The modern resurrection of the “ultimate” Aston Martin of the David Brown era, the DB4GT Zagato, the DB7 Zagato marked only the third collaboration between the renowned British automaker and the fabled Italian coachbuilder in 40 years.

A collaboration between Andrea Zagato and Henrik Fisker, then Aston Martin’s chief designer, the new model was introduced to great acclaim at the Paris Motor Show of 2002. Like the DB4GT before it, it retained Aston Martin’s traditional grille, only larger, while the bodywork was fully unique, including Zagato’s trademark “double bubble” roofline, sculpted rear window, and a drop-down bootlid flanked by single round taillights. Special five-spoke alloy wheels proved a fitting complement to the car’s striking appearance. The interior was equally lavish and appointed with a special aniline leather with quilted seating, for a more luxurious, timeless appearance.

This stunning bodywork was mounted on a unique chassis, shortened by 151 millimeters, which helped to reduce the car’s front and rear overhangs, while also trimming nearly 130 pounds of weight – allowing for slightly increased performance over the standard DB7.

Like the original DB4GT Zagato before it, the DB7 Zagato was an instant classic upon its premiere—and was destined to be rare from the moment that it was born. Only 99 examples were produced, and they were allocated solely to the European, Asian, and U.K. markets, leaving many potential North American owners pining for a chance to own one of the most significant modern Aston Martins.

The 40th example built, the DB7 Zagato presented here is one of the most spectacular of the very few to have since come to American shores. Mr. Smith acquired the car from a renowned collector of modern supercars, who had imported it from England in 2005, after a factory conversion to left-hand drive, along with a factory refinish to match his DB AR1, including a complete re-trim, also to match the unusual color combination of the open car. Since taking delivery, only 30 miles were added during his ownership.

Even though the car left the factory over a decade ago, it is presented in showroom-quality condition. Having travelled 513 miles from new, it has been carefully preserved for its entire life, including the factory modifications in the United Kingdom, producing a whole new and refreshing image. More recently, it has benefitted from over $9,400 in services and detail work following Mr. Smith’s acquisition in January 2015. Today the paintwork remains flawless and shines bright, and the leather interior shows no scuffs or creases whatsoever. Further, the car is complete with its car cover in numbered bag, fitted umbrella, and original owner’s guide, as well as a clean recent CARFAX Vehicle History Report.

One of the very few of its kind in North America, and undoubtedly one of the finest available, this stunning car would be an ideal counterpoint to the DB4GT Zagato in one’s stable – or simply to complete a run of the most important modern Astons in a gentleman’s collection.