The DB4 Zagato is without doubt a priceless piece of automotive art, but it’s surprisingly not the rarest Aston Martin ever built. Even though there were only 19 of them carefully crafted by the Italian coachbuilder, that’s 18 more than the one-of-its-kind DB9 Zagato.
Still, that doesn’t make it any less treasured. In fact, thanks to its rarity, popularity and design the DB4 Zagato is the most expensive Aston Martin. This exact unit is expected to bring £10m at Sotheby’s “Driven by Disruption” auction.
Designed by Ercole Spada, it’s a lighter and improved DB4 GT, featuring a 318 hp, 3.7-litre straight-six powerplant with an increased compression ratio. Moreover, its specific Italian style, accompanied by the unquestionable British elegance, makes this model one of the greatest designs in automotive history – considered by many to be Zagato’s finest creation.
The car going under the hammer is the 14th one built. It was delivered to Australia and raced there with great success. Yes, the DB4 Zagato was a great GT, but it also served as a gentleman’s racer, so it will be a challenge to find one without track usage.
It remained “Down Under” for most of its life before being sold to its current owner in England, who had the car restored by British specialist Richard Williams and by Zagato’s own facilities. As you can tell from the images, the car is in pristine condition. It’s every bit as original as a 54-year old, incredibly rare car can be – having won many honors, including 1st in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.
Read all the details here. All photos belong to RM Sothebys Auctions.