The two companies first began working together in 1961 when they produced 19 examples of the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, and then in 1987 when they launched the Aston Martin V8 Zagato and Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante. Based on the Aston Martin DB7 the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato underwent a number of changes to produce a specialist hand-built car that reflects some of the traditions of the past and combines them to create a distinctive modern Aston Martin. Internationally renowned for the design of some of the world's most beautiful cars, designer Andrea Zagato and his team incorporated many of the styling cues inspired by the original Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato to create a beautiful, elegant and classic body design reflecting the heritage and traditions of Aston Martin. These include the long bonnet, shortened tail and the famous 'double-bubble' roof. The large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches are unmistakably from Zagato, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provided graphic evidence of the painstaking hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark. The aluminium body, constructed on a shortened Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante wheelbase offered a 60kg weight advantage over the standard car. Other visible exterior differences included the unique 18" Zagato-styled wheels with revised offset to give a wider track (8x18" front, 9x18" rear). Up-rated, anti-lock, ventilated discs were fitted all round, equipped with Pagid RS4-2-1 pads. Both front and rear suspension systems were developed specifically for enhanced performance and optimum precision handling. The Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato retained the all alloy, twin-overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 6.0-litre V12 engine used in the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, but due in part to a weight reduction, power for the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato increased giving the car a sportier feel. The low inertia engine with twin plate clutch also meant that torque delivery of the V12 engine is progressive throughout the rev range. It also utilised the original manual, six-speed close ratio transmission but with a different differential and a short shift gear lever. Offered in three standard exterior colours - Mercury Grey, Aqua Verde and Zagato Nero - the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato boasted a hand-stitched leather interior, unique in design to this model and trimmed in Dark Chocolate aniline leather. Just 99 examples of the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Zagato were produced, with the aluminium bodies made in Italy and the car finished in the UK at Bloxham - the home of the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage.
