One to Buy: Unique Open Headlight 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato
One year after the lightened, shortened and mechanically uprated DB4 GT had made its salon debut, Aston Martin released an even more potent iteration.
Unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1960, the DB4 GT Zagato most notably featured a high compression engine (with 314bhp as opposed to 302bhp) and a featherweight aluminium body created at the Zagato plant in Milan.
Conceived as a dual purpose machine capable of road or race use, the DB4 GT Zagato quickly came to be regarded as the most beautiful Aston Martin ever made. However, demand was subdued and only 19 examples were ultimately completed by the time production came to an end in 1962.
Among these 19 cars were an array of works-enhanced DP variants for racing plus the odd road version that was specially configured according to the first owner’s requirements.
One example that fell into the latter category was chassis 0188/L, currently on offer at the Tom Hartley Jnr. showroom in Leicestershire.
Commissioned by its first Italian owner in Argento Auteuil with Nero upholstery, chassis 0188/L was one of eight left-hand drive cars built but the only GTZ specified without the covered headlights that characterised every other Zagato-bodied DB4.
Today, chassis 0188/L is presented in immaculate condition throughout following a recent restoration by highly regarded marque specialists.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr.’s description:
Chassis no.: 0188/L
1 of only 19 DB4GT Zagatos in existence and 1 of only 8 left-hand drive examples ever produced.
The only example delivered new with an open headlamp configuration, making it totally unique amongst its peers.
Ordered by and delivered new to a notable first owner, a gentleman who was known for his exquisite taste.
Restored to perfection by the world’s leading Aston Martin restoration specialists.
