1986 Aston Martin V8 Zagato Ex Works Race Car

About the 1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato

The only example ever developed and prepared by the Aston Martin Works for competition purposes, now prepared for fast road use. Chassis 20013, the first ‘production’ V8 Vantage Zagato Coupe, was delivered to its first owner, C.H.Taylor and Co of Aston Birmingham, in July 1986, finished in Gladiator Red with Fawn trim.

Sold to the second owner, Ambassador Textiles Ltd, in June 1989, the Zagato remained in standard configuration until 1998 when, this car, 1 of just 50 production examples, with just 7,500 miles covered, was acquired by internationally celebrated comedy actor Rowan Atkinson, for the purpose of a full rebuild and development project, to prepare it for competitive events.

After approaching Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell, a highly detailed project proposal was presented and terms agreed, between the Mr Atkinson and the Aston Martin Works, to dismantle and rebuild this car to a defined competition specification. Developed to AMOC C2 Class ‘Mildly Modified’ category, a set of regulations which allowed for limited but highly effective modifications, based on the car remaining close to production car specifications. Campaigned for 2 racing seasons between 1999 and 2000, by Rowan Atkinson, with full event support provided by Aston Martin Works, the car was raced in UK based events organised by the British Racing Drivers’ Club and by the AMOC. Racing and competing against more heavily modified sports racing cars, this Works re- engineered Zagato, enjoyed several pole positions in class and a number of excellent results in the hands of its owner.

Retired from competition by the end of 2001 and driven occasionally on the road thereafter, 20011 was subsequently sold in 2008 and professionally stored prior to changing hands in 2016. The new owner subsequently commissioned a program of works to be carried out by ourselves, with the aim of bringing the car into a more ‘road useable’ specification, without losing its competition car hallmarks.

Retaining its factory fitted roll cage now trimmed in Alcantara, the adaptive works included the re-instating of a number of interior fitments, included the fitting of air conditioning, trimming of the interior in Black Alcantara, leather and new carpeting, re-fitting of factory supplied original Zagato sports front seat and the re instatement of interior storage compartments. With the interior re-instated other detailed changes to the suspension and brakes were completed, the result being a more comfortable and acceptable environment for road use, whilst not undermining its competition heritage.​

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