2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Coupe

Ugo Zagato was born into a poor family in rural Italy. He later moved to Germany where he turned his attention on metalworking. He later moved to Turin and Milan, where he developed and understanding and appreciation for aerodynamics and lightweight aluminum. His designs focused on form and function, inspired by race-winning designs that married aerodynamic principles with attractive and elegant creations. His designs caught the attention of Aston martin's David Brown. Aston Martin had won at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1959 and Mr. Brown wanted to continue this level of competition. He commissioned Zagato to redesign the short-wheelbase DB4GT. The car made its debut at the 1960 Earl's Court Motor Show in London and 19 examples were built. Although the car enjoyed racing successes, Mr. Brown would wait for over two decades before commissioning Zagato to work on another project.

Carrosserie Zagato of Milan joined again with Aston Martin in the 1980s after a two-decade absence, to create the V8 Vantage Zagato in both coupe and Volante versions. This was followed by the DB7 Zagato models in 2002. Subsequent models from this union have followed, some being the most exclusive Aston Martin models built.

In 2016, Aston Martin and Zagato presented a concept at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Italy's Lake Como. It had coupe bodywork and design created by Zagato, including the 'double-bubble' roof and signature wraparound glass. Aston Martin design cues included the grille shape and side strake that traverse from the wheel arch to the door. Design inspiration was taken from the track-only Vulcan and road-going One-77, including the 'bladed' LED taillights and the side mirrors that appear to magically float in the air.

After Villa d'Este, the company announced that 99 coupes would be built, with convertible, speedster, and shooting brake models would soon follow. Each of the coupes were built at Aston Martin's Gaydon, Warwickshire factory. 15 examples were earmarked for the United States market. Power was from an uprated, 592 horsepower version of the company's V-12 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The horsepower was handled by CCM brakes hiding behind the 20-inch alloy wheels.

This particular 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is example number 48 of the 99 built. It is a United States market example with fewer than 100 miles on its odometer. It is finished in Shell Grey and still wears its factory-fitted 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero tires. It had two Aston Martin crystal keys, a separate key for a valet, an umbrella, custom license plate bracket for its front bumper, and its original books and tools. When new, this car sold for $775,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019