Aston Martin V8 Zagato – One of 51

The connection between Aston Martin and the famous Milan-based coachbuilder Zagato goes back to the revered 1960 DB4 GT Zagato, but in the early 1980s the two companies decided to do it all again – with the Aston Martin V8 Zagato. 

Aston Martin wanted to produce a supercar that could outrun the likes of Ferrari’s 288 GTO, but its own V8 model was more English muscle car than supercar, and its bluff front and substantial weight meant that it could never achieve the desired top speed. So Zagato took a shortened V8 chassis and clothed it with a lighter, more aerodynamic aluminium body, with composite bumpers front and rear and its trademark double bubble roof.

Aston Martin V8 Zagato – Controversial looks & just 51 units

Despite a tuned 408bhp engine with quad downdraft Weber carburettors, it never quite managed the hoped-for 300km/h top speed, though a French magazine did achieve 185mph on an autoroute, in a press car rumoured to be producing more than the standard power output… Still, 51 of the V8 Zagato coupés were sold, despite controversy over its looks at the time.

A special Aston Martin V8 Zagato

Now, the looks of the V8 Zagato are more widely appreciated, and the model has become highly desirable. This car, though, is even more special, having been reworked by former Aston Martin factory engineer and tuning guru Richard Williams of RS Williams in the late 1990s. It’s one of only two V8 Zagatos known to have been extensively modified, the other being a red one previously owned and raced by actor Rowan Atkinson.

Richard converted the V8 Zagato to one of his famed 7-litre quad-cam conversions, fitting it with Weber Alpha fuel injection, to produce 525bhp and an incredible 500lb ft of torque. To keep it all together, Cosworth pistons, Carillo con-rods and a niterided steel crankshaft were part of the engine build.

Along with that, lightweight fibreglass panels and polycarbonate windows replaced the original parts, cooling to the ZF five-speed transmission and differential were improved with an oil cooler and a neat, unobtrusive vent in the rear spoiler cleverly directing air through the rear panel, and a rollcage and lightweight racing seats fitted to the interior.

Suspension was upgraded with Koni units and rose-joints, Brembo brakes were fitted and lighter OZ Racing Chrono wheels fitted.

The car was raced in the popular Aston Martin Owners Club race series, winning the V8 class, followed by more success in the Heritage GT series. Later, still with the same owner but based in New Zealand, it took part in Rod Millen’s famous Leadfoot Festival.

More recently, the V8 Zagato was restored by the renowned concours-winning Auto Restorations in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was made road-legal again, fitted with air-con and reverted back to the original panels and glass, though the lightweight items have been kept with the car. It was completed in 2011 and has been mostly dry-stored ever since.

In its current form the car is eligible for many prestigious events, such as Modena Cento Ore, Vernasca Silver Flag and Enstal Classic. It’s now back in the UK and is offered for sale with a package of spares and original parts, including the Zagato wheels.

This rare piece of automotive history is currently for sale:

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Author: Classic Trader

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