This Aston Martin V8 Zagato Prototype Is A Rare And Quirky Treat

One of three V8 Zagato prototypes is up for sale, but you'll need over half a million quid lying around to snag it

Updated: 25 May 2019

This Aston Martin V8 Zagato Prototype Is A Rare And Quirky Treat

Zagato-coachbuilt Aston Martins are often striking, sometimes a little odd, and never boring. Just take this very angular 1986 Aston Martin V8 - it’s far from beautiful in the conventional sense, but you just can’t help but look at it, can you?

It’s rare, too - only production 51 V8 Zagatos were made. And this isn’t even one of the 51 - it’s actually one of three prototypes.

The Gladiator Red coupe was originally commissioned by a chap called Wensley Hayden-Baillie, an Aston enthusiast and a friend of then-Aston Martin Lagonda boss Victor Gauntlett. He optioned it with the 432bhp version of Aston’s 5.3-litre V8 - only three other Vagato V8s were specced thusly.

That’s a hefty power output, even today. Plus, the Zagato version, with its shorter wheelbase and rear seat delete, is lighter than a standard Aston Martin V8. Consequently, this 33-year-old car is quick: it’ll do 0-60mph in under five seconds, and keep going until a top speed of almost 190mph.

The car was subjected to a “breath-taking restoration” by Auto Restorations in New Zealand at the behest of the third owner between 2009 and 2013. It’s now up for sale via Pendine Historic Cars, and predictably, it’s not cheap - you’re looking at £530,000 for this curious slice of Aston Martin and Zagato history.

“According to the current owner, who has raced and driven more V8 Zagatos than most, it drives unlike the other cars and is visceral by comparison,” says James Mitchell, Pendine’s founder.

Sounds like an entertaining car, doesn’t it?

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

My 2006 fiesta ecoboost drive+ zero emissions can easily beat this in a 1/4 mile. Cause its well fast

And? A Mk7 GTI is faster than a Lamborghini Countach QV on literally every track, but I know which one I’d rather have.

Wow, your 2006 ecobox fiesta can out accelerate a car with over 430 hp that hits 60 mph in less then 5 seconds AND has the top end to stay ahead on a drag strip. Shows how much of a backwards step the 2018 Focus RS was that even it can barely manage that.

£530k seems kinda cheap for a Zagato Prototype don’t you think?

Sure it’s from one of the most down periods for Aston Martin, but just LOOK AT IT

It’s still pretty goddamn expensive for an Aston from the 80s, even if it’s a design from Zagato, and a regular Aston V8 from the same era looks better imo