ALVIS ANNOUNCES EXTENDED RANGE OF ROAD LEGAL PRE AND POST WAR CONTINUATION SERIES CARS

ALVIS ANNOUNCES EXTENDED RANGE OF ROAD LEGAL PRE AND POST WAR CONTINUATION SERIES CARS

In its centenary year, British automotive manufacturer Alvis adds a new chapter to its legend with an extended range of Continuation Series cars
Two chassis and six body derivatives will be produced according to original Works drawings
Post war cars feature unused chassis and engine blocks stored since the original factory closed in 1968
All cars IVA-approved and road-legal with three year warranty
Order received for five cars from original Japanese distributor

Warwickshire-based car manufacturer The Alvis Car Company is extending its range of road-legal pre-and post-War continuation cars, using key components such as chassis that have been stored for over fifty years. Remaining firmly faithful to Alvis’ original spirit and design focus a century after it was founded, the Continuation Series has now been extended to include two chassis and six body options with post-war derivatives assembled using original chassis and engine blocks unused since production stopped in 1968. Powered by either a 3-litre or 4.3-litre Alvis-designed in-line six-cylinder engine, each has been developed from the original Works designs and, thanks to fuel injection and modern engine management electronics, meets legislation in a number of markets including Japan, where five of the new cars have now been ordered.

Unlike many continuation cars on sale, Alvis has worked closely with VOSA to ensure its range is fully IVA-approved and road-legal. Each model is carefully hand-built at its Kenilworth Works, the home of Red Triangle, Alvis’ service and restoration centre, that was created when the original Coventry factory closed in 1968. At the time, the factory’s stock of chassis, engine blocks and thousands of other components were brought to Red Triangle and have been carefully stored in their original crates ever since.

Each derivative takes between 4-5,000 hours to build and features period bodywork styles created by prestigious coachbuilders of the times: 3-litre Park Ward Drop Head, 3-litre Graber Super Coupe, 3-litre Graber Super Cabriolet, 4.3-litre Vanden Plas Tourer, 4.3-litre Bertelli Coupe and 4.3-litre Lancefield Concealed Hood.

The Alvis series also carries the distinction of being true continuation cars rather than a re-interpretation of something long gone. Alongside using original parts on the 3-litre cars, the 4.3-engined car chassis numbers follow on from the numbers allocated to the pre-war production run. “Our models are, literally, what Alvis would have created had it not halted production for over 50 years,” explains Alan Stote, owner of The Alvis Car Company.  “The factory had planned to build 150 4.3-litre chassis in 1938. As the site suffered serious damage by bombing in 1940, only 73 chassis were completed so we will continue that series, with new chassis, built to the original drawings.”

All models are made to an individual specification with owners encouraged to visit the Works and review some of the 50,000 drawings, build sheets and history files for inspiration. “Blending history with modern technology is a delicate task, which the brand has undertaken sensitively. We are mindful of our original core values that ensured Alvis cars never suffered the fate of so many other British brands, which fall foul of quality standards and gained a bad reputation as a result. We offer a range of desirable options to make the car ideally suited for however you plan to use it,” adds Stote. “It can be a very practical and relaxing way to enjoy a classic driving experience, with added peace of mind thanks to a three year warranty.”

Specification

3 Litre models

• Choice of Super Coupe, Cabriolet and Drop Head Coupe body styles, all-aluminium body over ash frame on an original steel chassis
• 2993cc six-cylinder engine with fuel injection and Alvis engine management
• Five-speed transmission
• Disc brakes all round
• 15” wheels

4.3 Litre models

• Choice of Bertelli Sports Coupe, Lancefield Concealed Hood and Vanden Plas Tourer body styles
• 4387cc six-cylinder engine with fuel injection and Alvis engine management
• Six-speed transmission
• Disc brakes all round
• 19” wheels

Adding comfort to history, the Continuation Series offers a range of options including automatic transmission and power steering on the 3-litre models. Air conditioning, audio systems and servo-assisted brakes are optional across the range. Travelling in style is further enhanced by the choice of a three-piece matching Connolly leather Alvis luggage set

Coinciding with the launch of its extended range, Alvis has signed an international partnership with large Japanese automotive name, Meiji Sangyo, appointing the Tokyo-based business as its exclusive dealer, covering the whole of Asia. In another link to Alvis’ history, Tokyo-based Meiji Sangyo was its main agent in the Far East in the 1950s. “It underlines the enduring appeal of our cars that Meiji Sangyo wanted to be our distributor in the Far East. Knowing how quality is appreciated in Japan, our agreement with Meiji Sangyo is a huge recognition of our values.”

T.G. John began manufacturing Alvis cars in Coventry in 1920. Coachwork was supplied by Cross & Ellis and Carbodies. 

In 1925 Alvis became the first car manufacturer in the world to design and race a front-wheel-drive model. A year later, the Alvis straight-eight FWD GP racing car lapped Brooklands at 121mph and in 1928 Alvis FWD models finished first and second in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The company started producing and marketing FWD cars that year. 

Another world-first was achieved in 1933 when Alvis designed the world’s first all-synchromesh gearbox and started working on the first British car with independent front suspension. 

After the World War 2, Alec Issigonis joined Alvis to design a prototype 3500cc V8 engine. 

In 1968, the Alvis passenger car division was relocated to Kenilworth after 22,000 vehicles had been built; 50,000 works drawings, technical data sheets and correspondence files are stored there. Through wholly-owned Red Triangle, it continues to manufacture parts, service and restore Alvis cars for existing customers worldwide. 

Synonymous with craftsmanship and innovation from the twenties until 1968, the Alvis name and fame continue thanks to The Alvis Car Company, which produces Alvis cars renowned for their outstanding quality and charismatic coachwork. It started developing the original Alvis-designed 3-litre and 4.3-litre units in 2010, focusing on meeting global emission regulations whilst remaining as faithful as possible to the Works drawings still held at the Kenilworth factory. The company manufactures its new range of bespoke limited-edition Continuation Series and in 2019 has nominated respected Japanese company Meiji Sangyo to be its distributor in the region. 

CITY OF LE MANS RENAMES STREET ‘RUE DES BENTLEY BOYS’ AS BENTLEY CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE AT 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

CITY OF LE MANS RENAMES STREET ‘RUE DES BENTLEY BOYS’ AS BENTLEY CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE AT 24 HOURS OF LE MANS

The illustrious racing heritage of Bentley Motors is being honoured at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – the world’s greatest motorsport event. Today, to mark the company’s Centenary and the brand’s close association with the race, the City of Le Mans renamed a street in honour of the indomitable ‘Bentley Boys’ who won five Le Mans 24-hour races between 1924 and 1930, and their successors who took the laurels in 2003.

On Saturday, 25 Bentley motor cars from across the marque’s last century will drive the Parade Lap at the beginning of this year’s race. They will be led by the all-new Flying Spur in its Global Dynamic debut, and the 2003 Le Mans race-winning EXP Speed 8.

A trackside display entitled ‘Bentley Through The Decades’ will also be a major highlight of the 87th running of the endurance race this weekend in France. Among the legendary Bentley models will be previous Le Mans race entries, including Bentley Motor’s Birkin Team Car; the legendary 1927 3-Litre No 2 Team Car from the 1930 race and the 1926 3-Litre Team Car No 8. EXP 2, the oldest surviving Bentley, will also be on display. Although it never raced at Le Mans, it is the most successful racing Bentley ever with 11 first and 7-second places to its name.

A new display on Bentley’s racing heritage will also open in the trackside 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. Honouring Bentley’s six famous victories at the event the display will showcase a replica Speed 8 and Speed 6 and will run until September 2019.

Bentley Boys Honoured In Le Mans

Today, Bentley has been honoured by the City of Le Mans, which has renamed one of its major streets in memory of the company’s illustrious racing heritage. Rue de Laigne becomes ‘Rue des Bentley Boys’ paying homage to the group of wealthy young men who raced W.O. Bentley’s fast and dependable cars in the early 20th Century, and their 21st Century successors.

During the 1920s, Bentley enjoyed great success on the racetrack and also broke many speed records. It brought W.O.s new company front page recognition, none more so than the company’s first Le Mans victory in 1924.

W.O. worked with ‘Bentley Boy’ John Duff to prepare for the 1924 endurance race, travelling to France to watch his car take the company’s first chequered flag at Le Mans. The dashing Bentley Boys went on to win four more consecutive races from 1927 to 1930, dominating the Golden Era of Le Mans racing and delivering one of the sport’s greatest achievements.

After an absence of 73 years, Bentley returned to contest Le Mans in 2001 and won the race in 2003. 

The Mayor of Le Mans, M.Stéphane Le Foll, led the re-naming ceremony and was joined by representatives of Auto Club de l’Ouest President M.Pierre Fillon, Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, Bentley’s Head of Heritage Collection, Robin Peel and several current day ‘Bentley Boys’.

Global Dynamic Debut of All-New Flying Spur

Le Mans will host the global dynamic debut of the all-new Flying Spur on Saturday 15 June, as it demonstrates its sporting capabilities as Pace Car in the pre-race Parade Lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by Chris Craft, Bentley's Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, it will lead more than 20 historic and current Bentley models from the company’s first 100 years around the historic racetrack in front of hundreds of thousands of motor racing fans from around the globe.

The all-new, All-Wheel Drive Flying Spur is an extraordinary Grand Tourer with unparalleled agility. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain, the sports sedan sets new standards for both driving enjoyment and luxury.

It is the very first Bentley to feature All-Wheel Steering, enhancing both stability at cruising speeds and agility around town. The new, all-wheel drive Flying Spur is a ground-up development that sets a new benchmark for technology and craftsmanship in the luxury sector.

Two Special Le Mans Displays

Located on the track’s famous Dunlop Curve, a ‘Bentley Through The Decades’ static display on Friday (June 14) will feature a host of special Bentley models from the last 100 years. In addition to the EXP 2 and the 1927 Team Car, the display includes the Team Blower, an R-Type Continental, a Series 1 FS Continental and the EXP Speed 8 that won at Le Mans in 2003.

Before the start of the 87th 24 Hours of Le Mans, the prestigious Parade Lap on Saturday (June 15) will also be dominated by Bentley cars. Other models to join the all-new Flying Spur on the track circuit will include the EXP 2, the 1925 3 Litre ‘Speed’, the 4 ½ Blower, the 3 Litre Team Car, a Brooklands and a Continental GT3-R.

100 Years Of Extraordinary

From Le Mans victories, through to the incredibly powerful road cars of the modern era, all of Bentley’s extraordinary cars have innovation hand-built into them. July 10, 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year - an extraordinary milestone achieved by only a few companies.

The Le Mans celebrations are just part of a year-long series of special activities, with celebrations at other events around the world. They will showcase Bentley’s motoring evolution over the last 100 years, highlighting its global success today and the exciting future of innovation ahead.

PENDINE OFFERS ULTRA-RARE ASTON MARTIN V8 ZAGATO PROTOTYPE IN ZAGATO CENTENARY YEAR

PENDINE OFFERS ULTRA-RARE ASTON MARTIN V8 ZAGATO PROTOTYPE IN ZAGATO CENTENARY YEAR

An extremely rare 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato prototype worthy of the world’s finest car collections is for sale with Bicester Heritage based, specialist dealer, Pendine Historic Cars.

Chassis 20011 is one of just three prototypes, and one of two configured in right-hand drive built ahead of the original limited production run of around 50 Aston Martin V8 Zagato coupés, all of which were pre-sold before production had even started.

Finished in Gladiator Red and presented in beautiful, restored condition, this particular prototype was commissioned with a unique specification by Aston Martin enthusiast Wensley Hayden-Baillie, a close friend of former Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett.

It comes to market from a private collection for the first time in 20 years in an unmissable opportunity for Aston Martin collectors and those looking to mark the 100thyear of the Zagato brand.

“Chassis 20011 is a well-known Aston Martin and is surely one of the finest examples of all of the V8 Zagatos built,” comments James Mitchell, founder, Pendine Historic Cars.

“According to the current owner, who has raced and driven more V8 Zagatos than most, it drives unlike the other cars and is visceral by comparison. This is a special car which seriously deserves recognition for its place in the marque’s genesis.”

Based on the Aston Martin V8 but with a Zagato coach built body, the car’s angular appearance and squared-off grille are paired with a lighter weight and shorter wheelbase than the ‘standard’ Vantage, with deleted rear seats.

The factory quoted 0-60 time of under five seconds with a top speed of around 190mph, making it Aston Martin’s fastest ever car at the time.

As with all cars commissioned by Wensley Hayden-Baillie, chassis 20011 has an exceptionally high specification and consequently is one of only four known to have been built with the 432bhp motor, and one of just two with an integral roll bar. Other features include black leather seats, leather-covered steering wheel and dashboard, walnut centre console and authenticity plaques.

Between 2009 and 2013 the car was subjected to a breath-taking restoration by Pebble Beach winning specialist, Auto Restorations, which took place in New Zealand and was overseen by the current, third custodian.

Today the car is listed by Aston Martin Heritage Trust as a significant car and in recognition of its status was invited to the highly prestigious Concorso Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como in 2016, one of only 52 cars annually, worldwide, to receive such an invitation. This was followed by an invitation to the inaugural City of London Concours in 2017.

The V8 Zagato prototype is for sale with an asking price of £530,000 and is accompanied by all of its original manuals, delivery and warranty documents as well as copies of the fascinating factory memos about this special build. There is an unbroken, complete and extensive history file along with the original service vouchers book and handbook.

Interested parties should contact James Mitchell at Pendine Historic Cars directly by emailing james@pendine.com or on +44 1869 357126.

For further details on the 1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato prototype for sale with Pendine Historic Cars, visit https://pendine.com/portfolio/1986-aston-martin-v8-zagato/.

All images copyright “Pendine Historic Cars”

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

A CENTURY APART – BENTLEY BEGINS YEAR OF EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATIONS

 As Bentley enters its Centenary year, the oldest remaining and first racing model – EXP 2 – will be displayed at Retromobile, Paris.

The first of many unique events in 2019 that will see Bentley celebrate this landmark year, Retromobile kick-starts the world car show season between 6-10 February at Salon des Expositions, Porte de Versailles.

Showcasing Bentley’s motoring evolution over the past 100 years, the British brand’s stand-in Paris offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the heritage and the innovation of the British luxury car manufacturer. Joining its illustrious forebear in Paris will be the new Continental GT Convertible – the pinnacle open-top Grand Tourer.

Although separated by 100 years of automotive evolution, the two models share fundamental Bentley characteristics: both are genuine Grand Tourers; both offer sector-defining levels of performance, and both feature innovative technology at their core.

The year, Retromobile celebrates its 44th anniversary, with over 120,000 visitors expected to attend from all over the world. For more information on the event please visit www.retromobile.com.

EXP 2 – The Oldest Surviving & First Racing Bentley

In the first few years of his company’s existence, W.O. Bentley made three prototypes: EXP 1 (EXPerimental No.1) at New Street Mews off Baker Street (which first ran in October 1919); EXP 2 built later that year at Bentley’s new workshop in Cricklewood (cannibalising much of EXP 1): and EXP 3 – better known as ‘The Cab’ and W.O.’s personal car.

A legacy of the Cricklewood era, EXP 2 is the oldest Bentley in existence. As the second Bentley to ever be made, its debut was at the 1919 Olympia Motor Show and is a landmark car in the brand’s 100-year history.

Drawing influence from W.O. Bentley’s pre-war competition experience – when he pioneered the use of aluminium pistons – EXP 2 is also the brand’s first car to win a race, powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a top speed of 80 mph.

Frank Clement, W.O.’s development engineer and racing driver, won the Junior Sprint Handicap at Brooklands on 16 May 1921 in EXP2 – the first recorded racing victory for Bentley. Clement not only took the brand’s maiden win at the famous banked circuit but also saw off some famous names in the process.

2019 Calendar of Heritage Events

As Bentley commemorates 100 extraordinary years, brand enthusiasts will be able to join the celebrations at a number of events hosted around the world – showcasing the best of Bentley past and present.

EVENT	DATE	LOCATION
44th Salon Rétromobile	6-10 February	Paris, France
13th Annual Boca Concours d’Elegance	22-24 February	Boca Raton, Florida, US
W.O. Bonhams exhibition	11 April	London
Bentley Drivers Club Centenary Extraordinary Drive	15-31 March	Castle of Mey – Crewe – London
Benjafield Racing Club, W.O. race	13 April	Silverstone race track
Mille Miglia	15-18 May	Brescia – Rome – Brescia, IT
24 Hours of Le Mans	15-16 June	Le Mans, France
RREC Annual Rally & Concours	21 June	Burghley house, England
Chantilly Arts & Elegance	30 June	Chantilly, France
RROC National Meeting	22-27 July	Detroit, US
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance	21-26 August	Carmel, California, US
Salon Privé Concours d'Elegance	6-8 September	Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK

Bentley’s Centenary – 100 Years of Extraordinary

In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.

The 10th of July 2019 marks Bentley’s 100th year and this extraordinary milestone – reached by only a special few companies – will be a cause for celebration of the company’s history, its global success today and its exciting future

A TASTE OF CITROËN’S CENTENARY IN THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW 120th ANNIVERSARY PARADE

A TASTE OF CITROËN’S CENTENARY IN THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW 120TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE

This Sunday, Citroën will line up 25 symbolic models from its history, in a parade to celebrate 120 years of the Paris Motor Show. The display will start at 10:00 CET and the parade will depart from the Place de la Concorde at 13:00 CET. Original models such as the very first Type A from 1919 through to New C5 Aircross SUV from 2018 will be displayed. The procession of historic models from collectors and the Citroën Conservatoire museum will give a taste of what’s to come for the brand’s centenary celebrations next year.

To celebrate its 120th anniversary, Paris Motor Show is organising an unprecedented and historic parade through the streets of Paris, this Sunday 30 September.

The display begins at 10:00 CET where 230 historic vehicles will be presented at the Place de la Concorde. From 13:00 CET, the vehicles will begin their parade from Place de la Concorde, going past some of the French capital’s most iconic locations, such as Place des Invalides, Le Quai Branly and also the Champs-Elysées.

Amongst a range of vehicles, Citroën will line up 25 symbolic models from its history, from the very first Type A from 1919, the Traction Avant, 2CV, Ami 6, Méhari, SM, CX, New C5 Aircross SUV from 2018 and even a U23 coach. The 25 Citroën models in the procession will parade in chronological order, from the oldest to the most recent.

1. Citroën Type A Torpédo from 1919
2. Citroën C3 5 HP Trèfle from 1924
3. Citroën C4 Torpédo from 1934
4. Citroën Rosalie NH from 1936
5. Citroën Traction Avant 7C from 1937
6. Citroën Autocar U23 from 1947
7. Citroën Type H from 1952
8. Citroën Traction Avant 15-6 H from 1954
9. Citroën DS 19 cabriolet from 1961
10. Citroën Ami 6 from 1965
11. Citroën DS 21 Pallas from 1967
12. Citroën SM from 1972
13. Citroën DS 20 Pallas from 1973
14. Citroën GS X2 from 1976
15. Citroën Méhari from 1979
16. Citroën CX 2000 from 1979
17. Citroën 2 CV 6 Spécial E from 1983
18. Citroën BX 16 soupapes from 1991
19. Citroën XM Exclusive from 1998
20. Citroën Xsara Picasso « Le robot » from 1999
21. Citroën C6 from 2006
22. Citroën C5 from 2008
23. Citroën C4 Cactus from 2014
24. Citroën C3 Aircross from 2017
25. Citroën C5 Aircross from 2018

DBZ CENTENARY COLLECTION: CLASSIC JOINS CONTEMPORARY IN UNIQUE CENTENARY TRIBUTE

DBZ CENTENARY COLLECTION: CLASSIC JOINS CONTEMPORARY IN UNIQUE CENTENARY TRIBUTE

DBS GT Zagato

• DBZ Centenary Collection comprises of DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and DBS GT Zagato
• Production strictly limited to 19 pairs - cars will not be sold separately
• Conceived to mark Zagato’s centenary in 2019
• Track-only DB4 GT Zagato Continuation to be built at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell - the original home of the DB4
• Road-legal DBS GT Zagato to be built at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters
• Zagato Collection priced at £6m plus local taxes

DB4 GT Zagato Continuation

19 September 2018, Gaydon: In 2019, legendary Italian design house Zagato celebrates its centenary. For 58 of those hundred years, Aston Martin and Zagato have enjoyed a remarkable creative partnership. One in which these two iconic brands have created some of the world’s most desirable and stimulating cars, from the first DB4 GT Zagato to the latest Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake.

To commemorate this landmark year, Aston Martin and Zagato are continuing their historic partnership with a truly unique collaboration. One that will come to fruition in Zagato’s centenary year with the remarkable DBZ Centenary Collection - a unique project that pays tribute to an icon of the past and creates a classic of the future. 

Speaking of the DBZ Zagato Collection, Andy Palmer, Aston Martin’s President and Group CEO, added: “The partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato is one of the most fruitful and enduring in the automotive world. With Zagato celebrating its centenary next year, what better way to celebrate this landmark - and the long-standing bond between our two great companies - than creating these 19 pairs of cars. As an engineer, I would always say my favourite Aston Martin is the next one, but I have to say I’m struggling to think of a finer two-car garage than this!”

Andrea Zagato, the head of the Milan-based design house, founded by his grandfather in 1919, continued: “Great Britain has always appreciated our work. In particular, I must say I’m honoured and very proud that Aston Martin has chosen to celebrate our long-standing partnership with this unique DBZ Centenary Collection.”

With a build run strictly limited to just 19 pairs, this exceptional duo comprises a new, track-only DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and a new, road-legal DBS GT Zagato. The DB4 GT Zagato will be built at Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell – the original home of the DB4 - while the new DBS GT Zagato will be produced at Gaydon, Aston Martin’s global headquarters. Perfectly bookending Aston Martin and Zagato’s shared history, the DBZ Centenary Collection will be sure to take their place amongst the most coveted cars in the world.

Built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960’s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred machine. Evolved for the rigours of motor racing and blessed with breathtaking beauty, just 19 were built. Drawing on Aston Martin Works’ unrivalled knowledge and expertise the 2019 DB4 GT Zagato Continuations will be completely authentic and meticulously crafted cars that are true to those original Zagato-bodied DB4 GTs produced by Aston Martin and Zagato in 1960.

Now the largest, best equipped and most knowledgeable Aston Martin restoration centre in the world, the invaluable and highly specialist skills nurtured at Aston Martin Works are perfectly suited to Aston Martin’s celebrated Continuation projects. Each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars will be built to the highest possible quality using a blend of David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements. 

Originally built as an evolution of the short-chassis DB4 GT, the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation follows the same recipe, with thin-gauge aluminium body panels, dressing a lightweight tubular frame. To improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels, the continuation car’s bodywork uses state-of-the-art digital scanning technology, before being hand-finished in time-honoured tradition. Beneath the bonnet sits a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 380bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, for an authentic and unforgettable driving experience.

Paul Spires, Managing Director at Aston Martin Works, said of the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation: “It has been my pleasure and privilege to oversee many exceptional projects here at Aston Martin Works, but creating nineteen DB4 GT Zagato Continuations as one half of the DBZ Centenary Collection is a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We will bring all our hand-craftsmanship and expertise to bear in building these nineteen Continuation cars, sympathetically incorporating the very latest engineering advancements and performance enhancements, but remaining true to the purity and authenticity of the original design”.

The second half of the DBZ Centenary Collection is the DBS GT Zagato, which takes Aston Martin’s most potent series production car - the brand new DBS Superleggera - as the starting point for Aston Martin and Zagato’s latest and most exclusive offering.

Created to embody the next evolution in the Aston Martin Zagato design language, the exterior of the car will be characterised by a new proportion featuring a fresh interpretation of the iconic double-bubble roof. Together with a striking front grille treatment and a dramatically truncated tail, the DBS GT Zagato will present an amplified physique and an unmistakable presence. One that combines classic Zagato hallmarks with spectacular new signatures. Paired to the build run of 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuations, the DBS GT Zagato will also be the rarest of all the modern-era Aston Martin Zagatos. 

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, said: “Aston Martin and Zagato is a uniquely dynamic union. One that unites the former’s love of proportion and clean, simple forms with the latter’s daring and maverick eye. Never afraid to push the boundaries, the partnership has resulted in some fabulous cars. Most recently the quartet of Vanquish Zagatos, which spanned the extremes of design expression with Coupe, Roadster, Speedster and Shooting Brake versions. However, Zagato’s centenary demanded something extra special, and the Zagato Collection is just that: One car that pays tribute to a timeless icon; another that writes a fearless new chapter for future generations to admire.”

The DBZ Century Collection will be priced at £6m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence QTR 4 2019 for the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and QTR 4 2020 for the DBS GT Zagato.

Source: Aston Martin