Aston Martin’s relationship with Ugo Zagato’s Milan-based carrozzeria dates to the now-infamous 1961 DB4GT Zagato. A conspicuous combination of British engineering clothed in a lightweight aerodynamic swooping body, it is now considered one of the most desirable Aston Martins ever produced.

However, despite their modern appeal, just 19 were sold in the early 1960s, and this limited popularity caused relations between the two companies to lie dormant for close to three decades. Indeed, it was not until 1986, when Zagato’s Giuseppe Mittino made a success story out of his interpretation of the concurrent Aston Martin V8, creating the V8 Zagato and V8 Zagato Spyder, that the relationship was resuscitated. Since then the relationship has gone from strength to strength, spawning the DB7 Vantage Zagato, DB AR1, V12 Zagato, and numerous other concepts and design studies along the way.

It was at the prestigious 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este that Aston Martin announced the details of the latest collaboration between the two great companies: the 2017 Vanquish Zagato. Production was limited to just 99 examples, and while the car is a quintessential Aston Martin, the svelte carbon-fiber bodywork, deep Z grille, rounded rear lights, and trademark double-bubble roof are pure Zagato. Aston Martin outfitted the car with the same powertrain as found in the Vanquish S, meaning 595 bhp, albeit exhaling through a freer-flowing exhaust for an even more glorious soundtrack.

Performance is suitably stellar: 0–62 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed the right side of 200 mph. Keeping all the power in check is a lightly tweaked chassis with slightly firmer damping and a carbon-ceramic breaking setup that is more than up to the task. As AutoExpress discovered when road testing the car, “the changes might seem incremental, but add them all up and the car as a whole feels tremendous.”

This Vanquish Zagato coupe is a stunning low-mileage example, specified in the stealthy combination of Scorching Black with black fifteen-spoke wheels, black textured exhaust-pipe finishers, and black window surrounds. Its red calipers are matched on the inside by its Spicy Red Caithness leather upholstery, with the additional options of ventilated seats, herringbone trim, the desirable One-77-style steering wheel, and one extra crystal glass key. Furthermore, the car includes the beautiful and bespoke matching three-piece Schedoni luggage set, as well as a custom-made matching car cover. It is a single-owner example and, as is to be expected with less than 500 miles, it presents as a new car and is pristine throughout.

Every Aston Martin collaboration with Zagato has produced instantly recognizable, collectable cars, and the Vanquish Zagato is no exception. An intoxicating blend of British and Italian design paired with the increasingly rare sight of a naturally aspirated V-12 engine under the bonnet, this Zagato would be a fine acquisition for even the most discerning collector.