2004 Aston Martin Vanquish Roadster Roadster

The Vanquish is one of Aston Martin's true hallmarks. Zagato is one of those hallmark coachbuilders that has managed to not only last, but become engrained into the consciences of those always seeking elite touring automobile designs. Combine the two together and decades of nostalgia and prominence become irresistible.

Over the course of its nearly 100 years of experience, Zagato has introduced a number of innovative features that have been an amalgamation of both form and function. Aston Martin has always had a reputation for much the same combining refinements with pure, raw performance. Its cars have been pieces of art in and of themselves, but they have also been fierce competitors on the track. Zagato and Aston Martin, having so much in common, had joined forces numerous times in the past. In 2004, they would come together again to create something unique, something that would help redefine the Aston Martin brand.

Working with Aston Martin, Victor Gauntlett and the Zagato brothers had created the Vantage that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Salon during the 1980s. The Vantage would return in the early part of the new millennium. However, a new and remarkable design was in the wings ready to make its appearance in 2004.

Nori Harada and Peter Hutchinson came together to create a special Aston Martin for the 74th Geneva Salon in 2004. Based upon a Vanquish coupe, the design would be truly unique as it would be a convertible Zagato Roadster, a 'true' convertible.

A buffet-free cabin, an integrated hardtop, the Zagato double-bubble hardened glass cover and a fully hidden cloth top would be just some of the aesthetic features of the Vanquish prototype.

Modern performance features, including electronic fuel injection, a six-speed manual transmission and a 6-liter DOHC V12 engine, producing more than 450hp at 6,800rpm would all come together to create one fantastic and evocative ride.

The inspiration of imagination would come in 2004 with chassis SCFAC13391B50PP19 and the Geneva Salon. This is that partnership coming alive once again.

The steep rake of the windshield, the aggressive haunch at the rear and all of the other audible clues that go along with the look as a result of the 'quiet' cabin all make for sensory overload.

Garnering praise by nearly all who had the opportunity to drive it, the Zagato Vanquish Roadster would remain exactly what it started out life as—a prototype. Despite the sensations caused by the exhaust note and the simple, and yet, aggressive lines, people would be ultimately left wanting as the car would never enter production as a result of Aston Martin's busy production schedule at the time. Therefore, Zagato's Roadster Prototype would remain an inspiration and cause for wonder of what might have been.

In what was perhaps one of the greatest teases, Zagato would continue to have the Aston Martin shown all around the world. This would include an appearance at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and a few other stops along the way.

At Pebble Beach, there would be an individual that would absolutely fall in love with the car and would stop at nothing to have it. Talks would go on and on with either side unwilling to yield. Yet, finally, the negotiations would be done and the car would be imported through a Massachusetts Aston Martin dealer and then on to its current owner.

Shown here and there, including an appearance at the 2013 Quail—A Motorsports Gathering, the Vanquish has remained a near and dear possession. However, as of 2015, and Bonhams' Quail Lodge auction, the one-off Vanquish would become available for sale.

Just eleven years on from its debut in Geneva and with just over 13,000 miles, the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Roadster Prototype would be a very special offering at the auction and this would result in a sale price, inclusive of buyer's premium, of $660,000.

By Jeremy McMullen