The relationship between Aston Martin and Zagato is one of the most enduring and legendary partnerships in the automotive world. Beginning back in 1960 with the creation of the DB4 GT Zagato, which now fetch upwards of £10 million at auction, every so often these two masters of their crafts come together to create a highly exclusive, limited production run of truly special cars. The latest Aston to be given the ‘Zagato treatment’ is the already stunning 2012 Vanquish. This quintessentially British car marque and historic Italian coachbuilding company have combined their efforts, under the watchful eyes of Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and Zagato’s President Dr. Andrea Zagato, to create what can only be described as an automotive masterpiece.

The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato has been built in 4 different body styles which include; 99 shooting brakes, 99 volantes, 99 coupes and 28 speedsters. Being just 1 of 28 Speedsters worldwide makes this by far the rarest configuration of the Vanquish Zagato range and one of the rarest modern cars in existence. The plaques on the door sills and the under bonnet of this Vanquish Speedster read “20 of 28”, a number which was customer specified on a first come first serve basis and does not relate to the order of manufacture. The Speedster is a true ‘barchetta’ which translates as ‘little boat’, meaning that this is a car purely for blue sky days or to be kept in-doors, as it comes with no roof of any description.

An entirely re-sculpted carbon fibre exterior gives this fantastically well-proportioned car a more well-rounded look, with prominent flowing lines that give the Zagato it’s show stopping road presence. This includes outstanding features such as the iconic Zagato ‘double-bubble’ speed humps rendered in exposed carbon fibre, decisively larger 3D ‘Z’ pattern front grille and Vulcan inspired ‘blade’ tail lights to name but a few. Under it’s new eye-catching skin there have also been several performance enhancing revisions, such increased power from the magnificent 6.0L V12, a more dynamic suspension setup and weight saving cast magnesium door structures. Step inside through the ‘swan wing’ doors and place the crystal glass ECU in the start button to reveal this car’s true party piece, the noise. With it’s new quad tailpipe stainless steel exhaust system, the initial rumbles and burbles on start-up give you a sense of what is to come. When the valves open at around 3500rpm, the full onslaught of this cars orchestral symphony is delivered, one of the finest road going exhaust notes you will ever hear. Overall these cars represent a fantastic investment opportunity for a serious collector or enthusiast to own a unique pair of cars overflowing with performance, heritage and style.