Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato
A Rare Masterpiece of Elegance and Speed
The 1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato is a car that blends British engineering with Italian artistry. Known for its breathtaking design and exhilarating performance, this model is considered one of the most beautiful and exclusive grand tourers ever created. A true collector’s dream, the DB4GT Zagato is a symbol of luxury, rarity, and motorsport prowess.
1. The Perfect Marriage of British and Italian Excellence
The Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato was born from a collaboration between Aston Martin and Carrozzeria Zagato, the legendary Italian design house. Introduced in 1960, the car was developed to compete against Ferrari on the racetrack while maintaining Aston Martin’s reputation for refinement and elegance.
Lightweight Performance
The DB4GT Zagato was based on the Aston Martin DB4GT, with significant modifications to enhance performance:
• Lightweight Aluminum Body: Zagato replaced many of the DB4GT’s steel panels with lightweight aluminum, shedding around 100 pounds to improve agility.
• Aerodynamic Design: The car’s sleek lines, sculpted curves, and distinctive double-bubble roof were engineered for speed and aesthetic appeal.
• Powerful Inline-Six Engine: The DB4GT Zagato was equipped with a 3.7-liter straight-six engine, producing 314 horsepower and a top speed of 154 mph—impressive figures for the 1960s.
2. Racing Pedigree: A Competitor on the Track
The DB4GT Zagato was built with racing in mind, entering competitions to challenge Ferrari’s dominance. Although it faced stiff competition from the Ferrari 250 GTO, the Aston Martin left its mark on the racing world.
Key highlights include:
• Competing at Le Mans, Goodwood, and other prestigious races in the early 1960s.
• Drivers like Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori piloted the DB4GT Zagato, further cementing its place in motorsport history.
While its racing success was limited compared to Ferrari, the DB4GT Zagato’s striking design and exclusivity have made it a standout icon of its era.
3. Rarity and Exclusivity
Only 19 original examples of the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato were produced between 1960 and 1963, making it one of the rarest Aston Martins ever created.
How Many Are Left?
It’s believed that all 19 original cars still exist, with many meticulously maintained or restored. This remarkable survival rate is a testament to the car’s enduring value and the dedication of its owners.
In 1991, Aston Martin and Zagato collaborated again to produce four “Sanction II” models, based on original chassis numbers but with modern upgrades. These additional cars have further increased the model’s mystique.
4. Record-Breaking Auction Sales and Famous Owners
The DB4GT Zagato is a staple in the world’s most prestigious car collections, often commanding jaw-dropping prices at auctions:
• 2015: A 1962 DB4GT Zagato sold for $14.3 million at RM Sotheby’s, setting a record for the model.
• 2018: Another example achieved $13.2 million at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed auction.
Celebrity and Collector Owners:
• Paul McCartney: The legendary Beatles member owned a DB4GT Zagato, reflecting its status as a luxury icon of the 1960s.
• Peter Livanos: The prominent car collector and Aston Martin enthusiast includes a DB4GT Zagato in his prized collection.
5. A Design Masterpiece
The DB4GT Zagato is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, seamlessly combining performance with artistry.
Unique Features:
• Double-Bubble Roof: A signature Zagato design element, the double-bubble roof enhances aerodynamics and headroom while adding to the car’s distinctive profile.
• Minimalist Elegance: The car’s smooth curves, recessed headlights, and absence of superfluous details embody timeless sophistication.
• Luxurious Interior: Inside, the DB4GT Zagato features handcrafted leather seats, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, and a no-frills cockpit designed with both driver focus and comfort in mind.
6. Expert Opinions: A Collector’s Dream
The DB4GT Zagato is celebrated by automotive historians, collectors, and enthusiasts as one of the most desirable classic cars ever built.
• Simon Drabble (Classic car expert): “The DB4GT Zagato represents the pinnacle of collaboration between two of the greatest names in automotive history. Its rarity and stunning design make it a must-have for serious collectors.”
• Hagerty Valuation Tools: The DB4GT Zagato consistently ranks as one of the top 10 most valuable Aston Martins, with values appreciating steadily over the years.
• Marek Reichman (Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer): “The DB4GT Zagato set the benchmark for the perfect blend of form and function. It remains an enduring inspiration for Aston Martin’s design philosophy.”
7. Why the DB4GT Zagato Is a Must-Have for Collectors
The Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato is more than just a car—it’s a symbol of an era when craftsmanship, speed, and beauty came together in perfect harmony. Its exclusivity, breathtaking design, and connection to motorsport make it one of the ultimate prizes for car enthusiasts and collectors.
Final Thought: Few cars capture the imagination like the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato. With its exquisite design, rich racing heritage, and extreme rarity, it stands as one of the greatest grand tourers of all time. For those fortunate enough to own one, the DB4GT Zagato is not just an investment—it’s a masterpiece of art and engineering, a true crown jewel of any collection.
