An Aston Martin is already a rare sight in most parts of the world, but when you add the famous design house Zagato into the mix, you end up with a very special car indeed, like this 2002 Aston Martin DB AR1, with a redesigned body by Zagato in their usual ’round’ design language, and strictly limited to just 99 units worldwide.
The base for this extraordinary Italian-inspired Zagato special was the Aston Martin DB7, a model that was ending its career by the early 2000s, so it was time to create a kind of swansong version. First up was the DB7 Zagato, a coupe version with amazing styling, like a ‘double bubble’ roof we’ve seen often on Zagato models over the decades before this one. Production of the DB7 Zagato was also limited to just 99 units for the global market. After this coupe, Aston Martin had Zagato create the DB AR1, for American Roadster One. While the latter was also limited to just 99 units, it was only available for the USA market at that time.
But it got even better, the Aston Martin DB AR1 was a toplessThe car in question is a V12-powered vehicle with no roof whatsoever, no folding canvas top, or emergency roof panels – just a windshield and some raised bodywork behind the two seats. The design provides a pure roadster feeling, ideal for driving in hot climates without the risk of rain. The car, known as the Aston Martin DB AR1, was priced at an exclusive $250,000 in 2003, catering to purists who value the open-air driving experience.
A rain cover with suction cups was provided to protect the leather interior when the car is parked, but it was not meant for driving as it would obstruct the open-top design. The Aston Martin DB AR1 houses a 5.9-liter V12 engine with a manual transmission, generating 435 horsepower to the rear wheels. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 4 seconds, making it a luxury roadster rather than a supercar.
The manufacturer’s consideration for a rainy situation was minimal, emphasizing the car’s focus on luxury and performance rather than practicality in adverse weather conditions. Overall, the Aston Martin DB AR1 delivers a unique and exclusive driving experience for enthusiasts seeking a high-end roadster.
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