1991 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sanction II

Of the many models in Aston Martin’s 90-year history, and of the DB series of 6-cylinder cars in particular, the DB4GT Zagato is arguably the best loved and most respected. The original collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato of Milan resulted in a production run of only 19 constructed between 1961 and 1963, although the factory set aside 23 chassis numbers. It is an indication of the affection felt for these beautiful cars that all 19 are still in existence, many in the U.K.

Almost 30 years later, a factory-approved project was launched to revive this iconic model in collaboration with the original coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Zagato of Milan. The project was instigated in 1987 by the company’s then-joint chairmen, Victor Gauntlett and Peter Livanos, who commissioned the renowned Aston Martin specialist Richard Williams to uprate four DB4 rolling chassis to DB4GT specification.

Williams was involved with the running of Aston Martin’s World Sportscar Team at the time, and so the project was delayed for a year. When the Milton Keynes factory closed, it was possible to devote the required attention to the four cars, which after completion were shipped to Italy to be fitted with Zagato’s stunningly beautiful, hand-crafted body.