Description
Matching numbers engine
Present ownership since 2005
Extensively rebuilt and converted to Swiss specifications by Aston Martin
Dry stored since acquisition
Requires recommissioning
1, 097 km recorded
The Vantage Zagato relies on its Italian styling to heighten the emotions of car collectors and Aston followers alike, harking back as it does the halcyon days of David Brown patronage at Newport Pagnell when 19 DB4 GTs wore gorgeously curvaceous lightweight Zagato bodywork.
Motor.
With the introduction of the Vantage Zagato, Aston Martin renewed its association with one of Italy's most illustrious carrozzeria, Zagato having been responsible for that most celebrated and desirable of all post-war Astons, the DB4 GT Zagato. Neighbouring stands at the 1984 Geneva Salon facilitated the initial contact between Aston Martin chairman, Victor Gauntlett and Elio and Gianni Zagato, and by the following year the project had progressed sufficiently for Aston to accept deposits on the 50 cars planned. Part of Zagato's brief was to shed some of the standard Vantage's not inconsiderable weight, which was achieved by shortening the wheelbase and deleting the rear seats, thus creating Aston's first production two-seater since the DB4 GT. In doing so, Zagato was able to shed all of 168kg (370lbs) from the four-seater V8 saloon's not inconsiderable weight.
The proven 5. 3-litre four-cam V8 was to Vantage specification, producing up to 432bhp at 6, 200rpm and 395ft/ lbs of torque at 5, 100 revs. Production involved shipping the rolling chassis - complete with engine and drive train - to Zagato in Milan for bodying, trimming and painting, following which they were returned to Newport Pagnell for final inspection.
The first three completed cars were displayed at Geneva in March 1986 and in June the Zagato successfully met its design target by achieving a maximum speed of 300km/ h (186mph) while on test with the French magazine Sport Auto. A 0-60mph time of five seconds had been another target and that too was achieved, the French journalists clocking a best of 4. 8. The fact that the projected price had risen from 70, 000 to 87, 000 between the car's announcement in March 1985 and its arrival did nothing to deter the 50 customers, all of whom had paid deposits of 15, 000 by August 1985.
Eventually 52 cars would be constructed, including the pre-production '20010' and prototype '20011', though one of these ('20042') was re-created as the prototype of the Zagato Volante convertible, approximately 36 of which were made (published figures vary).
The Zagato we offer is one of three once owned by Japanese collector Mr Shogo Watanabe, who sold this car to the current vendor on 2nd April 2005. A copy of the bill of sale is on file, recording the odometer reading at that time as 880 kilometres. The accompanying car Record Card copy reveals that the Zagato was originally finished in Peugeot Gris Fume (Smoke Grey) Metallic with brown interior trim, and that it was despatched new to Japan. Curiously, the Card is annotated 'French spec'.
Soon after collection, our vendor despatched the Zagato to Aston Martin Works Service for a full rebuild to his personal order, including conversion to Swiss specification. The works included an engine rebuild to 'unleaded' specification; uprating the cooling system for 'tropical' climates; conversion to Ronal style road wheels; replacing the entire exhaust system; installing an Alpine radio, touchscreen DVD navigation and six CD autochanger; and complete overhauls of the braking, suspension and steering systems. Aston Martin's detailed invoice for 38, 054 is on file (perusal recommended). This invoice records a UK registration ('E595 XMJ') and an odometer reading of 00001 miles.
Since acquisition the Zagato has been on static display as part of the vendor's extensive private collection in the Middle East and will require recommissioning before returning to the road. Arguably the pinnacle of the V8 era, these exciting driver's cars now form the centrepiece of many important Aston Martin collections.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
NOTICE COLLECTIONS, TRANSPORT AND STORAGE Purchases will only be released when cleared funds are received.
MOTOR CARS & MOTORCYCLES
All vehicles must be collected from the Bonhams|Cars Marquee by 12noon on Monday 9 October 2023. Customers must notify BY EMAIL ONLY to Suzanne Kress , using the button below, no later than 8pm on the day of the Sale.
Please note that if Suzanne Kress hasn't received your notification on Sunday evening, all vehicles will be automatically removed to a temporary storage facility by the logistics company EXCLUTRANS BV on Monday 9 October at your expense and risk.
ADMINISTRATION AND UPLIFT FROM THE VENUE
€185 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle
STORAGE CHARGES
First 14 days
€25 + VAT per motor car/ motorcycle per day
Payment of the uplift & storage charges and transport must be arranged with EXCLUTRANS BV. Collection is strictly by appointment only and at least 24-hours notice must be given.
POINT OF CONTACT TO ORGANISE STORAGE FEES' PAYMENT & COLLECTION
THEO VAN DEN EECKHOUT – EXCLUTRANS BV
+32 9 232 01 71
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
JORIS EYSERMANS - FIBONACCI
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS OF YOUR PURCHASE(S)
SUZANNE KRESS – BONHAMS|CARS
+33 1 42 61 10 11
Susing the button below
POINT OF CONTACT REGARDING PAYMENTS
CHERYL UGGLES - BONHAMS|CARS – CREDIT CONTROLLER
+44 the details below
using the button below
IMPORTANT CARS UNDER CUSTOMS BOND
Lots 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 119, 124, 134, 145, 150, 151, 155, 169, 185, 186
• Please note that for lots which are subject to the normal local duty/ import tax on Hammer Price : as Bonhams|Cars is the guarantor of the customs duties and taxes clearance, these motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• For these cars, collection by the buyer or a third party is only possible if import taxes are paid.
• These motor cars cannot be released to the buyer or his transporter immediately after the sale.
• Please keep in mind that it takes a couple of days to clear customs.
• Please send us from now your clearance instructions.
For all enquiries relating to Customs, be they administrative or legal, please contact:
FIBONACCI
Joris Eysermans
+32 460 96 18 40
using the button below
