THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 2003
- Body style
- Roadster
- Engine
- V12
- Type
- Limited
- Production
- 99
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato is a testament to the enduring partnership between two legendary automotive brands and their ability to create exceptional vehicles that capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the world. Following the resounding success of the DB7 Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato collaborated once again, this time to cater to the preferences of overseas collectors. In a remarkably short span of just three months, the DB AR1 (American Roadster) was conceived and brought to life, making its debut at the prestigious 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show. Retaining the wheelbase of the original DB7, albeit 21.1 cm longer than its Zagato counterpart, the DB AR1 was specifically tailored for the sunny climates of Florida and California. Initially, the DB AR1 Zagato was devoid of a soft top, reflecting its intended use in regions blessed with abundant sunshine. However, recognizing the demand for versatility, Zagato Atelier took the initiative in 2012 to design and produce an ad hoc electro-hydraulic retractable canvas top, aptly named the ‘shelter’. The limited production run of 99 units of the DB AR1 sold out within weeks of its announcement, underscoring the vehicle’s immense popularity and desirability among discerning collectors. Each DB AR1 represents a harmonious blend of Aston Martin’s heritage of performance and Zagato’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. As a symbol of exclusivity and automotive excellence, the Aston Martin DB AR1 by Zagato continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, embodying the spirit of collaboration and dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 99
- Production type
- Limited
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- V12
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Zagato
- Designer · Documented
- Norihiko Harada
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Aston Martin
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
Los Angeles General · legacy_preserved
- Date
- 2003
- Chassis
- General
Preserved CI 1.0 relation. Evidence field: _yoast_wpseo_primary_events. No award inferred.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 11 photographs
Show 5 more photographs Show fewer photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Aston Martin — DB7 Zagato & DB AR1 www.astonmartin.com | Manufacturer official history |










THE CONVERSATION
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