'On the road, the Zagato eats up the long straights.

Once moving its progress is magnificently effortless.

Like most very fast cars, it's as if it isn't constrained by the physical laws of gravity and air resistance.

Unlike most very fast cars, however, it fools its driver into thinking that its blistering, growling pace is normal, comfortable, undramatic.' - Motor .

With the introduction of the Vantage Zagato in 1986, Aston Martin renewed its association with one of Italy's most illustrious carrozzeria , Zagato having been responsible for that most celebrated and desirable of all post-war Aston Martins, the DB4GT.

Neighbouring stands at the 1984 Geneva Salon facilitated the initial contact between Aston boss Victor Gauntlett and the Zagato brothers, and by following year the project had progressed sufficiently for Aston to accept deposits on the 50 production cars planned.

The first prototype was shown to the public at Geneva in March 1986, and in June successfully met its desig...