Martin were unable to find and book a suitable venue here in Bradford, West Yorkshire in time so the Vanquish Zagato Concept was unveiled to great acclaim at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como, Italy in May 2016. Thanks to unprecedented customer interest, which could hardly have been a surprise, a strictly limited production run of 99 cars will be built to order at Aston Martin’s production facility in Gaydon, England.
Aston Martin have shared with MotorMartin that the Vanquish Zagato is the fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades, pairing Aston Martin’s acclaimed dynamic and material qualities with Zagato’s signature design language. As well as spectacular sporting ability, Vanquish Zagato showcases the very best of Aston Martin’s bespoke luxury. It would certainly appear to be a partnership that compliments both companies.
The collaboration with Zagato began with the beautifully muscular DB4 GT Zagato racing car of 1960 – now valued at over £10 million -, and includes the V8 Vantage Zagato launched in 1986, the 2002 DB7 Vantage Zagato and the V12 Vantage Zagato revealed in 2011. A quick click on the following will direct you to the heritage pages of Zagato’s website and MotorMartin recommends that you spend a little time gazing at the creations therein.
The Vanquish Zagato, MotorMartin has been told, is a powerful addition to that portfolio; a GT car that blends Aston Martin’s inherent refinement and capabilities with Zagato’s characteristic design details, born out of racing and honed over many years of creating elegant luxury sports cars. Aston Martin’s 6.0L V12 powertrain has been uprated to increase its output to 600PS1, capable of delivering a projected 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds. This added performance matched to a unique suspension setup will create a unique GT driving experience specific to the Vanquish Zagato model. A GT experience that will be truly unique.
The design of the production Vanquish Zagato will be closely related to the concept exhibited at Villa d’Este. With proportions that remain quintessentially Aston Martin. The new bodywork is entirely shaped from carbon-fibre, with the split lines on the body significantly reduced by the use of large one-piece panels.
Aston Martin have informed MotorMartin that other design details include new lights with round tail light reflectors that evoke the classic Zagato rear view, using the same ‘bladed’ LED technology as the Aston Martin Vulcan, while the wing mirrors are closely related to the units developed for the One-77. The Vanquish Zagato’s sculptural rear end has a close relationship to DB11’s aerodynamic profile, complete with retractable spoiler and rear hatch for easy access to the luggage compartment. Rippling carbon fibre sills run around the lower body to create a pronounced line from front to rear, with a quad-exhaust nestling within the curvaceous shapes. The overall effect is quite stunning in my opinion.
As you can see from the accompanying images, the Vanquish Zagato’s glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor, enhancing its aggressive stance. A new evolution of the classic side strake runs from wheel arch to door just like the new DB11 and a detail originally showcased on the celebratory CC-100. A sharp crease on the rear wheel arch transforms into the rear flanks, where it meets the cascading roofline.
The roof features the iconic ‘double-bubble’, its shallow radius dipping into the rear window glass to give the car an unmistakeable rear silhouette. A Zagato trademark since the early 1950s, originally arose from the need to accommodate racing helmets with a minimum impact on the aerodynamic profile.
And it’s not just the exterior that looks stunning as inside, the Vanquish Zagato embodies the fine tradition of Aston Martin craftsmanship, replete with many singular touches. Herringbone carbon fibre is paired with shadow and anodized bronze and optional aniline leather to give the facia, vents and rotary dials a rich material quality. The Vanquish Zagato is also defined by the unique ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch used on the seat and door sections, as well as the celebrated trademark Zagato ‘Z’ embossed on headrests and stitched into the centre console.
So what are we left with then, MotorMartin can certainly subscribe to the view that the new Vanquish Zagato is a significant new chapter in the history of the two marques, a truly exclusive sporting GT that promises to be an iconic and highly sought after Aston Martin. Customer deliveries will begin in the first quarter of 2017 so best get saving up.
Well done then to Aston and well done Zagato, the Vanquish Zagato is a truly stunning creation that will, for the lucky few, most certainly offer them a unique and beautiful driving experience.
Where will you go?