That looks like an old car...
Well, yes and no. You're looking at the iconic - and rather beautiful - Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, the racer that was produced in the early sixties. According to Aston, only 19 official examples were made. Well, now there's going to be another 19, as Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell will build a limited production series, called the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation.
Awesome. How much?
Six million of the queen's pounds. Plus taxes.
HOW MUCH?!
I've only told you, quite literally, half the story. The DB4 GT Zagato Continuation is part of the Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection, a collection that covers just 19 pairs of cars and celebrates the 100th anniversary of Zagato. The first half of the pair is the DB4 GT Zagato, due for delivery at the end of 2019, and the second is a brand-new model we have yet to see (other than a design sketch buried in the image gallery), called the DBS GT Zagato.
Cripes. Tell us more about that.
As the name suggests, the DBS GT Zagato will be based on the underpinnings of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, so that presumably means a twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 producing in the region of 725hp and 900Nm of torque. It'll feature a new grille design, a truncated rear end and Zagato's characteristic double-bubble roof. And though the 19 buyers of the Centenary Collection will have to wait until the end of 2020 to get their hands on the DBS GT Zagato, it will at least me a road-legal vehicle.
Do you mean to say...
Yes, I'm afraid that the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation will not be homologated for use on the public road. Instead, if its buyers want to stretch its legs beyond the boundaries of their (presumably vast) personal grounds, it'll have to be at a race circuit. But the good news is that it looks like Aston plans to subtly update the DB4 GT's performance and quality, while manufacturing the car as authentically as possible. It'll have a Tadek Marek-designed inline six-cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder under the bonnet, sending over 380hp to the rear wheels. A four-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential will also be included.
Fabulous. What has Aston got to say about it all?
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer, said: "Aston Martin and Zagato is a uniquely dynamic union. One that unites the former's love of proportion and clean, simple forms with the latter's daring and maverick eye. Never afraid to push the boundaries, the partnership has resulted in some fabulous cars. Most recently the quartet of Vanquish Zagatos, which spanned the extremes of design expression with Coupe, Roadster, Speedster and Shooting Brake versions. However, Zagato's centenary demanded something extra special, and the Zagato Collection is just that: One car that pays tribute to a timeless icon; another that writes a fearless new chapter for future generations to admire."
Andy Palmer, Aston Martin's President and Group CEO, added: "The partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato is one of the most fruitful and enduring in the automotive world. With Zagato celebrating its centenary next year, what better way to celebrate this landmark - and the long-standing bond between our two great companies - than creating these 19 pairs of cars. As an engineer I would always say my favourite Aston Martin is the next one, but I have to say I'm struggling to think of a finer two-car garage than this!"
And what about Zagato?
These days, Zagato is run by Andrea Zagato (grandson of the company's founder). He said: "Great Britain has always appreciated our work. In particular, I must say I'm honoured and very proud that Aston Martin has chosen to celebrate our long-standing partnership with this unique DBZ Centenary Collection."
Shane O' Donoghue - 19 Sep 2018