A 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato with just 600 miles is being offered for sale through Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee. One of only 50 production coupes built, the rare model showcases the bold styling created by Italian coachbuilder Zagato and remains largely untouched since it was originally completed.
A Distinctive Collaboration Between Aston Martin and Zagato
During the 1980s, Aston Martin continued exploring unconventional design and partnered with Zagato to create a new interpretation of the V8 Vantage. The result was a dramatic departure from the Zagato-bodied DB4GT of the 1960s, reflecting the styling trends of the era.
The example now available has accumulated only 600 miles. Approximately 250 of those miles were added during road testing as part of its recommissioning after spending years largely untouched following production.
Lightweight Construction and Performance
Although based on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage chassis, the finished Zagato coupe was about one foot shorter than the standard model while retaining the same wheelbase.
Complete chassis were shipped from Aston Martin to Milan, where Zagato fitted mostly aluminum bodywork. The front and rear fascias were constructed from fiberglass, while flush-mounted glass and a more streamlined body helped reduce aerodynamic drag.
Power comes from Aston Martin’s 5.3-liter V8 equipped with the “X-pack” specification, producing 432 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. At the time, it represented the highest output of any production Aston Martin engine and gave the V8 Vantage Zagato a claimed top speed of 186 mph.
Extremely Limited Production
The V8 Vantage Zagato was first shown as a concept at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show before entering production two years later.
Aston Martin built just 50 production coupes, in addition to two prototypes, while Zagato also produced 37 Volante convertibles.
Although this particular car was assigned a 1987 build slot, it was not registered until 1990. It has had three owners, with each contributing very little to its total mileage.
A Rare Chapter in Aston Martin History
Aston Martin continues to collaborate with Zagato on limited-production models, though later projects have generally featured more restrained styling rather than complete body redesigns.
With its exceptionally low mileage, limited production, and distinctive coachbuilt design, this 1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato stands as one of the most recognizable collaborations between the British automaker and the Italian design house.
