Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato VIN. SCFAE62393K800077, 2003
Aston Martin DB AR1
Aston Martin DB AR1•
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Estimate: US$250,000 - US$300,000 USD
- 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1
- Coachwork by Zagato
- VIN. SCFAE62393K800077
- 5,935cc DOHC V12 Engine
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- 435bhp at 6,000rpm
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- 4-Wheel Independent Suspension
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- US-market specification, delivered new to California
- Striking and rare Tungsten Silver over Claret leather; factory original paint and interior
- 77th of 99 Units Produced
- Accompanied by two keys, two umbrellas, car cover, original books, and a factory presentation 1:43 scale model
The DB AR1 is rooted in the mechanical underpinnings of the acclaimed DB7 Vantage Volante, sharing the model's robust aluminum-intensive chassis, yet dramatically reimagined in form and finish by Zagato's Milanese artisans. Its fluid lines, distinctive double-bubble tonneau fairings, and signature elliptical grille evoke a lineage of collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato that traces back to the celebrated DB4 GT Zagato of the early 1960s. The unyielding commitment to open-air motoring is emphasized by the AR1's pure roadster configuration—eschewing even the fitment of a fixed roof or convertible top, affirming the car's devotion to spirited, fair-weather touring.
At the heart of the DB AR1 lies Aston Martin's formidable 5.9-liter V12, a 48-valve, quad-cam masterpiece assembled by hand at the company's Newport Pagnell works. Delivering 435 bhp at 6,000 rpm and paired in the AR1 with a six-speed manual transmission, the engine endows the car with effortless pace, resonant acoustics, and the distinguished authority expected of the marque. Performance is brisk and refined, with the roadster surging from rest to 60 mph in under five seconds, underscored by a supple independent suspension and responsive four-wheel disc brakes.
Luxury commensurate with the DB AR1's exclusivity is ever-present, from the bespoke Claret hides enveloping the cockpit to the carefully selected trim materials and lavishly appointed instrument panel. Each example was generously optioned and delivered with a suite of distinguishing accoutrements, further enhancing its status among contemporary collectables.
The rarity and handcrafted nature of the DB AR1, together with its provenance as a product of Zagato's fabled carrozzeria, imbues each car with tremendous collector appeal. Surviving examples—particularly those in unrestored, low-mileage, and well-documented condition—command especial esteem among aficionados who appreciate the blend of technical prowess, coach-built artistry, and total exclusivity.
More than two decades after its launch, the DB AR1 endures as an enduring emblem of Anglo-Italian collaboration—a car of singular narrative and presence, at once a contemporary grand tourer and a future heirloom of marque lore.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato, VIN SCFAE62393K800077, is an outstandingly preserved and highly original example of one of the rarest and most sought-after open-top grand tourers of the modern era. One of only 99 DB AR1s conceived exclusively for the North American market, this car is distinguished by its factory-correct Tungsten Silver metallic finish—a stately, luminous hue seldom seen on the DB AR1—paired with an equally captivating Claret leather interior of exceptional richness. Both exterior and interior remain beautifully original, retaining their factory color, finish, and materials, the product of fanatical preservation rather than restoration.
Delivered new to California, this DB AR1 boasts a fully documented provenance, with continuity of ownership traced through four careful custodians. Its journey from the Golden State to Montana, and more recently to the East Coast, is impeccably chronicled in the accompanying documentation, including a CARFAX vehicle history report that confirms its accident-free record.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this DB AR1 is its time-capsule mileage: a mere 4,271 miles from new. This remarkably low figure is supported by service records and inspection logs spanning its lifetime, including seven service entries, the majority executed at authorized Aston Martin dealerships and specialist facilities in California. Of note is a recent invoice from Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, Connecticut, dated October 7, 2023, evidencing its ongoing, diligent upkeep. All factory books, manuals, and maintenance literature accompany the sale, together with two original keys, two unique Aston Martin umbrellas, a fitted car cover, and a collector's 1:43 scale presentation model—artifacts that are as rare as the car itself and which further strengthen its provenance.
Conceived as a singular expression of Anglo-Italian artistry and roadster purity, the DB AR1 delivers a dynamic experience rooted in its formidable 5.9-liter, 48-valve, front-mounted V12—among the great engines of its era and a cornerstone of Aston Martin's modern resurgence. The six-speed manual transmission, seldom encountered elsewhere in the AR1, further elevates the driving engagement and collectability of this example.
Offered with a full suite of period-correct accessories and comprehensive service history, this is an exceptional candidate for the discerning collector seeking a reference-quality DB AR1. Its blend of Zagato coachbuilding, technical sophistication, and preserved authenticity assures its place as a centerpiece in any world-class collection of modern classics.
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/31958/lot/14/2003-aston-martin-db-ar1-zagato-vin-scfae62393k800077/
