Aston Martin Vanquish

FIRST DRIVE Verdict on limited-edition Zagato supercar

ASTON Martin has a history of teaming up with Italian coachbuilder Zagato to make special editions. It began in 1960 with the DB4 GT, and now here’s the Vanquish Zagato.

It was launched at last year’s exclusive Villa d’este car concours, and convertible, speedster and shooting brake variants have since followed. Just 99 coupés will be built.

The dramatic skin is all carbon fibre, just like the Vanquish on which it’s based. It certainly stands out, with its double-bubble roof, drooping bonnet and sculpted rear with elements of the wild Vulcan track car.

Customers can also order their Zagatos with a special Villa d’este pack that picks out the badges, side strakes and wheel spokes in gold. This theme can be seen (as standard) inside the car, where vents and switchgear are in the same colour. The seats also get stitching with a ‘Z’ theme.

Push the key into the dash and you’re firing up the same 5.9-litre V12 as in the Vanquish S. Power and torque figures are the same, too, with the naturally aspirated engine producing 595bhp and 630Nm of torque. It’ll deliver 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.

Perhaps more importantly, the Zagato has a soundtrack to match its dramatic looks – with a more open exhaust, the glorious noise filling the cabin is appreciably louder.

The ride is also firmer, and although it’s not uncomfortable, it pushes the Vanquish Zagato away from the GT end of the spectrum towards the sort of car that you want to drive when you reach some interesting roads. The changes might be incremental, but the well weighted steering, responsive chassis and taut suspension all combine to be wonderfully involving.

Given the sporting nature of the car, it’s no surprise the eight-speed, paddle-operated gearbox feels out of its depth at times – but it doesn’t ruin the experience.