Resurrection of a Legend: Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
Aston Martin undertakes a painstaking project series in reproducing their vintage vehicles for modern collectors.
Many automobiles have driven the roads and tracks of the world. Few have graced them. A car, in and of itself, is quite unremarkable. It is estimated that greater than 1 billion cars are on the roads today — each one within a stone’s throw of a twin. Many models from separate makes are even indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Simply put, uniqueness is uncommon. Very few automobiles evoke genuine awe.
However, the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato breaks that trend. It maintains an iconic presence in automotive history. Originally introduced in 1960 as a racing competitor to Ferrari’s stable of performance vehicles, the DB4 Zagato received high praise for its performance pedigree and astoundingly good looks. Only nineteen were ever assembled. A truly rare specimen indeed. And according to Newspress, it is now returning for a second production.
Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “It’s a privilege for all of us here at Newport Pagnell, as part of the Aston Martin family, to work on these remarkable ‘new old’ cars.
“The Continuation program we started here with the DB4 GT Continuation in 2017, that has now spawned the iconic DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to contribute to the rich history of this great British luxury sports car brand.”
“Along with the craftsmen and women who built the all-conquering DBR1 and DB3S race cars; the iconic DB4, DB5 and DB6; and the remarkable William Towns Aston Martin Lagonda super-saloon, the staff here today are making their own mark on automotive history.”
Approximately 4,500 hours of work are put into hand-assembling each vehicle. Artisan craftsmanship of the highest quality combined with modern engineering and performance improvements ensure each DB4 is worthy of the astronomical price tag. Nearly 8 million to be exact, excluding tax.
The Continuation DB4 GT Zagato boasts a 4.7L straight-six engine with 390hp, rear-wheel-drive setup, and a 4-speed manual transmission. Other amenities include an FIA approved roll-cage, carbon-fiber bucket seating, and period-precise racing control instruments.
The DB4 GT Zagato is the latest member of the Aston Martin Continuation series- a resurrection of timeless vehicles produced by the Luxury British Sportcar manufacturer. To date, Aston Martin has reproduced the DB4 GT and has begun production on the DB5 Goldfinger Edition models.
Dr. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, said: “I’m thrilled to see this ambitious Continuation project bear fruit in such an exceptional way. It took courage, vision, and incredible dedication for all those involved to take this idea and make it the stunning reality it is today.”
“The DB4 GT Zagato is one of the true jewels of Aston Martin’s proud heritage and, paired with the new beauty that is the stunning DBS GT Zagato; the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars are a unique and fitting celebration of the brand’s 60-year love affair with this unmatched Italian automotive style icon.”
The DB4 GT Zagato is strictly meant for track use, as it does not conform to modern vehicle and safety requirements. However, Aston Martin promises to pair with the nineteen DB4 GT Zagatos with a matching, brand new, and road-legal DBS GT Zagato.
The DB4 Continuations are expected to be delivered late this year, with the DBS coming in Q4 of 2020.