Background

Background:

The following is taken from a December 1985 publication of The Zagato Car Club. The history of Zagato is above all that of Ugo, its founder, it is a tale of adventure, tempered by courage and tenacity. Ugo was born on 25th June 1890 in Gavello, a small place in the countryside near Rovigo. He lost his father and had five brothers: in 1905, at fifteen, he left school to emigrate to Cologne in Germany. Four years later he returned to Italy for military service after which he found employment at Carrozzeria Varesina. Meanwhile attending evening classes at the Santa Marta design school. In summer 1915 he entered Costruzioni Aerodinamiche Pomilio of Turin where his great experience of aerodynamics was gained. In 1919 he returned to Milan where he opened his first office from which came the Fiat 501 sports body 'Carlinga type' with a wooden frame and aluminium body-work, a car which points to an important place in the history of Italian car taste. On the 27th February 1921 his first child Elio was born, who inherited a passion for racing from him. Business boomed. Zagato was a success, Ugo decided to expand. Having begun with 10 workers, in 1923 he had 80. Nicola Romeo called him at Alfa: from this collaboration came the P2 racing car which took all the Grand Prix of '24 and '25 and the first World Championship. In 1928 came the Alfa 6C 1500, the legendary machine which won the Mille Miglia four times. In 1929 Gianni was born, the second born of Zagato. They were golden years: in '31 the Alfa spider 6C 1756, in 37 the Fiat 500 A, the Topolino, another car destined to become legendary. Then the war years, from 1940 to 1945 Zagato produced industrial vehicles for war use. In '47 another success: these were the years of the re-birth, Zagato produced the bodywork for the Fiat 1100 Panoramica and was pushed back into racing partly by his son Elio who wanted to try the great adventure. They were fertile years for the Milanese firm. On 31st October 1968 Ugo Zagato died but his innovative ideas and great genius were passed on to his sons, Elio and Gianni, who continue the story.

Vehicle History

This particular car was supplied new by Murray Motor Co Ltd., in Scotland. Of the 37 constructed it is car number 20. Such was the demand for exclusivity and an investment potential in the booming market of 1989 that it was once heard tell that one of this model changed hands for £450,000. As testament to that possibility, amongst the documented history file for this car is a copy of the new car order form which states that the first owner purchased this particular car for £345,000. However, all of the above aside, come and drive this car and you will discover just what makes it so very special.

Summary:

The new Aston Martin Vantage Zagato respects a classic formula therefore: that of a car whose lines and sporty temperament still enable it to "burn up" the asphalt while the driver can enjoy the thrill of speed in surroundings which are a blend of extreme elegance and comfort. But this is not all. There's something more: exclusivity.