Fantasy Junction

Description

2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato
VIN SCFAE623X3K800007, Engine No. 04387
Blue with Cream Truffle Leather Interior

Building on the exceptional partnership of Aston Martin and coachbuilder Zagato the remarkable DB4GT Zagato still remains one of the finest and most desirable cars of this period. Driven by this union of innovative design and exceptional performance, the idea to build a contemporary expression with similar themes came to fruition in 2001 when Andrea Zagato, son of Elio Zagato, and Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez met at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The partnership began as the team constructed a DB7 V12 coupe with a unique and fresh design evoking the DB4GT, later deciding that an open car could be popular if built in limited-edition numbers. The design team then cultivated the two-seat roadster inspired by the California climate and car culture, christening the new model, the AR1 or American Roadster. Upon preview to a limited group of preferred clientele, and subsequent public release at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2002, public reaction was immediately confirmed with all 99 of the proposed production selling out in a matter of days.

The AR1 by Zagato was not only a beautifully penned design with elegant interior features and a stunning profile, it offered tremendous power and composure; a performance car with a graceful manner. The dual overhead cam 6.0 liter V12 was slightly increased to 435 bhp with added torque, coupled to a 5-speed ZF Tip-Tronic automatic transmission and limited slip differential, sporting a revised final drive ratio to allow for high speed cruising. With fully independent suspension and active sport exhaust, these features improved mid-range performance favoring enjoyable touring, yet offering impressive results when occasional bursts of power were demanded. Impressive 0-60 times of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph made the AR1 the fastest roadster of the time. All this power required superlative braking and here too Aston supplied the very best with large specially built Brembo grooved disc brakes with four pot calipers, a revised brake booster, Teves ABS, electronic traction control, and power-assisted rack and pinion steering. Offered to clientele specifically seeking performance excellence and bespoke interior amenities, the finely-appointed interior included electronically controlled sport seats, six-speaker Becker radio cassette and 6CD unit, remote locks and boot release, and an integrated security immobilization alarm system. As only 99 were built and examples rarely come to market, these exclusive cars remain among the rarest Aston Martin models ever offered.

This particular coachbuilt AR1 is one of the earliest production models assembled. Having been constructed and sold to the original and singular owner, this Aston Martin Zagato AR1 bears an additionally unique honor, having been built with the 007 serial number, a cherished number given Aston Martin’s compelling association with James Bond. Ordered new from the factory and having covered a mere 1,085 miles since delivered, this spectacularly maintained car comes from the collection of a single owner, who has made every effort to retain the car essentially as new and without compromise. Mileage recorded is further confirmed by the supporting Carfax indicating all services performed on the car at the authorized Aston Martin dealership local to the owner.

This particular Aston Martin AR1 is painted a gorgeous deep and lustrous metallic blue, accented by the distinct fender venting, Zagato emblems, and a handsome Cream Truffle interior. Benefiting from exceptional care since new, including regular services and inspections performed annually by experts specializing in exotic cars. The lustrous blue paint is excellent overall with smooth gloss and excellent panel fit to the hood, trunk, and doors, all of which open and close as new. All emblems, lettering, and exterior details are beautifully finished and in excellent condition, again appearing essentially as new. The elegant body is a refined statement of power and grace, enhanced by the wide rear fender haunches and eager stance. The beautifully formed twin head fairings perfectly evoke the Zagato double bubble design in this roadster configuration. The wide front fascia features a unique DB4GT inspired grille with large driving lights flanking the corners. Beautifully maintained 19” silver alloy wheels shod with Michelin performance tires complete the theme of factory performance and superlative care.

The interior is beautifully finished in cream leather, accented by soft diamond stitched inserts nestled into the electronically controlled sport seats. The interior has wonderful presence with a contrasting blue center console and door panel inserts, excellent carpeting, and fine touches including etched aluminum door thresholds indicating the 007 of 99 serial number. The white-dial gauges are refined and easy to read and the leather wrapped gear selector is nicely finished in cream and blue with handsome stitching. Though built as a two-seater, the area behind the seats offers parcel storage, cleverly trimmed with luggage straps and sporting a beautiful floating body panel cascading from the rear deck into the center console – a detail that only Zagato could so cleverly apply. The trunk is lined in low pile carpet but features contrasting diamond tufted cream inserts on the underside of the trunk lid; a handsome homage to the original DB series cars.

Under the hood, the beautiful V12 engine is clean and unmodified from new, dominated by the purposeful castings displaying 6.0 V12 insignias, all nestled in a remarkably low hood line. The clean engine compartment, engine components, and support systems are all correctly preserved, again appearing as new. The underside of the car is clean and remarkably tidy. There is no evidence of any structural compromise or modifications. The visual condition of the chassis and suspension components further reflect the very low miles this AR1 has amassed since new.

The car starts, runs, and drives per original specifications delivering a unique sport exhaust note, specific to the AR1 edition. Driving manners are impressive in this 007 with a combination of power and refinement, yet very capable of delivering Q-level Bond acceleration when put to the test. Handling is smooth and sporty, while highway driving is quiet when cruising and exhilarating when downshifting to pass. A complete factory owner’s packet, Aston Martin first aid kit, Aston Martin matching umbrellas, a recent Carfax, and all original factory keys.

With its cutting-edge technology, stunning coachbuilt Zagato design, and rare limited-edition features, this one-owner Aston Martin AR1 offers the finest in GT motoring in a rare and beautifully composed roadster package. Among the finest performance automotive brands in the world, Aston Martin honors their history and legacy with Zagato in this remarkably elegant and refined limited-edition sports car, brimming with exceptional performance and exemplary single ownership care.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608