VIN: the Tony Smith / Nick Mason Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato chassis 20040
History of chassis 20040
Of the 50 V8 Vantage Zagatos delivered to customers, six were painted Lightning Silver, but only one of these was configured with a Black interior: chassis 20040.
This unique car was completed on May 21st 1987 and delivered to Aston Martin Sales in Knightsbridge. Chassis 20040 was registered D274 FYL and supplied to a Mr Ronson who kept it until 1988.
The handsome silver Zagato was then sold via Aston Martin Sales to British rock band manager, Tony Smith. By this stage, the car was showing under 2000 miles.
Smith had become the manager for Genesis in 1972. Prior to this, he had worked as a promoter for Charisma records. In late 1972, Atlantic Records purchased Charisma specifically so they could sign Genesis.
At the time, the band’s line up comprised singer Peter Gabriel, bassist Mike Rutherford, keyboardist Tony Banks, guitarist Steve Hackett and drummer Phil Collins. With the exception of Peter Gabriel, Smith would also become manager for the group member’s solo projects.
In 1975, Collins replaced Gabriel as the band’s front man.
By 1978, Genesis were playing international arena tours. Over the next 15 years, they became one of the biggest acts in the world.
During this period, Genesis achieved album sales in excess of 100 million. Phil Collins’ solo work was similarly successful and Tony Smith was hailed as among the best managers in the business. The royalties flowed in and enabled him to indulge his passion for rare and exotic motor cars.
As a keen historic racer, Smith routinely drove chassis 20040 around Europe while variously competing in his 300 S and 250 F Maseratis, his Alfa Romeo P3 Tipo B and Ferrari Dino 246.
During Smith’s time with the car, chassis 20040 was registered on his private plate, VZ 1. He had the engine rebuilt to 6.3-litre specification by Aston Works Service in September 1990 and then to 7-litres by RS Williams in October 1992.
Tony Smith sold chassis 20040 in 1999 having added several tens of thousands of miles to the odometer.
The third owner retained it until 2006 when it was sold by Bonhams at their annual Aston Martin auction with 65,000 miles on the clock.
Today the car is owned by Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason (who previously owned chassis 20015). Tony Smith became Pink Floyd’s manager in 2007.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
