Number 31 of 99, Low mileage, collector example, One of the most collectable Aston Martin’s ever made

In 2003 Aston Martin brought out the DB7 Zagato, a limited edition run of just 99 cars and their first collaboration with the famous Italian design house since the legendary DB4 GT in 1961. Unfortunately, the car did not meet the strict homologation requirements of the USA so to meet this demand Aston Martin produced a convertible version of the DB7 Zagato based on the longer DB7 Volante chassis. In total 99 lefthand drive cars were produced exclusively for the American market and named the DB AR1 Roadster, the AR standing for ‘American Roadster’.

The body was designed and executed by Zagato of Italy featuring the iconic ‘double bubble’ feature and surprisingly for a car designed exclusively for the American market the majority were supplied with a manual five speed gearbox. Although being created for sunnier climes Aston Martin omitted to design a soft top, protection from the rain being provided by an old fashioned tonneau cover.

This particular model is one of a handful that have been repatriated to the UK, it was imported by its one and only UK owner in 2016. This car is number 31 of the 99 produced and is finished in the stunning colour combination of Islay Blue metallic with soft white Bridge of Weir quilted leather interior, even the inside of the boot lid is finished in the same quilted leather.

Assembly of this rare car started on 17th November 2003, it was released to sales on 23rd December 2003 and then passed to the dealer, Ray Catena Aston Martin on 29th December 2003 before being delivered new to a Mr. Dane Miller of Florida. The car formed part of his private collection until he passed away in 2015, at this point the car had covered a mere 1,283 miles in 12 years. Since arriving in the UK the car has been regularly serviced at Aston Martin Works Service and has covered a further 109 miles in the last four years, now showing a total mileage of 1,392 and forming part of the current owners own small private collection. Presented with all manuals, an individually numbered car cover and even the umbrellas and protective gloves are still present with this stunning example. Contained within the history file are both the Factory Build Record obtained from Aston Martin and the Heritage Certificate from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust confirming the authenticity of this vehicle. Since its repatriation the car has been expressly serviced no less than three times with Aston Martin Works for which invoices can be found in the history file

If you are looking for a rare and collectible Aston Martin they don’t come much rarer than this, a must have for any collection.