At the Geneva Motor Show in 1986, the automotive community first saw the Aston Martin the V8 Zagato Grand Tourer 2-door coupe. Only 53 were scheduled to be produced. The luxury sports car was an immediate success with motoring enthusiasts thrilled by an incredible effortless drive accompanied by blistering pace. 12 months later, The Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante convertible appeared for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show (March 1987). Initially, Aston Martin stated that only 25 of the convertible version would be built, but this was stretched to 37 due to the unexpected demand. Of the 37, 9 were part of the ‘Hunter Green’ Vantage Zagato Volante collection. These V8 models were built to the same specification, all with tan hide. The last car left the production line in 1990.
The V8 Zagato was based on the Aston Martin V8, but with bodywork designed by Giuseppe Mittino from the famed Zagato car design studio. This was the first time in 25 years that Aston Martin and Zagato had collaborated on a project. The design was a modern (1980s) interpretation of the Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato originally launched in 1960. Zagato constructed the bodywork from aluminium to keep the weight down, whilst presenting an angular appearance with a squared-off grille and raised bonnet power bulge.
Under the bonnet is 430bhp 5.3 L V8 engine capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
The V8 Zagato Volante is one of the rarest Aston Martin classic cars ever produced. Present day (2019) prices vary and are dependent on the condition of the car, but commonly start around £300,000. Often the price is withheld and is only provided on request.
Most classic Aston Martins feature instrumentation designed and built by UK-based SMITHS Instruments. The V8 Zagato Volante was no different with a dashboard featuring seven different gauges:
Caerbont Automotive Instruments (CAI) continue to manufacture Smiths instruments for classic and heritage Aston Martin cars at their facility near Swansea in South Wales. The range is supplied through Aston Martin Heritage.
For further information on SMITHS gauges for classic Aston Martin cars, please contact us on:
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Photographs taken by Paul Fears Photography