Lot 651: 2004 Aston Martin DB AR1 Roadster

Aston Martin renewed its fruitful relationship with the renowned Italian styling house of Zagato, most famously begun with the DB4GT Zagato of the 1960s, after a meeting between Elio Zagato’s son Andrea and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2001. The result was a stylish coupé, based on the DB7 V12 Vantage supercar, recalling the sublime looks of the original DB4GT Zagato. So favourable was the DB7 Zagato’s reception that it was decided to produce an open car in similar vein: the DB AR1.
Designed with the California weather in mind, and a Roadster in the proper tradition with no hood and space for just two people, the DB AR1 was previewed by a select group of potential customers to gauge reaction. The car was so well received on its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2002, that all 99 of the proposed limited edition were purchased.
Powering the new open supercar was a developed version of Aston’s state-of-the-art, 6.0-litre V12 enjoying a boost in maximum power to 435bhp, some 20 horsepower more than the DB7 Vantage. This power increase together with more torque, a revised final drive ratio and ‘active’ sports exhaust system produce a noticeable improvement in mid range performance, where it is most useful in everyday driving. An AP twin-plate racing clutch combined with a revised quick-shift gear-lever for the six-speed manual transmission enable the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gearchange.
Acceleration can only be described as stunning, 60mph arriving in just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed of 185mph makes the DB AR1 the world’s fastest true roadster. Above all, the DB AR1 was designed to be a true ‘driver’s car’, equally at home on the autobahn or challenging back road. Restraining this superlative high performance are equally exalted brakes: Brembo racing-style grooved discs - 335mm at the front, 330mm at the rear - gripped by alloy four-pot calipers assisted by an improved brake booster unit and moderated by Teves ABS. Power is transmitted to the road via a limited-slip differential to special multi-spoke 19” alloy wheels (8”/9.5” f/r) incorporating revised offset to give a wider track, shod with low profile Yokohama tyres.
The interior boasts electrically controlled sports seats, six-speaker Becker stereo radio cassette system with 6-CD changer, and alarm/immobiliser with remote central locking and boot release. There is electronic traction control and power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
A unique car belonging to a most exclusive series, the DB AR1 Zagato roadster offered here - number ‘61’ - is the only one of the limited edition of 99 cars originally manufactured with right-hand drive. Finished in Roadster Green with dark tan leather interior, the vehicle has covered 6,385 miles from new and remains in excellent condition throughout. Offered for sale by its sole owner from new, it comes complete with all the necessary documents, owner’s manuals, tools, etc.