Looking to reinvigorate sales and interest in the Aston Martin brand, then-owner Ford teamed up with the legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato. In 2002 they endeavored to create a limited-production grand touring car in the spirit of the DB4 GT Zagato of the 1960s and the V8 Vantage Zagato of the 1980s.

In designing a car more alluring than the current model DB7, already considered to be one of the most attractive of its era, Zagato certainly had their work cut out for them. The Italian design house did not disappoint, and the resulting cars, the DB7 Zagato and DB AR1, are considered by many to be two of the most attractive Aston Martins ever produced. Although the DB7 Zagato coupes were only available in the European and Asian markets, the roadster was produced especially for the American market—hence the “American Roadster 1” designation.

First shown at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show, the DB AR1 remained true to the design of its closed sibling, albeit in an exciting fully open format. It offered time-honored Zagato design cues with a modern flair combined with exceptional performance. Thanks to the 435 horsepower, 6.0-liter V-12 engine borrowed from the contemporaneous Vanquish, the DB AR1 accelerates from 0–60 mph in just 4.9 seconds; its top speed is 186 mph. The active sports exhaust system provides the DB AR1 with a very distinctive, thoroughly exciting exhaust note befitting such an automobile.

This DB AR1 is the 79th of just 99 examples produced by the Aston Martin and Zagato partnership in 2003. It is finished in Tungsten Silver over black leather with matching carpets and carbon fiber trim. Delivered new to California, it was acquired by the consignor in 2006 and has since been driven approximately 4,000 miles over their 16 years of careful ownership. At some point during previous ownership, it was fitted with the aftermarket slotted brake rotors, twin-plate AP Racing clutch, and 19-inch HRE wheels seen today. The original pair of factory umbrellas and serialized car cover are included in the sale.

While within the consignor’s collection, this DB AR1 has benefitted from regular maintenance and careful enjoyment. A highly desirable variant of Aston Martin’s iconic DB7, and a beautiful representative of that lasting partnership between the British marque and Italian design house, this DB AR1 will surely delight its next lucky custodian.