To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$475,000 - $575,000
- The last V8 Vantage Zagato built
- One of just 15 left-hand-drive coupes
- Desirable five-speed manual gearbox
- Only 4,173 km since new
- Presented at the Quail in 2018 and the 2019 Greenwich Concours
d'Elegance
- Recent major service by RS Williams
- Aston Martin Assured Provenance on file
Modern, macho, even menacing all describe the provocative design of
the V8 Vantage Zagato when it was introduced at the 1986 Geneva
Motor Show, featuring lightweight construction techniques and the
distinctive double-bubble roofline for which the Milanese
coachbuilder is known. This model was the second in a line of
legendary collaborations between Aston Martin and Zagato. As such,
it was no surprise when avid collector Sheikh Abdul al Thani of the
Qatari royal family put in an order for one later that year�what
would become chassis number 20043.
The initial build sheets show that 20043 was ordered in Middle
Eastern left-hand-drive, manual five-speed specification. After
completion in September 1987, that car was never exported and
remained based in the United Kingdom for continental cruising.
Alas, in mid-1989, the car was involved in a dramatic road accident
in Spain. It returned to Aston Martin Lagonda's service department
with instructions to rebuild the vehicle as new�no expenses
spared.
In negotiations with the insurance company, the decision was made
to build a brand-new car reusing the existing chassis number. The
original X-Pack-specification engine was fully rebuilt and fitted
to the new chassis, which was then sent to Milan, where a
completely new body was fabricated by Zagato. Interestingly, as
Zagato were coming to the end of production of the V8 Volante
Zagato, the new 20043 incorporates several of the running upgrades
found on the later cars�including a more luxurious interior with
ebony-finish trim, Alcantara headliner, and a locking center
console, as well as the more attractive rear bumper.
In keeping with the new build, the V8 Vantage Zagato was also
ordered in different colors; the 1989 sales indent reports the
current combination of Litchfield Black over Parchment leather as
original to this car. Delivered factory-fresh in July 1991, chassis
20043 was the last V8 Vantage Zagato to roll out the door. With the
mileage starting anew, today the car shows a mere 4,200 km.
After passing out of al Thani's ownership, the Zagato was owned by
a notable Aston collector until 2017, when it was acquired by the
consignor, who invested much time and effort in researching the
fascinating history of this car. Upon purchase it was sent to
marque experts RS Williams in the United Kingdom for a full
recommissioning service, which included the fitting of four new
Michelin Pilot Sports tires subsequently mounted to
factory-supplied late V8 Vantage Ronal-style wheels. The V8 Vantage
Zagato was then presented at the Quail in 2018 and also shown in
the feature Zagato Centenary class at the 2019 Greenwich Concours
d'Elegance.
Both lighter and faster than the already-world-beating V8 Vantage
X-Pack, the performance is staggering and was compared in the day
to that of the Ferrari F40. Certainly among the lowest-mileage
examples extant, this V8 Vantage Zagato is offered with historical
and maintenance documentation, the original Zagato-exclusive
Speedline wheels (FOB Massachusetts), rare handbook, and tool
roll�carefully preserved from new and recently recommissioned by
experts.
Please note that Aston Martin Assured Provenance has recently been
issued for this lot. Also note that due to California emissions,
this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.