Aston Martin enjoyed significant growth as the new millennium approached, the direct result of the very successful DB7, which was produced from 1994 through 2003. To commemorate the end of DB7 production, Aston partnered with Zagato, of Italy, on a new project, recalling the famed DB4 GT of the 1960s, as well as the stunning Vantage and Volante Zagato of the late-1980s.

The DB AR1 Zagato Roadster was first shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2003, where it was an immediate sensation. The limited run of just 99 cars that followed was approved for production, with all units destined for sale in the United States only, resulting in the AR1, or “American Roadster,” designation. Hugely popular to this day, the car has become something of the Aston Martin equivalent of the Ferrari California Spyder, a fast two-passenger car intended for the market that loves them.

The overall appearance of the AR1 is quite breathtaking, with the all-aluminum coachwork highlighted by its sweeping lines and a pair of speedster-style fairings on the rear deck. Additional unique features include a large radiator grille reminiscent of the DB4 GT Zagato, as well as the specially offset, multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and aggressive low-profile Yokohama performance tires, which necessitated a pair of enlarged rear wheel arches.

This DB AR1 Zagato is a true roadster, in that it carries only two passengers and has no top. The stunning Zagato-designed body is just part of the story, and this car, the 73rd of the 99 built, is the only one painted this unique color, Mercedes Designo Silver. The balance of the car is all Aston Martin, with a four-cam, 48-valve, 6.0-liter V-12 engine putting out 435 horsepower. An AP twin-plate racing clutch, a six-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel Brembo disc brakes round out the performance package.

The sumptuous interior features hand-stitched, electronically-controlled seats trimmed in Forest Green Bridge of Weir leather and all of the expected comforts and refinements expected in a luxurious grand tourer. The DB AR1 is still equipped with all of the accessories with which it was delivered: manuals, a pair of umbrellas, tonneau covers, both sets of keys, and a factory cover in its original bag, which is numbered to match the car! Also accompanying the car are its build sheet, window sticker, and a Carfax report, which records its routine maintenance.

With 3,600 miles from new, this DB AR1 is a striking, high-performance, limited-edition automobile in the finest Aston Martin tradition, with the bonus of being in “nearly new” condition. As striking today as it was when new, it would remain a very desirable and very fast, acquisition—a must-have to fill out one’s collection of Aston Martins, or just to blast around town or down the coast in on sunny days.