It is our pleasure to present this 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato finished in Tungsten Silver over a Claret leather interior. Looking to reinvigorate their Aston Martin brand, Ford collaborated with the legendary Italian coachbuilder Zagato in 2002 to create a limited-production grand touring car. Evoking the classic Zagato-bodied DB4 GT and V8 Vantage of the 1960s and 80s, the DB American Roadster 1, or DB AR1, was debuted at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show with an exclusive production run of just 99 examples in total. It carries an uprated “GT” version of the 6.0L Vanquish V12 producing 435 HP and comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential as standard. This particular example, #77 of 99, was sold new at Bauer Jaguar of Santa Ana and remained in California before joining the current owner's collection in 2020. Routinely serviced and with just over 4k miles showing on the odometer, this rare Aston Martin DB AR1 is being offered for auction by its owner out of New Jersey.
The DB AR1 is based upon Aston Martin’s DB7 Vantage Volante and features custom coachwork designed by Zagato of Milan, Italy in collaboration with Henrik Fisker. Unique features of the AR1 include a large slatted front grille, integrated fog lights, accentuated rear fenders, red brake calipers, circular taillights, Zagato badging, and double hump fairings sculpted into the tail section. The AR1 is constructed from steel with the front wings, sills, bumpers, and trunk lid paneleling in aluminum to save weight. A roadster in its purest form, there is no roof of any kind equipped. The AR1 rides on model-specific multi-spoke alloy wheels sized 18” in the front and 19” in the rear, and this example comes mounted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires from 2018. A maintenance log shows some door dings removed in 2010 as well as repair to the bottom front-end and refinishing of one front wheel in 2007. Detailed photos are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
The cabin is trimmed in red Claret leather with a black upper dashboard, two-tone steering wheel, and red Alcantara lining the windscreen frame. The front seats feature deep bolsters, power adjustment, heating functionality, and diamond-patterned inserts to match the rear luggage shelf. The driver is supplied with an aluminum DB7 quick-shift gear lever as well as drilled aluminum pedals, aluminum switches, serialized treadplates, and classic white-faced instrumentation with red needles. Amenities include a navigation system, power-folding mirrors, a 6-disc CD changer, automatic climate control, a 6-speaker sound system, and cruise control.
The DB AR1 is equipped with a more powerful “GT” version of the 6.0L aluminum-alloy Vanquish V12 engine, which was factory rated at 435 HP and 410 lb.-ft of torque. The rear wheels are driven through a 6-speed manual transmission with an AP Racing twin-clutch and limited-slip differential, which allows the AR1 to reach 60 MPH from a standstill in less than 5 seconds and continue to a claimed top speed of 185 MPH. Performance features include an aluminum double wishbone suspension, Brembo disc brakes at all four corners with an upgraded brake booster sourced from the Vanquish, and an active sports exhaust with a rear muffler bypass. The seller has provided the following maintenance history:
This sale will include a clean title. Blending English craftsmanship and Italian design in a partnership going back over 60 years, this highly elusive Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato presents an excellent collecting opportunity.
Comments (13)
Bid in the amount of $175,000
Bid in the amount of $150,000
Meter readings have been added to the listing gallery.
Bid in the amount of $125,000
Ilovecars2
I mistakenly gave incorrect information on where the front of the temporary rain cover attaches.
The front goes over the top of the windshield and the nylon straps run down to and around the side rear view mirrors.
The temporary cover is supported by the windshield and side windows, with the straps providing the tension at the mirrors, the rear of the doors and the front of the boot.
Sorry for the error, I only put it on once back in the early 2000’s
@OttoBozart All of that is included in the sale. Thanks for clarifying!
There should be a soft black fabric car cover with white piping embossed with the Aston Martin logo for the car.
In addition to the car cover, there should be a black bag with a water repellent vinyl top that can be used if the car is caught in the rain. The temporary canvas cover is allegedly good for speeds up to 25mph.
It attaches via the nylon cords at the sun visors in the front, two small buttons inside the front lip of the boot, taut over the raised side windows and finally nylon straps over the metal tabs where the driver’s and passenger’s doors latch.
In addition to the temporary cockpit rain cover, there should be water resistant seat covers and a steering wheel cover.
@CanadaRS There is a canvas cover that goes over the car for storage!
Is there any type of canvas top for this car?
Bid in the amount of $100,000
Bid in the amount of $50,000
Bid in the amount of $1,000
Welcome to the auction. I’m here to answer any questions you all may have so don’t hesitate to ask. Happy bidding!