Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato.
The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato is a limited-production grand touring automobile constructed between 1960 and 1963 through a collaboration between Aston Martin of Newport Pagnell and Carrozzeria Zagato of Milan. Developed from the DB4 GT platform, the Zagato variant was conceived to compete at the highest levels of international motorsport, most notably against the Ferrari 250 GT SWB. The project yielded a fusion of British mechanical engineering with Italian coachbuilding tradition, resulting in a vehicle that occupies a singular position in mid-century automotive history. The standard DB4 GT chassis was shortened and fitted with a modified version of the Tadek Marek-designed 3.7-litre inline-six engine, which in the Zagato specification produced approximately 314 horsepower. A twin-plug ignition system, high-compression pistons, and revised cam profiles contributed to its heightened performance. Power was transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox to the rear axle. The car’s performance figures—0 to 60 mph in just over six seconds and a top speed nearing 150 mph—placed it firmly among the elite sports cars of its era. The aluminium bodywork was executed by Zagato under the direction of Ercole Spada. In pursuit of reduced weight, elements such as bumpers were eliminated, glass was replaced with Perspex, and extensive use of hand-formed panels brought the overall weight below that of the DB4 GT. The styling was characterized by a low roofline, a shortened rear overhang, and a distinctive oval grille. Despite the aggressive reduction in mass and visual ornament, the result remained harmonious and restrained. Nineteen original examples were produced. The Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato was introduced in October 1960 at the London Motor Show. Chassis 0183/R, known as “1 VEV”, and chassis 0182/R, “2 VEV”, were campaigned by the Essex Racing Stable and driven in period by Roy Salvadori and Jim Clark. Though unsuccessful at Le Mans, these cars performed notably in various international events and have since achieved iconic status. The DB4 GT Zagato’s scarcity and provenance have elevated it within collector circles. Its identity as a purpose-built competition car with coachbuilt refinement renders it an exemplar of the era’s highest standards of design, engineering, and craftsmanship. Subsequent sanctioned continuations, while faithful, remain distinct from the original series in status and valuation.
The stunning backdrop of Villa d’Este hosted another extraordinary edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where historic cars and concept vehicles enchanted the audience and judges alike. This year, the “Best of Show” title was awarded to a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 bodied by Figoni, while the public bestowed the “Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este” upon a 1995 McLaren F1.
The Aston Martin DB4 GT was unveiled in 1959. Sir David Brown, big admirer of Italian Coachbuilder, outsourced the design to Zagato and Touring.
The 1910s: Aeronautics Ugo Zagato was born in Gavello, near Rovigo, on June 25, 1890. He began his coachbuilding career in 1919 when he…
