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Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1

The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 of 2003 came about through a combination of efforts between Aston Martin and the coachbuilding company Zagato.

The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 was, in the words of Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin "... a concept car that has been designed with the Californian weather in mind and is a Roadster in the proper tradition, with no hood and space for just two people."

The first three show vehicles were sold by Aston Martin in a three week tour of the US.

The Aston Martin DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) is derived from the Aston Martin DB7. The concept was based on the DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) platform and featured a wide array of aesthetic changes.

The Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 had a larger front grille and more powerful wheel arches which gave the car a muscular, aggressive stance.

Under the bonnet of the Aston Martin Zagato DB AR1 was a six-litre, 435 bhp, V12 engine. This unit featured minor modifications which improved both power and torque outputs compared to the DB7 vantage V12.

To further enhance performance the DB AR1 was fitted with an AP twin plate clutch, quick-shift gear lever (borrowed from the DB7 GT), active sports exhaust, large Brembo brakes and 19 inch wheels.

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