WHERE BRITISH ENGINEERING MEETS ITALIAN FLAIR: The Aston Martin Zagato Collaboration
October 31, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Nicole Ellan James
Aston Martin and Zagato are names that resonate deeply in the world of high-end automotive design. When these two powerhouses collaborate, the results are nothing short of breathtaking. For nearly a century, Aston Martin has stood as a hallmark of British luxury and performance, while Zagato, an Italian design house and coachbuilder, has brought a flair for the dramatic and unique, lending its aesthetic expertise to some of the most visually striking cars ever made. Their combined efforts have resulted in some of the rarest and most unique Aston Martins, with each model commanding immense respect from enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato started back in the 1960s with the iconic DB4 GT Zagato, a car that balances its British muscle with Italian beauty. But after that initial success, the partnership went quiet for more than 20 years, until it was reignited in 1986 with the unveiling of the V8 Vantage Zagato. Fast forward to the 2000s, and the world witnessed the birth of another legend, the DB7 Zagato. But that was only the beginning. It was followed by the Vanquish Zagato, while the 2010s saw the arrival of the V12 Vantage GT3 Zagato and DBS Zagato.
In 2016 Aston Martin revealed the latest chapter in this adventure ‒ the Vanquish Zagato. Built on the Vanquish platform, this model brought together the best of both worlds: Aston Martin’s engineering prowess and Zagato’s unmistakable design language. This collaboration produced four body styles: the Coupe, Volante (convertible), Speedster and, perhaps the most intriguing of all, the Shooting Brake.
The Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake is a car that exemplifies the term “coachbuilt.” Limited to just 99 units worldwide, this two-door Grand Tourer blends practicality with opulence. Though the term “Shooting Brake” might sound whimsical, it dates back to a time when British carmakers designed long-roof wagons to transport hunting parties. But in this case, Aston Martin has modernized the idea to mean a luxurious, limited-edition sport wagon.
This particular 2019 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake ‒ No. 26 of the 99 ‒ stands out as one of only 11 imported to the U.S. Selling with No Reserve at the 2025 Scottsdale Auction, January 18-26 at WestWorld, its exterior, featuring bold hand-painted black with gold metal flake, and exquisite black and tan leather interior reflect the attention to detail that has become a hallmark of the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato. Every inch of this car is a testament to craftsmanship and design. It features a signature Zagato double-bubble roof homage, along with some panels from the Aston Martin Rapide, which were used to get the Shooting Brake body style.
Underneath its stunning exterior lies Aston Martin’s 5.9-liter V12 engine, which delivers 580 horsepower. Paired with an 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission, the Shooting Brake is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Despite its dramatic looks, this car is more than just a showpiece ‒ it’s a thoroughbred performance machine.
Further enhancing the experience are the Shooting Brake’s red-accented Aston Martin badges, which are exclusive to Aston Martins that have been reworked by Zagato. Inside, luxury touches abound, from the Bang & Olufsen sound system to the One-77 steering wheel complete with carbon-fiber paddle shifters, as well as heated and ventilated seats. Even the cargo area, fitted with a $19,000 carbon-fiber trunk deck, is as opulent as it is functional. Other highlights include Zagato numbered badges in the door sills, stitched Zagato leather door panels, an electrochromic glass moonroof, analog gauges, haptic-response touch sensitive buttons, a soft-close rear hatch and an umbrella.
But what truly sets this car apart is its rarity and the customization that each owner could apply to their vehicle. It’s nearly impossible to find two Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brakes that are exactly alike. This particular model is equipped with carbon-fiber trim and swan doors. Aston Martin’s decision to include a Shooting Brake in the Vanquish Zagato lineup was a bold move, blending the practicality of a wagon with the exclusivity of a coachbuilt car. It’s a nod to the past, drawing on the legacy of Aston Martin’s earlier long-roof models like the DB5 Shooting Brake, while also looking ahead with modern materials like carbon fiber and advanced aerodynamics.
For collectors, owning one of these 99 Shooting Brakes is akin to possessing a piece of art. The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake is a celebration of everything both brands stand for: luxury, performance and exclusivity. It’s a car that speaks to those who appreciate the finer things in life but who also want a driving experience that is nothing short of exhilarating.
Register to bid at the 2025 Scottsdale Auction for a chance to take home this exquisite piece of automotive art.
