This inseparable duo, though belonging in spirit to different eras, will only come home together. They are created to celebrate the centenary of Zagato in 2019. The DBZ Centenary Collection consists of DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and DBS GT Zagato, whose production is limited to 19 pairs and will cost £6 million before taxes (approx. 29 million dirhams) for each duo.
If Zagato is a name that has stimulated your aesthetic and romantic sensibilities, it is now time to remember the passion that drives it. Next year, the legendary Italian design house Zagato is celebrating its centenary, more than half of which was spent in a remarkable creative association with Aston Martin. Those 58 years have given shape to some of the world’s most desirable cars, from the first DB4 GT Zagato to the recent Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake.
What better way to commemorate this landmark year than create yet another model to cherish on the occasion, and for posterity? So, Aston Martin and Zagato are coming together to create, not one but, two icons which will together comprise the DBZ Centenary Collection: the new, track-only DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and a new, road-legal DBS GT Zagato. The DB4 GT Zagato will be built at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell – the original home of the DB4 – while the new DBS GT Zagato will be produced at Gaydon, Aston Martin’s global headquarters. On one hand, it pays tribute to an icon of the past while, on the other, creating a classic of the future.
Speaking of the DBZ Zagato Collection, Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “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!”
You ask why 19, and only 19? Well, the DB4 GT Zagato was built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960s. Mighty and graceful, just 19 were built. Each of the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars will make use of a blend of David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.
First deliveries will commence towards the end of 2019 for the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and almost a year later for the DBS GT Zagato.
Originally built as an evolution of the short-chassis DB4 GT, the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation follows suit with thin-gauge aluminium body panels wrapping a lightweight tubular frame. The process employs state-of-the-art digital scanning technology, before being hand-finished in time-honoured tradition. What drives the new version? Well, an avatar of the Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 380bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential to revive an authentic experience.
As for the DBS GT Zagato, it takes Aston Martin’s most potent series production car – the brand new DBS Superleggera – as the starting point. The DBS GT Zagato will combine classic Zagato hallmarks with spectacular new signatures like a fresh interpretation of the iconic double-bubble roof, a striking front grille treatment and a dramatically truncated tail (sketch below).
Andrea Zagato, the head of the Milan-based design house, founded by his grandfather in 1919 observes: “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.”
