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
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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

“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?

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Comments

icke dude

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

05/25/2019 - 10:27 |
1 | 5
🎺🎺thank mr skeltal

In reply to by icke dude

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

05/25/2019 - 12:43 |
6 | 0

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.

05/26/2019 - 05:03 |
0 | 0
CannedRex24

£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

05/25/2019 - 10:49 |
9 | 0
Olivier (CT's grammar commie)

In reply to by CannedRex24

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

05/25/2019 - 22:38 |
2 | 0
TheDriver 1

Love the fact its rocking Ramair filters!

05/25/2019 - 11:40 |
0 | 0
Alex Joe Mills

Rowan Atkinson had one

05/25/2019 - 13:19 |
6 | 1
Anonymous

Looks like unwanted child of Subaru XT and Lancia.

05/25/2019 - 16:21 |
0 | 0
Lord Saucius The Divine

I wish they still made boxy sports cars!

05/25/2019 - 17:19 |
0 | 0
Daniel Busker

zagato has a very recognizable design style, this zagato nissan skyline looks like a 2nd generation of that aston

05/25/2019 - 20:15 |
4 | 0
Wogmidget

Mm . . . quad throttle bodies

05/25/2019 - 22:29 |
0 | 0
Kyubi22B

Looks like a Biuck to me…

Dont ask me why

05/26/2019 - 21:31 |
0 | 0

Why

05/27/2019 - 03:27 |
1 | 0
Lauge

Looks amazing

05/27/2019 - 06:24 |
0 | 0