Introduced at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show, Aston Martin’s DB AR1 boasted the incredible styling of the DB7 Vantage Zagato Coupé with the added drama of open coachwork. Like its closed sibling, only 99 examples would be built. As the North American market did not receive the DB7 Vantage Zagato, it was only fitting that the vast majority of these examples would be shipped across the pond, hence the “American Roadster” nomenclature.

This particular DB AR1, built by the factory to European-specification, was just the 15th car produced, and only one of a few to be delivered new to Europe rather than to the United States market. Finished in Bowland Black over Eclipse Red, this example was ordered new by its current and only owner while in the United States, but he had it delivered to Germany. It was then shipped to Switzerland, where the car has remained ever since.

Currently showing just under 24,300 kilometres from new, the car has been driven and enjoyed on a regular basis and has always been serviced and maintained by the same Swiss Aston Martin dealer from new. The car has always been stored in a dehumidified, heated garage and treated to the most fastidious maintenance throughout its life. As one would expect with a car in single ownership, this DB AR1 is accompanied by a full service history as well as its original books and accessories, including Aston Martin umbrellas, battery conditioner, and original emergency cockpit cover. The original cloth sun visors have also been replaced with bespoke pieces in matching leather, a testament to the attention which this car has benefitted from since new.

Arguably one of the prettiest Aston Martins built thus far in the 21st century, the DB AR1 will always hold a special place in both Aston Martin and Zagato history. Seldom seen in Europe and offered from single ownership, it would be difficult to find a finer example.