Broad Arrow is proud to present a curated mix of rarely offered and significant collector cars, including opportunities that will resonate with historic racing fans and marque loyalists alike at its two-day Monterey Jet Center sale. With offerings across every category, we’re excited to highlight the desirable Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection, offered as one lot, estimated at $4,800,000 – $5,500,000.
The relationship between Aston Martin and Carrozzeria Zagato may seem like a romantic dalliance rekindled every few years leading to the creation of an exquisite limited production supercar, yet it wasn’t always this way. In fact, the very first pairing of the two in 1960 was an extremely practical concern. At the time, John Wyer was the Race Department Manager for Aston Martin and had successfully turned the DB4 into a proper GT race car by shortening the wheelbase and removing significant weight. Yet Wyer, who would go on to lead the Gulf Ford GT40 and Porsche 917 programs, thought the DB4 GT could go one better.
Enter Zagato and Ercole Spada. The Milanese design house and coachbuilder enlisted the then 23-year-old Spada to clothe the DB4 GT in thin aerodynamic aluminum Superleggera coachwork, reducing weight further and, while likely not part of the design brief, yet completely expected, created one of the most beautiful sought-after GT racers of all time. Since setting the tone from its debut at the 1960 London Motor Show with the DB4 GT Zagato, the combination of Aston Martin the constructor and Zagato the carrozziera has carried forth throughout the decades, sometimes polarizing, often theatrical, and always lusted after.
1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation
Yes, the DB4 GT Zagato is a spectacularly pretty design, furthering Touring’s standard DB4. As the saying goes, “What’s fast is beautiful,” and the DB4 Zagato was certainly both. Powering the early 1960s racer was an uprated Tadek Marek-designed 3.7-liter straight-six with an increased 314 horsepower over the standard 240. The lightweight racer was perfectly created for early 1960s GT and endurance racing yet, so too were the Ferrari 250 GT SWB and 250 GTO which often played the foil. The life of a top-level racing car is often a short one and no matter how attractive, production numbers are often low. Only 19 examples of the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato were produced in period, yet nearly 60 years later, the flame between the two companies would reignite in the form of 19 additional DB4 GT Zagato Continuations, inspired by the 100th anniversary of Carrozzeria Zagato.
Announced at Audrain’s Newport Concours in October 2019, the DBZ Centenary Collection would combine both old and new in myriad ways. The collection pairing comprises a track-only DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and a contemporary DBS Superleggera-based DBS GT Zagato that retailed at an impressive £6.1 million. All 19 pairs were quickly snapped up. Those fortunate enough to place an order for both were notified that the DB4 GT Zagato would be delivered first—but not before artisans and craftsmen at Aston Martin’s Heritage Division would invest 4,500 labor hours in each. Aston Martin took great pains to describe the great efforts expended to properly capture the essence of the originals stating that, “Each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars are being built at Aston Martin Works to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.”
As the first piece of the DBZ Centenary Collection, the build specification book forms a photographic record of this DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, chassis number DB4/GT/0239/L, from start to completion. It reveals the Zagato’s 1.2-mm thin aluminum body is finished in Caribbean Pearl (PPG 1318BB), a timeless period-correct shade that today, often appears on modern Astons that emerge from the Q division. Furthermore, the left-hand-drive Zagato was outfitted at Newport Pagnell with an Obsidian Black Semi Aniline upper leather interior with lower elements upholstered in Connolly Blue leather and Blue carpeting. Period correct Smiths gauges are set within a black crinkle finished dashboard framed with a wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel. Intended for the track like the first DB4 GT Zagatos—yet offered with a Florida title—the integrity of the car is maintained by a lattice-framed roll cage and for the occupants, the carbon fiber seats are perhaps the only overt displays of modernity in the entire package. Elsewhere, the changes from the original are extremely subtle. Engine displacement is raised by a full liter from the original, now sweeping 4.7 liters. Engine power is raised to an impressive 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm (an increase of 76 from the original 3.7-liter unit) with torque now an equally impressive 360 lb-ft. The rest of the technical package follows suit with a similar clear direction. The competition-specification four-speed gearbox is non-synchronized, the heim-jointed suspension provides detailed feedback through the silver-painted Borrani wire wheels with jewelry-like polished lips.
Offering stunning looks, build specification, and performance in equal measure, chassis number DB4/GT/0239/L epitomizes the soul of both Aston Martin and Zagato. Offered with a current Florida title with just 63 test and delivery miles at the time of cataloging, it is the polar opposite of a board room decision and the antithesis of assembly line production. It is an unprecedented opportunity to acquire a true limited production hand-built automobile created with all of the skill, patience, and personality of its illustrious forbear.
2020 Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato
The 2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera received such unanimous praise it would seem the odds of improving it to be nil—yet the same was likely said about the DB4 GT before Zagato entered the picture. It’s easily understandable. In its “standard” form the grand tourer with sports car athleticism offers an exceptional 715 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12, that transports the carbon fiber-bodied lightweight from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds on the way to an incredible top speed of 211 mph. Furthermore, it features a riveting shape that exudes both form and function with effortless style almost expected from any Aston Martin.
Zagato once again faced the challenge of crafting a special version of the DBS that lived up to the prestige of their name for the DBZ Centenary Collection. Yet, that is precisely what they have achieved. The new Aston, named the DBS GT Zagato, forms the second half of the DBZ Centenary Collection with production restricted to just 19 pairs.
The DBS GT Zagato features Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof—an iconic design feature originally intended to make room for a racing helmet. On the DBS GT Zagato, carbon fiber stretches seamlessly from the windshield edge to the rear, where a rear window is replaced entirely by cameras and video displays for rear visibility. Echoing Zagato’s signature styling, the hood also features the double-bubble motif. Bold rear haunches enhance its aggressive stance, while a reimagined version of Aston Martin’s iconic grille and unique aluminum wheels designed specifically for this model complete its striking appearance. Just as in the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, engine power is increased over the standard model with the contemporary DBS GT Zagato now pushing 760 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque from its 5.2-litertwin-turbo V12 power unit through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The interior features several “firsts” for the automaker including configurable carbon and metal 3D-printed interior finishes representing “…the pinnacle of traditional Aston Martin material craft, combined with pioneering technological innovation.”
Naturally with such a success on their hands, Aston Martin and Zagato were highly complimentary of each other with Aston Martin Executive VP and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman stating “It is the modern expression of a timeless icon.” Andrea Zagato, CEO of the Design House, commented “Aston Martin’s elegance, class and purity of style have always blended perfectly with our own rationalistic design language.”
Designed in concert with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, the DBS GT Zagato is finished in optional Caribbean Pearl and a Dark Knight leather Monotone cabin that mirrors the Black / Blue interior livery of its counterpart. Additional exterior selections include Silver Anodized Fender Blades and Matte Black and Silver wheels with Silver centerlocks. Exterior Carbon fiber elements include Exposed Gloss Carbon Fiber Tailgate and Exposed Gloss Zagato Double Bubble Carbon Fiber Roof. The interior features the now-famous Silver 3D Printed Trim Inlay at an additional cost of £25,000 along with Embossed Zagato Headrest Logos. Perhaps most incredible is that the car is offered with only 227 miles at the time of cataloging.
As in the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, the specification of the DBS GT Zagato enhances the classic and modern aspects of the car, setting a new standard for the collaboration between the two automotive titans. Zagato’s creations are often polarizing, yet it would be difficult to find an individual not immediately enamored with this expertly executed modern take on the British-Italian recipe—especially when offered as a pair as the factory intended. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Milanese coachbuilder and six decades of partnership with the British marque, this must be the finest collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato.
From rare classics to modern supercars, 170 collector cars will be offered during this exciting two-day event. Visit broadarrowauctions.com to browse the full catalog and register to bid.
