DB7 Zagato & DB AR1 - Aston Martin

DB7 Zagato & DBAR1

The DB7 Zagato and DB AR1 are two iconic variants of the DB7, Aston Martin's highest production volume car. Both derivatives were and remain exclusive and collectable cars with only 99 examples of each produced between 2003 and 2004. The cars were the last product of the Aston Martin, Zagato relationship before the 2011 unveiling of the V12 Zagato.

DB7 Zagato
DB AR1

DB7 Zagato

Introduced in 2003 the DB7 Zagato rekindled the relationship between Aston Martin and Italian coachbuilder Zagato, which had started with the iconic DB4 GT Zagato in 1961. This very special coupe was built as a strictly limited production run of only 99 cars and was only available in the UK, Europe and South East Asia.

The unique steel bodyshell featured a distinctive, large front grille aperture, and the signature Zagato 'double bubble' roof line with sculptured rear window. The rear end was completely unique and had single round tail lights and a drop down boot lid. Zagato styled 5 spoke alloy wheels and a unique Analine leather interior completed the striking looks of this very special car. DB7 Zagato used a 440bhp version of the DB7 GT engine coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission.

Specifications

Engine:: V12, 5935 cc, 435 bhp @ 6000 rpm
410 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission:: 6-speed manual with optional 5-speed automatic
Dimensions (LxWxH):: 4481 x 2531 x 1861 mm
Weight:: 1740 kg
Top Speed:: 190 mph
0 – 60 mph:: 4.9 sec

DBAR1

Due to homologation problems the DB7 Zagato was not offered to the US market. To satisfy the demand created by the coupe a special ‘roadster’ version was styled by Zagato, using the standard DB7 Volante chassis to overcome type approval issues. Called the ‘DB American Roadster 1’ (DB AR1) the open model was built after the coupe and in fact final assembly was completed at the new Gaydon plant alongside the first DB9’s.

Unlike the coupe the DB AR1 used the standard 6.0litre V12 from the DB7 Vantage with Touchtronic transmission. Styling was very similar to the DB7 Zagato with the same large grille and twin cowls behind the front seats tapering into the trunk lid, echoing the design cues of the ‘double bubble’ roof design from the coupe. Designed with a sunnier climate in mind (the car was only available in the USA) the AR1 had no roof or hood covering at all – just a simple rain cover to protect the leather interior when parked.

Specifications

Engine:: V12, 5935 cc, 435 bhp @ 6000 rpm
410 lbs-ft @ 5000 rpm
Transmission:: 6-speed manual with optional 5-speed automatic
Dimensions (LxWxH):: 4481 x 2531 x 1861 mm
Weight:: 1740 kg
Top Speed:: 185 mph
0 – 60 mph:: 4.9 sec

Model Launch

Special preview events were held to launch both Zagato derivatives. In London invited guests were shown the DB7 Zagato at a special reception held at Gieves and Hawkes, in Savile Row.

The DB AR1 was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, before being moved by road to a gallery in New York. All 99 cars of both models were quickly sold following these exclusive viewings.