After an overwhelmingly positive response from customers for the V12 Zagato concept car, the decision was made in July 2011 to build a strictly limited run of V12 Zagato’s for the street. Up to the present, there are no more than 65 street versions of V12 Zagato built of originally 101 examples planned.

Manufacture of the V12 Zagato commenced in the summer of 2012 at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon. The V12 Zagato was based on the acclaimed V12 Vantage. Creating each V12 Zagato takes approximately 2,000 man-hours to complete. Just like the One-77, the V12 Zagato is constructed from a combination of hand crafted aluminium and carbon fibre. The bonnet, Zagato’s signature ‘double-bubble’ roof and doors are hand-crafted aluminium, while the front and rear fenders, door sills and boot lid surround are made from carbon fibre.

Customers were able to choose from five exclusive colours, inspired by those available on the original DB4GT Zagato: Scintilla Silver, Alloro Green, Alba Blue and Diavolo Red. The painting process alone takes some 100 hours to complete and is followed by the marriage of the body and the drivetrain within the sports car production area. From there the V12 Zagato is transferred to the standalone facility originally built to house One-77 production, where the build is completed.

This serene, laboratory-like space is perfectly suited to the task of creating special cars such as the V12 Zagato. It is here that time is lavished upon the fitment and installation of an array of bespoke components, including the side glass and the distinctive rear window, which features a curved surface that continues the sculptural lines of the ‘double-bubble’ roof. All the exterior brightwork around the windows has a contemporary black finish to compliment the exposed carbon fibre components. Fitment of the hand-crafted interior and upholstery is also completed in this dedicated build area.

Like all Aston Martins when viewed as a whole the V12 Zagato is an artful composition of powerful lines and compelling proportions, but when viewed up close it reveals sophisticated, sculptural surfaces and jewel-like details. The exposed elements of carbon fibre on the front splitter, A-pillars, rear lamp pods, diffuser, door mirror cases and rear wing all display the same perfectly symmetrical weave and smooth resin finish. Likewise the bold new grille is formed in a unique three-dimensional composite material mesh that echoes Zagato’s famous ‘Z’ moniker.

Underneath the gorgeous coachwork the V12 Zagato was fitted with a 6.0-litre 48-valve V12 engine, reaching the road via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance was similar to that of the V12 Vantage, the top speed being around 190mph with the 0-60mph dash despatched in a little over 4 seconds.

V12 Zagato was intended for discerning customers and priced from £330,000 (excluding local taxes), with orders taken on a strictly ‘first come first served’ basis.