Zagato Family Tree of Value
Reading Time: 11 minutesExplore the Aston Martin Zagato family tree—rarity shapes value, each branch tells a story, and every model is a prized leaf in the collector’s garden.
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato stands out as one of the most exclusive partnerships in automotive history. It’s the result of a wild, 60-year dance between the British luxury carmaker and Italian design house Zagato.
This limited-production grand tourer mixes British engineering muscle with Italian style—just 325 cars, split across four distinct body styles between 2016 and 2018. The Vanquish Zagato family includes 99 Coupes, 99 Volantes, 28 Speedsters, and 99 Shooting Brakes.
Each variant is rare, and collectors basically drool over them. Built on the bones of the Vanquish S, these cars pack a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 that belts out 600 horsepower.
It’s all wrapped in carbon fiber bodywork that gives a respectful nod to the legendary DB4 GT Zagato from 1961. Aston Martin wanted to make something truly special for their most loyal customers.
Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman teamed up with Andrea Zagato to create four designs that somehow feel like siblings, but each has its own personality.
Origins and Development Story
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato didn’t just appear overnight. It grew out of a decades-long friendship between British luxury and Italian craftsmanship.
This partnership brought together Aston Martin’s engineering know-how and Zagato’s unmistakable design sense. The result? A limited-production masterpiece that’s both art and machine.
Historical Collaboration Between Aston Martin and Zagato
Way back at the 1960 Geneva Show, Aston Martin and Zagato first crossed paths. That meeting kicked off one of the most celebrated collaborations in the car world.
Their first baby was the iconic DB4 GT Zagato in 1960. That car set the tone for everything that followed between these two companies.
They kept the magic going with a few standouts over the years:
| Year | Model | Production Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | DB4 GT Zagato | 19 units |
| 1986 | V8 Vantage Zagato | 89 units |
| 2002 | DB7 Zagato | 99 units |
| 2011 | V12 Zagato | 150 units |
Each model wore Zagato’s signature look. The famous “double-bubble” roof? That’s become a calling card through the generations.
The Inspiration Behind the Vanquish Zagato Project
The Vanquish Zagato project was a way to celebrate more than fifty years of collaboration. Aston Martin wanted to put a spotlight on their flagship Vanquish, spiced up with Zagato’s unmistakable flair.
Marek Reichman (Aston Martin’s design boss) worked closely with Andrea Zagato over in Milan. Their goal? A car that paid tribute to both companies’ proud histories.
The team leaned into classic Zagato touches. They gave it the double-bubble roof and round tail lights, but wrapped them in a modern suit.
They didn’t just want a pretty face, though. Engineers squeezed the V12 for 600 horsepower—24 more than the base Vanquish could muster.
Debut at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
The Vanquish Zagato concept strutted onto the stage at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May 2016. If you’ve never been, it’s a fancy car show on the edge of Lake Como in Italy—pure class.
Villa d’Este matched the car’s vibe perfectly. You could practically hear the applause echo across the water.
People went wild for it. Both visitors and the press couldn’t stop talking about the bold design and aggressive stance.
The buzz was so intense that Aston Martin green-lit production on the spot. They capped it at 99 units, ensuring instant collector status.
The production car looked just like the concept—no watered-down details or compromises.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Anecdotes
The design and engineering teams literally worked on opposite sides of Europe. Zagato handled the design in Milan, while Aston Martin’s engineers tinkered away in Britain.
They built the body out of carbon fiber, using massive, single-piece panels. It made the car look smooth and seamless, but wow, that took some serious manufacturing wizardry.
Andrea Zagato kept a close eye on every detail. He made sure the car blended classic Zagato hints with modern Aston Martin attitude.
Inside, they stitched a “Z” quilt pattern into the seats, doors, and even the center console—a subtle, but unmistakable signature.
Integrating Zagato’s design with Aston Martin’s performance needs wasn’t easy. The team somehow kept the car aerodynamic and stylish at the same time.
After the coupe, they quickly rolled out a Volante convertible. The demand was just too strong to ignore.
Design, Engineering, and Innovations
The Vanquish Zagato is what happens when British engineering and Italian artistry collide. It’s got revolutionary carbon fibre construction and wild aerodynamic tricks.
Marek Reichman and Andrea Zagato poured their hearts into the car’s exterior. Somehow, they merged high-tech wizardry with old-school elegance.
Visual Identity and Exterior Styling
The Vanquish Zagato Coupé just looks outrageous. Reichman and Zagato didn’t hold back, and the car matches the original concept almost detail for detail.
The design borrows a bit from the Aston Martin Vulcan, One-77, and CC-100. They used bigger carbon fibre panels with fewer seams to keep the lines clean and the drag down.
Some exterior highlights?
- LED rear lights that nod to the 2002 DB7 Zagato
- Sharp door mirrors inspired by the One-77
- A rear end that hints at the DB11
- Long side strakes from the CC-100 that stretch from the front wheel to the door
The wraparound window almost feels like a helmet visor. And of course, the roof rocks Zagato’s legendary “double-bubble” shape—originally so racers could fit their helmets inside.
Interior Craftsmanship and Materials
Inside, it’s all about luxury and detail. Hand-stitched leather covers the seats and dash, making you want to run your hands over everything.
They didn’t skimp on carbon fibre trims, either. The cabin feels like a British gentleman’s club with a touch of Italian flair.
The headrests get the Zagato logo embroidered right in. You could even pick special color combos and materials, just to make your car even more “you.”
The dashboard stays true to Aston Martin’s driver-first philosophy. Top-tier audio and infotainment round out the package even though it’s a bit outdated now.
Aerodynamic Advancements and Carbon Fibre Use
The car’s skeleton is pure carbon fibre. Big panels mean less drag, but they also keep the car stiff and strong.
They used herringbone carbon fibre weaving for extra strength and style points. It’s lighter and tougher than steel, and it just looks cool.
Streamlined bodywork and tight panel gaps help the air slip right over the car. The sculpted rear keeps the wind in check better than the standard Vanquish ever could.
Even the double-bubble roof doesn’t mess with the airflow. Wind tunnel tests made sure style never came at the expense of speed.
All these tricks add up to sharper acceleration and handling than you’d expect from a grand tourer.
Performance, Engine, and Exhaust Sound
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is a beast. Its performance comes from a naturally aspirated V12 engine that’s as much about music as muscle.
V12 Powertrain and Technical Specifications
At its heart sits a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12. That’s old-school performance, the kind you feel in your bones.
It cranks out 592 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The power comes on smooth and strong—no surprises, just pure punch.
An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. You can let it shift for you, or take control with paddle shifters.
Here’s a quick glance at the numbers:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 6.0L Naturally Aspirated V12 |
| Power Output | 592 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel Drive |
The V12 doesn’t need turbos, so there’s zero lag. Step on the gas, and it answers instantly—no hesitation.
Performance Figures and Driving Dynamics
From a standstill, the Vanquish Zagato hits 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Flat out, it’ll touch 200 mph in both coupe and volante form.
Adaptive suspension means the car can switch personalities. It soaks up bumps in comfort mode, but firms up when you want to play.
Carbon ceramic brakes haul the car down from speed with jaw-dropping force. They’re light, too, so they help the car handle better.
Electronic stability control keeps things safe, but you can dial it back if you’re feeling brave. Multiple drive modes let you pick your poison.
The weight balance leans toward the rear axle. That means more grip when you put your foot down, and a playful feel in the corners.
Steering feels direct and alive. Whether you’re crawling through traffic or blasting down a back road, you always know what the front tires are up to.
Signature Exhaust Sound
Let’s talk about the noise. The Vanquish Zagato’s V12 sings like a rock star—raw, pure, and totally addictive.
The active exhaust system lets you choose how loud you want it. In track mode, it’s all thunder and fireworks.
The sound builds as the revs climb. Down low, it’s a deep growl; up high, it turns into a metallic wail that’ll raise goosebumps.
Engineers focused on keeping the sound authentic. No fake enhancements, just the real V12 soundtrack, straight from the pipes.
Want to hear it for yourself? Check out the thrilling exhaust sound experience—it’s a feast for your ears.
Even with all that noise, the exhaust system meets worldwide regulations. Somehow, it manages to stay legal while still sounding absolutely ferocious.
Variants, Special Editions, and Unique Features
The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato series didn’t stop at a single coupe. It branched out into several body styles and configurations, each one a head-turner in its own right.
Only 99 of each variant hit the road. That kind of scarcity? It makes these some of the most exclusive modern Aston Martins you’ll ever see.
Vanquish Zagato Volante
The Vanquish Zagato Volante keeps the Coupe’s proportions but swaps in a convertible setup. There’s something about that open top—especially with those Zagato cues—that just sings “summer in the south of France.”
Round tail light reflectors use the same bladed LED tech as the wild Aston Martin Vulcan. Twin cowls on the rear deck blend right into the luggage compartment’s edge, like a wave rolling into shore.
Aston Martin built a custom folding hood system just for the Volante. When you drop the top, the mechanism tucks itself under those rear cowls, keeping the car’s lines clean and sleek.
Limited Production Models: Speedster and Shooting Brake
But wait, there’s more. Aston Martin also created two wildcards: the Speedster and the Shooting Brake. The Speedster? No traditional roof, just pure open-air thrills—weather be damned.
The Shooting Brake, on the other hand, takes practicality up a notch. They stretched the roofline, carving out more cargo space, but kept that unmistakable Zagato flair.
Each body style capped production at 99 units. All told, 325 Vanquish Zagatos rolled out—enough for collectors to dream of matching sets, but still rare enough to feel like you’re in a secret club.
Notable Firsts and Standout Innovations
This Vanquish Zagato marks the twelfth partnership between Milan’s Zagato and Aston Martin. The car wears an all-carbon fiber body, with huge one-piece panels that cut down on split lines—pretty clever if you ask me.
And then there’s that double bubble roof. You spot it from across the parking lot, and you just know it’s a Zagato. Round taillights? Another nod to the brand’s rich heritage.
Key Innovation Features:
- One-piece carbon fiber body panels
- Bladed LED lighting technology
- Bespoke suspension tuned for grand touring
- Custom interior touches unique to each version
Driving Experience and Community
The Vanquish Zagato isn’t just a pretty face. It delivers an intense driving experience that’s left both journalists and owners a bit breathless. This ultra-limited masterpiece attracts collectors who crave rarity and craftsmanship.
Expert Reviews and Test Drive Impressions
Journalists can’t stop raving about the Vanquish Zagato’s performance. Under the hood, the 6.0-liter V12 cranks out 600 horsepower, rocketing the car from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.
Key Performance Metrics:
- Power: 600 PS (24 PS more than the regular Vanquish)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds
- Advantage: A tenth of a second quicker than the standard version
Test drivers call it visceral and engaging. The suspension walks that tightrope between comfort and performance—think velvet glove, iron fist.
That carbon fiber body? It sharpens the handling and keeps the car looking seamless. Plus, it shaves off some weight, which always helps.
Reviewers love the V12’s exhaust note. The quad pipes belt out a sound that’s pure Aston Martin, but with a Zagato twist—almost operatic, honestly.
Owner Experiences and Lifestyle
Vanquish Zagato owners form a tiny, passionate community. With just 99 coupes out there, owning one feels like you’ve joined an invite-only club.
They love the details that set their cars apart: the ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitching, those Zagato ‘Z’ headrests—little touches that make the interior feel special.
Herringbone carbon fiber and plush aniline leather make the cabin a sensory treat. These materials age gracefully, picking up character as the years roll by.
Most owners save their Zagatos for special occasions. Who wants to risk a parking lot door ding on something this rare? And with numbers this low, each car just keeps getting more valuable.
The Volante convertible? It’s a favorite for those who crave the wind in their hair. Both coupe and Volante keep the same punchy performance and exclusivity.
Demographics, Collectors, and Clubs
Who buys a Vanquish Zagato? Usually, it’s seasoned collectors and die-hard Aston Martin fans. With only 99 of each, you’re not likely to bump into another at the local cars and coffee.
Typical Owner Profile:
- High-net-worth individuals
- Devoted Aston Martin fans
- Serious car collectors
- Design lovers
Zagato collaborations almost always appreciate in value. The Vanquish Zagato? No exception—it’s become a hot ticket for anyone tracking the market.
At owners’ club events, Zagato models always steal the spotlight. Their design just begs for attention, whether you’re at a casual meet-up or a fancy concours.
The Aston Martin-Zagato relationship stretches back over 50 years. For collectors, that kind of heritage adds a layer of meaning you just can’t fake.
Private collectors often see the Vanquish Zagato as a bridge—classic styling meets modern muscle. Traditional cues blend with new tech, and that mix is catnip for the right buyer.
Market Value, Awards, and Brand Legacy
The Vanquish Zagato doesn’t just turn heads—it still draws strong bids at auction, though prices have cooled from their pandemic peaks. Even so, it has secured its place as a modern collectable and remains a jewel in Aston Martin’s ultra‑luxury crown.
Current Price Trends and Auction Results
The Vanquish Zagato’s market value stays strong, thanks to those tiny production numbers. Between 2016 and 2018, just 99 coupes and 99 convertibles left the factory.
Current Market Pricing:
- Coupe: $820k (MSRP)→ $500K-400K ( -39%/ –51%)
- Volante: $850 (MSRP)k → $570k–400k ( -33% / –53%)
- Speedster: $1.5M (MSRP) → $650–$750k(-50%)
- Shooting Brake: $900k (MSRP) → $400K–700K (-22% / -56%)
The Vanquish Zagato family tells a dramatic tale of value. Coupes and Volantes soared skyward in 2021, only to drift back to earth, nearly kissing their original stickers. The Shooting Brake rode high, then eased down, while the elusive Speedster—once a $2M comet—now glows at half that brilliance. Rarity still commands respect, but the market reminds us: even legends aren’t immune to gravity.
Auction results show collectors are still intrigued, but prices have softened. Well‑kept Coupes and Volantes now hover near or even below their original ~$650k sticker. A reminder that even modern classics can feel the pull of gravity.
Lap Records and Prestigious Awards
The Vanquish Zagato picked up its share of trophies. It snagged the Concours d’Elegance Design Award at Villa d’Este in 2016—no small feat in a crowd full of exotics.
Car and Driver gave it props for aerodynamic efficiency and sharp handling. On the track, it posted some seriously competitive lap times, though the exact numbers depend on the circuit.
Performance Achievements:
- 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
- Top speed: 201 mph
- Nürburgring lap time: Sub-7:40 (estimated)
The carbon fiber body and active aero features play a big part in those numbers. It’s a car that looks as good as it goes—honestly, what more could you want?
Competitors and Brand Impact
The Vanquish Zagato hangs out at the top of the luxury sports car world, brushing shoulders with the Ferrari 812 Superfast and the McLaren 720S.
But here’s the kicker: its production numbers are so tiny, it makes even most supercars look mainstream.
Direct Competitors:
- Ferrari 812 Superfast
- Lamborghini Aventador S
- McLaren 720S
You know, the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato goes way back—like, all the way to 1960.
Frankly, that kind of history just screams commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. It’s not just about making cars; it’s about making a statement.
The model also played a big role in Aston Martin’s growth spurt.
Suddenly, the company was seen as a real Ferrari rival, not just a distant cousin.
It drew in fresh collectors—those folks hungry for something rare—while keeping the die-hard Aston fans grinning.
Final Words
The Aston Martin Zagato family isn’t just a car collection—it’s a rolling symphony of rarity, beauty, and drama. Each model is a brushstroke on automotive canvas, a comet blazing across collector skies. To own one is to bottle lightning; to chase one is to dream dangerously, passionately, endlessly.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this deep dive, be sure to subscribe to my email list for exclusive car reviews, insider tips, and weekly special offers on car parts, auctions, and gear — perfect for any car enthusiast.
If you have any thoughts or experiences with this car? Leave a comment below — I love hearing your opinions and sparking conversations with fellow enthusiasts.
And don’t forget to read related posts for more great content!
