Aston Martin DB AR1 (2003)

2003 ASTON MARTIN AR1 (AMERICAN ROADSTER 1) ZAGATO

• 1 of only 99 examples built
• Only 2.150 miles and recently service by an Aston Martin heritage dealer in Holland
• All 99 examples of the proposed limited edition were purchased at the time of its debut
• Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
• Regarded as one of the best designs that both Aston Martin and Zagato had ever produced
• The DB AR1 has proven to be a true modern collectible

Aston Martin renewed its fruitful relationship with renowned Italian styling house Zagato in 2000 after it most famously begun with the DB4GT Zagato of the 1960s, after a meeting between Elio Zagato’s son Andrea and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2001. 

The result was a stylish coupé, based on the DB7 V12 Vantage supercar, recalling the sublime looks of the original DB4GT Zagato. 

So favorable was the DB7 Zagato’s reception that it was decided to produce an open car in similar vein: the DB AR1.

Designed with the California weather in mind, and a Roadster in the proper tradition with no hood and space for just two people, the DB AR1 was previewed by a select group of potential customers to gauge reaction. The car was so well received on its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2002, that all 99 of the proposed limited edition were purchased. 

Based on Aston Martin’s existing DB7 platform, the car was powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine, which produced 435 horsepower and provided the car with a 0–60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph.

As the United States market was not offered the DB7 Zagato coupe, it was only right that Aston Martin and Zagato offer another limited-production product for their American clients, and thus, the DB AR1 was born. 

The DB AR1 was an exciting fully open roadster that remained largely similar to its closed sibling, and it was instantly regarded as one of the best designs that both Aston Martin and Zagato had ever produced.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

Finished from new in black with beige leather interior, this beautiful example was the 32rd. of the 99 DB AR1 roadsters built. 

The Aston presents in a top show-quality condition throughout, thanks to many years of preservation and proper maintenance, having just been driven 2,150 miles since new.  k

This AR1 was ordered with some factory options being:

• Coloured Brake Calipers
• Embroidered Overmats
• Aston Martin Traffic Pro system
• Aluminum Switches
• Personalized Sill Plaque
• Special 5 Spoke Zagato Rims

The Aston was delivered in the US in June 2003. In 2010 the car came to Holland via the official Aston Martin dealer. The car was sold to his 2nd. owner who kept the car till 2017.

It was then sold to a collector who has amongst other cars a variety of important Aston Martin’s including another AR1. 

He decided to sell 1 of the cars which gives the chance to a serious collector to purchase this impressively nice example. 

The Aston is complete with it’s original car cover, 2 umbrella’s, a battery charger, double set of keys and it’s original books. 

This Aston Martin AR1 is a V.A.T. car which means that NO V.A.T. has to be charged if the car is exported outside the E.U.

Companies can buy the Aston Martin on a 0% V.A.T. invoice when a valid V.A.T. number can be provided. 

CONDITION EXTERIOR

Condition wise the Aston Martin is in an overall superb condition. The car is as new both exterior and interior wise.

Every detail including wheels, grille, bonnet etc. are in as new condition without any damage and even no stone chips. 

An absolute collectors condition in a museum condition.

CONDITION INTERIOR 

The interior is finished in beautiful beige leather and it does a fantastic job of complementing the car’s exterior paintwork.

The interior boasts electrically controlled sports seats, six-speaker Becker stereo with GPS, alarm and immobilizer with remote central locking and trunk release. 

There is electronic traction control and power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Acceleration can only be described as stunning, 100 kilometers an hour arriving in just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed of 185mph makes the DB AR1 the world’s fastest true roadster of the time. 

Above all, the DB AR1 was designed to be a true ‘driver’s car’, equally at home on the autobahn or challenging back road. This is a car that requires you to look for places to go. 

Restraining this superlative high performance are equally exalted brakes: Brembo racing-style grooved discs – 335mm at the front, 330mm at the rear – gripped by alloy four-pot calipers assisted by an improved brake booster unit and moderated by Teves ABS.

We think the DB AR1 remains as popular and iconic today as when it was first built, and opportunities to acquire one are few and far between. 

This example, in excellent color scheme and with low original mileage, would be a superb addition to any Aston Martin connoisseur’s stable, we 

think this example ticks all the right boxes and surely will not disappoint condition wise.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information or an appointment, please call Rutger Houtkamp+31625098150 or send an e-mail to [email protected] Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone during evenings or in the weekend. The Houtkamp Collection is centrally located near Amsterdam and only 10 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.