The automotive world rarely witnesses partnerships that transcend decades, yet the collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato represents one of the industry’s most enduring creative unions. When these two legendary marques announced the Vanquish Zagato family in 2017, culminating with the spectacular Shooting Brake variant, they created what many consider the pinnacle of bespoke automotive craftsmanship. With only 325 vehicles across four distinct body styles, this exclusive series demonstrates how traditional coachbuilding artistry can evolve whilst maintaining its core principles of exclusivity, performance, and breathtaking design .
The Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake stands as perhaps the most practical yet exotic member of this distinguished family. Limited to just 99 examples worldwide, this two-door grand tourer redefines the shooting brake concept for the modern era. Unlike conventional estate cars, this masterpiece maintains the sensual curves and aggressive stance that define both brands, whilst offering enhanced luggage capacity through its extended roofline and powered tailgate.
Aston martin zagato partnership heritage and design philosophy
Andrea zagato’s coachbuilding legacy since 1960 DB4GT zagato
The relationship between Aston Martin and Zagato began almost sixty years ago when Andrea Zagato’s grandfather collaborated on the legendary DB4 GT Zagato. This initial partnership established the foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated alliances in automotive history. The original DB4 GT Zagato, with its distinctive lightweight aluminium bodywork and aggressive aerodynamics, set the template for future collaborations between these prestigious brands.
Throughout the decades, this partnership has produced some of the most coveted collector cars in existence. From the V8 Zagato of the 1980s to the DB7 Zagato and DB AR1 of the early 2000s, each collaboration has pushed the boundaries of automotive design whilst respecting the heritage of both companies. The modern Vanquish Zagato family represents the culmination of this evolutionary process, combining contemporary engineering with traditional craftsmanship techniques.
Carrozzeria zagato’s Double-Bubble roof signature architecture
Zagato’s signature double-bubble roof design remains one of the most recognisable elements in automotive design. Originally conceived for aerodynamic purposes in racing applications, this distinctive feature has evolved into a sophisticated design element that enhances both form and function. On the Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake, the double-bubble configuration incorporates glass inlays that flood the cabin with natural light whilst maintaining the architectural integrity of the roofline.
The extended roof structure of the Shooting Brake variant presents unique engineering challenges compared to traditional coupe configurations. Zagato’s designers have masterfully integrated the double-bubble elements into the longer roofline, creating a seamless transition from the A-pillar to the powered tailgate. This design approach ensures that the vehicle maintains its sporting credentials whilst offering enhanced practicality for discerning owners.
Aston martin Q division bespoke manufacturing process
The production of each Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake involves Aston Martin’s specialised Q Division, the company’s bespoke manufacturing arm. This exclusive department handles the most demanding projects, where traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology. Every vehicle undergoes a meticulous hand-assembly process that can take several months to complete, ensuring that each example meets the exacting standards expected by both marques.
The manufacturing process begins with the selection of premium materials, including aerospace-grade carbon fibre and finest quality leather hides. Each component is individually crafted and fitted, with particular attention paid to the complex curves and surfaces that define the Zagato aesthetic. The herringbone carbon fibre dashboard, featuring anodised bronze rotary controls, exemplifies the level of detail and craftsmanship invested in every aspect of the vehicle’s construction.
Limited production numbers and exclusivity strategy
The decision to limit production to just 325 vehicles across four body styles reflects both companies’ commitment to maintaining exclusivity. As Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, explains:
“We could easily fulfill demand for more cars than this, but we want Zagato to remain something very special. We’re creating collectibles, future concours cars.”
This strategy ensures that each Vanquish Zagato variant retains its desirability and investment potential.
The production allocation demonstrates careful market consideration, with 99 examples each of the Coupe, Volante, and Shooting Brake variants, whilst the Speedster remains the rarest with only 28 examples. This distribution allows collectors to acquire different configurations within the family whilst maintaining the rarity and prestige associated with Zagato creations. The fact that some enthusiasts have ordered all four variants speaks to the compelling nature of this automotive quartet.
Technical specifications and performance engineering
Amg-derived V8 Twin-Turbo engine configuration
The Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake utilises the same naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine found in the Vanquish S, producing 600 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s engine development, featuring advanced materials and sophisticated engineering solutions. The engine’s naturally aspirated configuration delivers instantaneous throttle response and the intoxicating soundtrack that enthusiasts expect from a flagship Aston Martin.
Despite the Shooting Brake’s extended bodywork and additional weight compared to the standard Coupe, performance remains exceptional. The vehicle achieves 0-62 mph acceleration in approximately 3.5 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph. These figures place the Shooting Brake among the fastest estate-style vehicles ever produced, rivalling dedicated supercars in terms of straight-line performance.
Carbon fibre monocoque construction and weight distribution
The structural foundation of every Vanquish Zagato variant begins with Aston Martin’s advanced carbon fibre monocoque chassis. This lightweight yet incredibly rigid construction provides the ideal platform for both performance and safety. The use of carbon fibre extends throughout the bodywork, with every external panel crafted from this advanced composite material to minimise weight whilst maximising structural integrity.
Weight distribution plays a crucial role in the Shooting Brake’s dynamic behaviour. Despite the extended rear section, engineers have maintained near-optimal balance through careful component placement and the use of lightweight materials. The battery and fuel tank positioning, combined with the strategic placement of structural reinforcements, ensures that the vehicle’s handling characteristics remain true to Aston Martin’s sporting heritage whilst accommodating the additional practicality and versatility of the shooting brake configuration.
Adaptive damping system and Track-Focused suspension geometry
The suspension system features Aston Martin’s sophisticated adaptive damping technology, fine-tuned specifically for the Shooting Brake’s unique characteristics. This system continuously monitors road conditions and driving inputs, adjusting damping rates in real-time to optimise both comfort and performance. The system offers multiple driving modes, allowing owners to tailor the vehicle’s behaviour to suit various driving conditions and preferences.
The suspension geometry incorporates lessons learned from Aston Martin’s motorsport programmes, featuring double wishbones at all four corners with anti-roll bars and progressive springs. This configuration provides exceptional stability at high speeds whilst maintaining composure during spirited driving on challenging roads. The system’s ability to adapt between comfortable touring and dynamic sports settings makes the Shooting Brake equally at home crossing continents or attacking mountain passes.
Aerodynamic package integration and downforce generation
Despite its practical intentions, the Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake incorporates sophisticated aerodynamic elements throughout its design. The front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser work in harmony to manage airflow and generate downforce at high speeds. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the bodywork, maintaining the clean aesthetic lines whilst providing functional aerodynamic benefits.
The extended roofline presents unique aerodynamic challenges compared to traditional coupe configurations. Zagato’s designers have addressed these through careful attention to the rear spoiler integration and the management of airflow separation at the rear of the vehicle. Wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics analysis ensured that the Shooting Brake maintains stability and efficiency across its entire speed range, proving that beauty and function can coexist harmoniously.
Shooting brake body configuration and structural innovation
The transformation from coupe to shooting brake required extensive structural modifications whilst maintaining the fundamental character of the Vanquish platform. The extended roof section incorporates additional strengthening elements to maintain torsional rigidity, whilst the rear suspension mounting points have been recalibrated to accommodate the altered weight distribution. These modifications required months of development and testing to ensure that performance and safety standards remained uncompromised.
The powered tailgate represents a significant engineering achievement, requiring the integration of complex mechanisms within the confines of the sporting bodywork. The system opens to reveal a luxuriously appointed cargo area, complete with bespoke luggage designed specifically for the vehicle. The interior space maximises utility whilst maintaining the premium materials and craftsmanship expected from both Aston Martin and Zagato.
Structural innovation extends to the door frames and window mechanisms, which required modification to accommodate the altered roofline whilst maintaining weather sealing and crash safety standards. The B-pillar integration represents a particular challenge, as the extended roof necessitated additional strengthening without compromising the vehicle’s elegant proportions. These technical solutions demonstrate the engineering expertise required to successfully execute such a comprehensive transformation.
The glazing area incorporates advanced techniques including the signature glass inlays within the double-bubble roof structure. These elements not only enhance the interior ambience but also contribute to the vehicle’s distinctive external appearance. The complex curvatures of the glass panels required specialised manufacturing processes, with each piece individually formed and fitted during the assembly process.
Market positioning against ferrari GTC4Lusso and porsche panamera sport turismo
The luxury shooting brake segment represents one of the most exclusive niches within the automotive market, with only a handful of manufacturers offering genuine alternatives to traditional estate cars. The Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake competes directly with the Ferrari GTC4Lusso and Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, though its limited production numbers place it in an even more rarefied category than these already exclusive vehicles.
Compared to the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the Aston Martin offers a more classical approach to grand touring, emphasising elegance and refinement over outright aggression. The naturally aspirated V12 provides a more traditional supercar experience compared to Ferrari’s turbocharged configuration, whilst the Zagato bodywork offers unique styling that cannot be replicated by any other manufacturer. The exclusivity factor significantly favours the Aston Martin, with only 99 Shooting Brake examples compared to Ferrari’s higher production volumes.
Against the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, the Vanquish Zagato represents a fundamentally different philosophy. Where the Porsche emphasises practicality and daily usability, the Aston Martin prioritises exclusivity and emotional appeal. The two-door configuration limits practicality compared to Porsche’s four-door layout, but provides a more dramatic and sporting appearance. The handcrafted nature of the Zagato construction contrasts sharply with Porsche’s high-volume manufacturing approach, appealing to collectors who value artisanal craftsmanship over mass production efficiency.
Market positioning also considers the investment potential of each vehicle. Historical Zagato models have demonstrated exceptional appreciation over time, often outperforming more common exotic cars in auction markets. This factor attracts buyers who view their purchase as both a driving experience and a financial investment, understanding that the limited production numbers and prestigious heritage combine to create compelling long-term value propositions.
Collectability factors and investment potential analysis
Historic zagato auction results from Barrett-Jackson and RM sotheby’s
Historical auction data provides compelling evidence for the investment potential of Zagato-bodied Aston Martins. Recent sales at prestigious auction houses including Barrett-Jackson and RM Sotheby’s have demonstrated consistent appreciation for well-maintained examples. The original DB4 GT Zagato regularly achieves seven-figure sums, with exceptional examples commanding prices approaching £10 million at auction.
More recent Zagato creations have also shown impressive performance in collector car markets. The V8 Zagato from the 1980s has experienced significant appreciation, with pristine examples now valued at multiples of their original purchase prices. The DB7 Zagato and DB AR1 have similarly demonstrated strong collector appeal, suggesting that the Vanquish Zagato family will likely follow similar trajectories as these vehicles mature in the marketplace.
Provenance documentation and certificate of authenticity requirements
The collectability of any Zagato creation depends heavily upon proper documentation and provenance. Each Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake comes with comprehensive certification including build records, specification details, and authenticity documentation from both Aston Martin and Zagato. This paperwork becomes increasingly important as vehicles change ownership over time, providing verification of originality and maintenance history.
Collectors particularly value vehicles with continuous ownership records and documented service histories through authorised Aston Martin facilities. The presence of original accessories, including the bespoke luggage set created specifically for the Shooting Brake, adds significant value and demonstrates the completeness of the ownership experience. Matching numbers verification becomes crucial for maximum collectability, ensuring that all major components remain original to the specific vehicle.
Maintenance costs through aston martin works service network
Ownership of a Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake requires consideration of ongoing maintenance costs through Aston Martin’s specialised service network. The complexity of the vehicle’s construction and the use of exotic materials necessitate specialist knowledge and equipment for proper maintenance. Annual service costs typically exceed those of conventional luxury vehicles, reflecting the bespoke nature of the construction and the precision required for proper care.
However, these maintenance investments contribute to long-term value preservation. Vehicles with complete service records through authorised facilities command premium prices in the resale market, whilst neglected examples can suffer significant depreciation. The Aston Martin Works heritage division provides specialised services for historic and limited-production models, ensuring that proper expertise remains available throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. This ongoing support network represents a crucial factor in the long-term investment equation.
Notable examples and celebrity ownership history
The exclusivity of the Vanquish Zagato family has attracted ownership from high-profile collectors and celebrities worldwide. Several notable examples have gained recognition through their unique specifications or ownership history, contributing to the overall mystique and desirability of the series. The fact that some collectors have acquired all four body styles within the family demonstrates the compelling nature of the complete collection.
Certain Shooting Brake examples have gained particular attention through their distinctive colour combinations and interior specifications. The extensive personalisation options available through Aston Martin’s Q division have resulted in truly unique examples that reflect their owners’ individual tastes. These one-off specifications often command premium prices in the secondary market, as collectors seek examples that stand apart from the already exclusive production run.
The celebrity connection extends beyond mere ownership to include appearances at prestigious automotive events and concours d’elegance competitions. These high-profile showcases help maintain awareness of the Vanquish Zagato family within collector circles, whilst demonstrating the vehicles’ capability to compete at the highest levels of automotive presentation. Such exposure contributes to the ongoing desirability and market positioning of these remarkable machines.
Future collectability prospects appear exceptionally strong given the combination of limited production, prestigious heritage, exceptional performance, and stunning design. As the automotive industry transitions towards electrification, naturally aspirated V12 engines like that found in the Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake become increasingly rare and therefore more desirable to enthusiasts. This technological transition suggests that current examples may represent the final chapter in a particular era of automotive development, adding another layer of historical significance to these already special vehicles.