1993 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Vantage Volante

One of only Five cars produced

Chassis Number: SCFCV81Z0KTR30042 Engine Number: V/585/0042

With the introduction of the Vantage Zagato in 1986, Aston Martin renewed its association with one of Italy's most illustrious Carrozzeria : Zagato. The famous designer and coach builders who were responsible for the creation of the most celebrated and desirable of all post-war Aston Martins, the beautiful lightweight DB4GT Zagato.

Neighbouring stands at the 1984 Geneva Salon facilitated the revival of the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato. By the following year the project had progressed sufficiently for Aston to accept deposits on the limited edition of 50 production cars planned. The first prototype was unveiled to the public with great success at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1986. The factory then went on to further development including track testing and whilst on a memorable test with the French magazine "Sport Auto" achieved an impressive maximum speed of 186mph (316kph).

Zagato had created the first production two-seater since the DB4GT. The 5.3-litre four-cam V8 was, naturally, to Vantage specification, producing a mind-bending 432bhp at 6,200rpm. The manner of its installation though, created a certain amount of controversy at Newport Pagnell as the existing Zagato design featured a low sloping bonnet, penned in the expectation of a fuel-injected engine, but to produce a "Vantage specification" a revised bonnet design had to take place to clear the Vantage's quartet of Webers.

Predictably, given the huge success of the Coupé, a Zagato Volante was not long in coming, initially intended only for the fuel-injected 320bhp engine, the Volante avoided its sibling's bonnet bulge, unless of course, a customer specified an engine in Vantage tune. The Volante was intended to be even more exclusive than its coupe cousin - 25 were planned initially, as opposed to 50 coupés. Due to the high demand worldwide, a total of 37 had been built by the time production ceased in 1993, making this one of the rarest and most desirable of open super cars as well as an exceptionally collectible Aston Martin.

# 30042 is one of only five Zagato Vantage Volantes constructed by the factory with the Vantage engine specification. A letter on file from AML Ltd states: 'factory records show the modifications to engine and bodywork etc were carried out prior to delivery to the first owner. The car was sold new on 1st August 1993 to the first registered keeper, Mr Michael A Johnson of Dundee. Stamps in the accompanying service book record visits to the Murray Motor Company in January 1995 (at 2,841 miles), Donaldson & Evans in June 1996 (at 3,425 miles) and Works Service in August '96 (at 3,745 miles) when the speedometer was replaced.

In July 1996 the car was acquired by the previous owner. Subsequent AMWS bills on file include one for converting the engine to unleaded compatibility, and we are advised that other Works Service modifications include;

- Sports handling pack

- Extended (deeper) boot spoiler

- Straight-through stainless steel exhausts system with revised tailpipes.

In addition, the car boasts a Momo steering wheel, wind deflector and Sniper wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres (original wheels/tyres also supplied). In June 2006 #30042 was serviced by The Car Works (at 10,501 miles) and for the past four years has been in storage. A further service was carried out on 7th, May 2011 by The Car Works.

Finished in Metallic Black with matching leather interior, this ultra-rare Zagato Vantage Volante is a stunning low mileage example and would be a wise addition to any serious Aston Martin Collection.

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1970s Aston Martin fitted leather luggage set:

http://www.vintageseekers.com/products/aston-martin-fitted-luggage