Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 185 *
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Sports Saloon Chassis no. SCFCV81Z8GTL20025 Engine no. V/580/0025/X
Sold for €224,250 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 185*
One of only 52 built
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Sports Saloon
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Sports Saloon
1987 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato Sports Saloon
Chassis no. SCFCV81Z8GTL20025
Engine no. V/580/0025/X
Chassis no. SCFCV81Z8GTL20025
Engine no. V/580/0025/X
• Matching numbers engine
• Present ownership since 2005
• Extensively rebuilt and converted to Swiss specifications by Aston Martin
• Dry stored since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning
• 1,097 km recorded
"The Vantage Zagato relies on its Italian styling to heighten the emotions of car collectors and Aston followers alike, harking back as it does the halcyon days of David Brown patronage at Newport Pagnell when 19 DB4 GTs wore gorgeously curvaceous lightweight Zagato bodywork." – Motor.
With the introduction of the Vantage Zagato, Aston Martin renewed its association with one of Italy's most illustrious carrozzeria, Zagato having been responsible for that most celebrated and desirable of all post-war Astons, the DB4 GT Zagato. Neighbouring stands at the 1984 Geneva Salon facilitated the initial contact between Aston Martin chairman, Victor Gauntlett and Elio and Gianni Zagato, and by the following year the project had progressed sufficiently for Aston to accept deposits on the 50 cars planned. Part of Zagato's brief was to shed some of the standard Vantage's not inconsiderable weight, which was achieved by shortening the wheelbase and deleting the rear seats, thus creating Aston's first production two-seater since the DB4 GT. In doing so, Zagato was able to shed all of 168kg (370lbs) from the four-seater V8 saloon's not inconsiderable weight.
The proven 5.3-litre four-cam V8 was to Vantage specification, producing up to 432bhp at 6,200rpm and 395ft/lbs of torque at 5,100 revs. Production involved shipping the rolling chassis - complete with engine and drive train - to Zagato in Milan for bodying, trimming and painting, following which they were returned to Newport Pagnell for final inspection.
The first three completed cars were displayed at Geneva in March 1986 and in June the Zagato successfully met its design target by achieving a maximum speed of 300km/h (186mph) while on test with the French magazine Sport Auto. A 0-60mph time of five seconds had been another target and that too was achieved, the French journalists clocking a best of 4.8. The fact that the projected price had risen from £70,000 to £87,000 between the car's announcement in March 1985 and its arrival did nothing to deter the 50 customers, all of whom had paid deposits of £15,000 by August 1985.
Eventually 52 cars would be constructed, including the pre-production '20010' and prototype '20011', though one of these ('20042') was re-created as the prototype of the Zagato Volante convertible, approximately 36 of which were made (published figures vary).
The Zagato we offer is one of three once owned by Japanese collector Mr Shogo Watanabe, who sold this car to the current vendor on 2nd April 2005. A copy of the bill of sale is on file, recording the odometer reading at that time as 880 kilometres. The accompanying car Record Card copy reveals that the Zagato was originally finished in Peugeot Gris Fume (Smoke Grey) Metallic with brown interior trim, and that it was despatched new to Japan. Curiously, the Card is annotated 'French spec'.
Soon after collection, our vendor despatched the Zagato to Aston Martin Works Service for a full rebuild to his personal order, including conversion to Swiss specification. The works included an engine rebuild to 'unleaded' specification; uprating the cooling system for 'tropical' climates; conversion to Ronal style road wheels; replacing the entire exhaust system; installing an Alpine radio, touchscreen DVD navigation and six CD autochanger; and complete overhauls of the braking, suspension and steering systems. Aston Martin's detailed invoice for £38,054 is on file (perusal recommended). This invoice records a UK registration ('E595 XMJ') and an odometer reading of 00001 miles.
Since acquisition the Zagato has been on static display as part of the vendor's extensive private collection in the Middle East and will require recommissioning before returning to the road. Arguably the pinnacle of the V8 era, these exciting driver's cars now form the centrepiece of many important Aston Martin collections.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
• Present ownership since 2005
• Extensively rebuilt and converted to Swiss specifications by Aston Martin
• Dry stored since acquisition
• Requires recommissioning
• 1,097 km recorded
"The Vantage Zagato relies on its Italian styling to heighten the emotions of car collectors and Aston followers alike, harking back as it does the halcyon days of David Brown patronage at Newport Pagnell when 19 DB4 GTs wore gorgeously curvaceous lightweight Zagato bodywork." – Motor.
With the introduction of the Vantage Zagato, Aston Martin renewed its association with one of Italy's most illustrious carrozzeria, Zagato having been responsible for that most celebrated and desirable of all post-war Astons, the DB4 GT Zagato. Neighbouring stands at the 1984 Geneva Salon facilitated the initial contact between Aston Martin chairman, Victor Gauntlett and Elio and Gianni Zagato, and by the following year the project had progressed sufficiently for Aston to accept deposits on the 50 cars planned. Part of Zagato's brief was to shed some of the standard Vantage's not inconsiderable weight, which was achieved by shortening the wheelbase and deleting the rear seats, thus creating Aston's first production two-seater since the DB4 GT. In doing so, Zagato was able to shed all of 168kg (370lbs) from the four-seater V8 saloon's not inconsiderable weight.
The proven 5.3-litre four-cam V8 was to Vantage specification, producing up to 432bhp at 6,200rpm and 395ft/lbs of torque at 5,100 revs. Production involved shipping the rolling chassis - complete with engine and drive train - to Zagato in Milan for bodying, trimming and painting, following which they were returned to Newport Pagnell for final inspection.
The first three completed cars were displayed at Geneva in March 1986 and in June the Zagato successfully met its design target by achieving a maximum speed of 300km/h (186mph) while on test with the French magazine Sport Auto. A 0-60mph time of five seconds had been another target and that too was achieved, the French journalists clocking a best of 4.8. The fact that the projected price had risen from £70,000 to £87,000 between the car's announcement in March 1985 and its arrival did nothing to deter the 50 customers, all of whom had paid deposits of £15,000 by August 1985.
Eventually 52 cars would be constructed, including the pre-production '20010' and prototype '20011', though one of these ('20042') was re-created as the prototype of the Zagato Volante convertible, approximately 36 of which were made (published figures vary).
The Zagato we offer is one of three once owned by Japanese collector Mr Shogo Watanabe, who sold this car to the current vendor on 2nd April 2005. A copy of the bill of sale is on file, recording the odometer reading at that time as 880 kilometres. The accompanying car Record Card copy reveals that the Zagato was originally finished in Peugeot Gris Fume (Smoke Grey) Metallic with brown interior trim, and that it was despatched new to Japan. Curiously, the Card is annotated 'French spec'.
Soon after collection, our vendor despatched the Zagato to Aston Martin Works Service for a full rebuild to his personal order, including conversion to Swiss specification. The works included an engine rebuild to 'unleaded' specification; uprating the cooling system for 'tropical' climates; conversion to Ronal style road wheels; replacing the entire exhaust system; installing an Alpine radio, touchscreen DVD navigation and six CD autochanger; and complete overhauls of the braking, suspension and steering systems. Aston Martin's detailed invoice for £38,054 is on file (perusal recommended). This invoice records a UK registration ('E595 XMJ') and an odometer reading of 00001 miles.
Since acquisition the Zagato has been on static display as part of the vendor's extensive private collection in the Middle East and will require recommissioning before returning to the road. Arguably the pinnacle of the V8 era, these exciting driver's cars now form the centrepiece of many important Aston Martin collections.
Please note that if this vehicle remains within Belgium the reduced rate of Import VAT at 6% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Please note that this vehicle is offered without any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
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| * | Import low rate |
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