Lot details
- Less than 4,500 miles (7,250 km) from new
- 435 bhp V12, manual gearbox
- Service booklet and numbered cover
- Only 99 examples manufactured
In 2003, Aston Martin renewed its ties with the Zagato coachbuilder with the launch of the DB7 Zagato coupé, limited to 99 examples. Unfortunately, for certification reasons, the coupé was never offered to the American market. In order to meet this demand, Zagato produced a roadster version called DB America Roadster 1 (DB AR1), of which 99 were also produced. Final assembly was completed at the new Gaydon plant, at the same time as the new DB9s. The AR1s are powered by the upgraded GT version of the Vanquish's 435 bhp V12, the melody of which is accentuated by an active sports exhaust system, similar to that in the Vanquish. Braking is enhanced thanks to the Brembo discs and a brake booster borrowed from the Vanquish, for firmer, more consistent braking.
Many of the 99 cars are equipped with an automatic gearbox. This model, fitted with the 6-speed manual gearbox, is therefore a rare gem.
Numbered 26 of the 99, this roadster's elegant black body highlights the sculptural radiator grille, a signature of Zagato's design. The Havana leather-clad cabin is sublime: the diamond-patterned full-grain leather upholstery is hand-stitched, black carbon has replaced the wood trim and the gear knob is in aluminium (optional). It also comes with a numbered, branded cover. Registered in France in December 2015, it joined the collection of its current Monegasque owner in September 2017, at which time it had 4,287 miles on the clock. The Aston Martin will be serviced prior to the sale via the brand's network, and now has 4,500 miles on the odometer, or around 7,250 km.
Aston Martin and Zagato are two names that are interwoven into the history of the automobile, with iconic creations such as the DB4 Zagato. The America Roadster is one of the most iconic links in this collaboration, and one of the rarest.
This elegant, low-mileage model offers the pleasures of the legendary Aston Martin V12 with the unique elegance and character of Zagato.
Please note that the car is sold with its Monegasque registration document and a certificate for obtaining the French title (CPOCG). For a sale abroad (outside France), obtaining the certificate for export abroad requires additional time.
Photos © Loïc Kernen
