Aston Martin’s $10m two-for-one deal

The British brand has confirmed plans to offer an exclusive pair of old-and-new models to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Zagato, the Italian coach builder that has crafted a range of bespoke Aston Martins.

Called the DBZ Centenary Collection, the unique project will include a track-only recreation of the 1960's DB4 GT Zagato and a new (road legal) Zagato version of the DBS Superleggera.

The cars will be sold together as a tribute to the heritage and future of the partnership, with just 19 pairs built at a cost of around $10million each.

While Aston Martin and Zagato have only worked together for the past 58 years, 2019 marks the centenary of the famed Milanese coach builder.

“The partnership between Aston Martin and Zagato is one of the most fruitful and enduring in the automotive world," said Aston Martin boss, Andy Palmer.

"With Zagato celebrating its centenary next year, what better way to celebrate this landmark - and the long-standing bond between our two great companies - than creating these 19 pairs of cars. As an engineer I would always say my favourite Aston Martin is the next one, but I have to say I’m struggling to think of a finer two-car garage than this!”

The original DB4 GT Zagato, of which just 19 were built, was first revealed at the 1960 London motor show and featured a uniquely styled, and lighter, aluminium body than the regular DB4 GT. 

A handful were further modified for racing and competed in numerous high-profile sports car events with high-profile drivers like Sir Stirling Moss, including at the Le Mans 24 hour. One of the first cars recently sold at auction for more than $16million.

The new-ish models, called Continuations, will be hand built by the Aston Martin Works division at the same Newport Pagnell site as the original using "a blend of David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements."

The brand-new DBS Zagato, previewed in a single design sketch, will be built at Aston's newer headquarters in Gaydon, bookending the historic pair.

Aston Martin says the car will "embody the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language" with the exterior design set to be "characterised by a new proportion featuring a fresh interpretation of the iconic double-bubble roof. Together with a striking front grille treatment and a dramatically truncated tail the DBS GT Zagato will present an amplified physique and an unmistakable presence."