1986 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato – Ex Rowan Atkinson

History

Chassis 20013 was the first ‘production’ V8 Vantage Zagato Coupe constructed from a total of 50 cars and was originally finished in Gladiator Red coachwork with Tan hide, delivered to first owner C.H.Taylor and Co of Aston Birmingham on 16^th July 1986

Sold to the second owner ‘Ambassador Textiles Ltd’ in June 1989, the Zagato remained in standard configuration until 1998 when it was sold to famed comedian and respected car enthusiast Rowan Atkinson

This car remains unique in the history of the V8 Zagato as Mr Atkinson immediately commissioned Aston Martin Works Service to rebuild and develop the car to race in the AMOC C2 Class ‘Mildly Modified’ category. This was the only V8 Zagato ever to have this work undertaken by the Aston Martin Works and is arguably the most developed and highly tuned example on the planet

The car was sent to the factory and comprehensively prepared at huge expense with particular attention paid to weight reduction with the use of lightweight panels and Perspex side windows, reducing weight from the standard 1600kgs to 1485kgs. The ‘X Pack’ engine was rebuilt and significantly enhanced with Weber Alpha fuel injection, built to ‘Nimrod X/R’ specification producing 482 BHP @ 7000rpm and 412 Lb/Ft torque @ 5500rpm whilst retaining its original 5340cc displacement. It is understood this is the only Zagato built by the Works with this engine specification

The suspension system was completely re-developed and custom two way adjustable Koni dampers were fitted with Eibach springs. The braking system was custom built with AP Racing components, the front fitted with twin ‘8 Pot’ Calipers on two piece disk and the rear with single water cooled ‘6 Pot’ calipers on two piece disk

Mr Atkinson went on to campaign and enjoy the car for the next decade and the Zagato performed very well, becoming a regular and welcome fixture at AMOC meetings, indeed I remember seeing the car race at various events as a teenager!

After Mr Atkinson sold the car it was retired from competition and in 2016 marque specialists Nicholas Mee and Co were entrusted with the task of making the car more friendly for road use. This work included the fitment of a road clutch, re-trimmed road interior and air conditioning. The lightweight panels and supremely powerful engine were untouched making this an exceptionally potent road car!  

Today the car presents superbly and is in exceptional condition both mechanically and cosmetically. With extensive historical documentation, invoices and photographs pertaining to the Works Service development, respected ownership history and truly unique specification, this example is in our opinion the most historically significant V8 Zagato extant

We were extremely fortunate to have been given the task of driving this car to Silverstone and back to participate on track and we were absolutely blown away by how tractable and usable the car is on the road and how well sorted it is on track! Marvellous machine!!!