Reprising of one of the most charismatic associations in motoring history, in 1985 Aston Martin and Zagato joined forces to develop the former’s first genuine two-seat car since the DB4GT of 1959. Using the existing V8 Vantage X-pack model as its basis—albeit lightened and shortened by 170 kg and 17 centimetres respectively—some 52 V8 Zagato coupes were constructed initially, prior to the completion of a further 37 Volante variants.

This magnificent example—one of just 25 right-hand drive Zagato Volantes produced—left the Newport Pagnell factory resplendent in the classic colour combination of Salisbury Blue with contrasting Magnolia leather interior. Generously specified with optional extras including Air Conditioning, a Limited Slip Differential, 16-inch Speedline alloy wheels and an electrically operated “Everflex” hood, the car was sold via Aston Martin Sales of Kensington, London on 1 August 1989 to its first owner, Philip Lait of Epping, Essex. Mr. Lait retained “30024” for the next 12 years, evidently using the car only very sparingly. Indeed, its accompanying Service Manual shows an odometer reading of just 500 miles as at the time of its fifth service on 16th June 2001; the previous four having been performed at Aston Martin Works.

In August 2001, chassis number 30024 was purchased by Peter Bennett of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. The car continued to be maintained fastidiously, with Mr. Bennett entrusting the car to Aston Martin Works for all servicing and repair work. During his ownership, some £14,000 was spent at the factory, which included converting the oil and transmission cooling systems to later V8 Vantage specification, as well as routine services at 1,328 and 4,685 miles.

Ownership of the car passed to Ian Wade of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in December 2002, prior to its acquisition by the vendor in late 2014. During the latter’s custody, the car has benefited from further expenditure of some £8,900 with marque specialists H.R.Owen and Nicholas Mee & Co., with work performed including a front suspension overhaul, servicing of the braking, power steering and air conditioning systems and a routine 2,500 mile service.

Beautifully preserved, meticulously maintained and having covered a mere 6,742 miles from new, there can be few more correct examples of this Anglo-Italian avant-garde masterpiece in existence. As such, it represents a singular opportunity to acquire a genuine Zagato built—as opposed to merely Zagato badged—Aston Martin at comparatively modest cost, and is surely worthy of serious consideration by any afficionado of either of the model’s illustrious progenitors.