Aston Martin’s long-standing relationship with Zagato continues in 2016 with the Vanquish Zagato Coupé concept which made his debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como (Italy) in May 2016. It is the fifth car to emerge from a collaboration that stretches back over five decades (after the iconic 1960 DB4 GT Zagato, the 1986 V8 Vantage Zagato, the 2002 DB7 Zagato and the 2011 V12 Zagato).

Thanks to unprecedented customer interest a green light was given by Aston Martin for a production version; only 99 units were produced. The Vanquish Zagato Coupé is actually identical to the concept car, down to the wild exterior design and the souped-up V-12 engine.

Based on the second generation Vanquish model, a model that sits at the top of Aston Martins model range, the new body was designed by the Aston Martin’s chief creative officer Marek Reichman and Andrea Zagato in Milan. The overall design shows the Vanquish Zagato is unmistakably an GT, from the marque’s time-hallowed grille outline to the sharp crease defining the rear wheel arch. Its sculptural rear end echoes the aerodynamic profile of the DB11, while the profile features an evolution of the classic Aston Martin side strake from wheel arch to door (a detail inspired by the CC-100 anniversary concept). Carbon fibre front spoiler, sills and rear diffuser with quad exhaust accentuate the lean and low lines.

The entire bodywork of the Vanquish Zagato is made of carbon-fibre, with large, one-piece panels for a smooth and seamless appearance. Classic Zagato signatures include the round LED tail-light reflectors and the famous ‘double-bubble’ roof, originally designed to create space for driver and co-driver’s helmets. The Vanquish Zagato’s glasshouse wraps around the bodywork like a visor, emphasising its aggressive stance.

Inside, the interior of the Vanquish Zagato still looks familiar compared to the standard Vanquish. Fitted with herringbone carbon fibre, complemented by the tactile quality of optional aniline leather. Distinguishing features include a unique ‘Z’ quilt pattern stitch on the seat and door sections, with the Zagato ‘Z’ embossed on headrests and stitched into the center console.

For the limited edition Vanquish Zagato, Aston Martin’s iconic 6.0-litre V12 has been uprated to 600PS (24 PS more than the standard Vanquish), delivering a 0-60mph acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds, an advantage that improves the 0-to-60 mph sprint by a tenth-second faster than the standard Vanquish. Together with a new suspension set up, the Vanquish Zagato promises a good driving characteristics of a real Gran Turismo.

In the opinion of the undersigned, the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato is arguably one of the most beautiful Aston Martins in a very long time. The limited-edition GT is solid proof that Zagato still knows how to design stunning cars and that the Vanquish still has a lot to offer in its current generation.