Zagato, an Italian coachbuilder, has created two special Aston Martins to commemorate the firm's 100th anniversary.
The DB9 Spider Zagato Centennial, which was commissioned by car collector Peter Read, is a one-off model that takes inspiration from the DB7 Zagato.
Peter Read said, "The DB9 Spider Zagato Centennial perfectly merges Aston Martin and Zagato's DNA by combining the elegance of design, typical of Zagato, with the soul, power and prestige of Aston Martin."
A Japanese collector was responsible for the commissioning of the other new Zagato model, the DBS Coupé Zagato Centennial. It's reminiscent of Zagato models from the ’50s, with its 'double bubble' roof and sleek styling.
Norihiko Harada, Zagato's chief designer, said, "Redesigning the DBS was a difficult job. The DBS is already one of the most beautiful modern sports cars around. Our challenge was to bring sporty styling together with a more Mediterranean luxury GT feel".
Aston Martin's collaboration with Zagato began in 1960, with the unveiling of the DB4 GT Zagato at the London Motor Show in October. Other models that the companies have worked together on include the V12 Zagato, the V8 Zagato and the DB7 Zagato.
Besides the two new Zagato models, Kensington Gardens recently played host to a spectacular line-up of Aston Martins, including the 1922 'A3' and the CC100 Speedster Concept. For more pictures from the event, click here.
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Zagato - Convertible good, Coupe bad - and RR Evoque RS
Yes Aston Martin, please DO use these as pointers to your next design direction - especially the front end with the lights integrated into the grille. Recalls brilliantly the first (four headlight) DBS of 1968, always very elegant in original form, and would be so unique and distinctive in the 2010's. Coupe bubble roof, back window, chrome trim arrangment very ungainly however (early 60's split rear window Corvette gone wrong, anyone ?).
Just read in today's mag of upcoming RR Evoque RS. Please JLR, do NOT use a 300bhp version of current engine as suggested. You have to compete with the Macan - use the 3.0 litre V6 diesel and the new Jag V6 petrol. Who'd pay £50k for that coarse old Ford 4-pot ?
Aston Martin Zagato
Don't like it, looks like a backyard Volvo fibreglass special.
Neither retro nor modern, a puzzle.
Marmite car...
...judging by the posts on here. I love marmite, and I love these - especially the coupe.
There's a touch of 90's Maserati Quattroporte about the lights and general profile but it's super interesting and says 'Riviera Glamour'.
Maybe not this look but hopefully these might spur AM to do something a bit different with their styling in future. At least on one model range, that doesn't have a design house badge on it...?
Love or hate designs
Was going to say the same thing...they really seem to be a case of either you love them or hate them...I have to say I love them. Don't know if it's only because they're a refreshing change from the current crop of identical-looking Astons, but there's something captivating about them somehow. Not sure about the coupe's rear 3/4...the way the silver stripe flows from the side windows to the roof seems a-bit odd to my eyes, although I'm getting used to it the more I see it. Otherwise, IMO Aston could take some inspiration for future designs.