Ultra-Rare Aston Martin DBZ Zagato Pair Heads to Auction at Half the Original Price
In the world of high-end collectible automobiles, few creations rival the exclusivity and craftsmanship of the Aston Martin DBZ Centenary collection. A collaborative project between Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato, this extraordinary pairing was unveiled in 2019 to celebrate Zagato’s 100th anniversary. Only 19 matched sets were built — and now, one of these ultra-rare duos is headed to auction this August, expected to fetch less than half its original price.
A Tribute to a Legendary Partnership
The DBZ Centenary Collection is more than just a special edition vehicle — it is a tribute to the decades-long relationship between Aston Martin and Zagato. Each set includes two vehicles: a modern DBS GT Zagato and a fully re-created DB4 GT Zagato Continuation. The number 19 was deliberately chosen, mirroring the original production run of the legendary DB4 GT Zagato in the early 1960s.
Both cars were sold exclusively as a pair, never individually, and were intended for serious collectors. The combined price of each set when new was around £6 million (more than $8 million), making it one of the most exclusive and expensive offerings from Aston Martin.
The DB4 GT Continuation: Heritage Reborn
The DB4 GT Zagato Continuation is a hand-built marvel crafted at Aston Martin’s Heritage Division in Newport Pagnell. While its design remains faithful to the iconic 1960s model, its mechanical components have been subtly modernized for reliability and performance. It features a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated straight-six engine producing 390 horsepower and 488 Nm of torque, paired with a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
Everything about this car was built using traditional coachbuilding methods, right down to the aluminum bodywork. The goal was to create a car that not only looked like the original but felt like it behind the wheel — raw, pure, and thrilling.
The DBS GT Zagato: The Future of Coachbuilding
In contrast to the vintage DB4, the DBS GT Zagato is a vision of modern power and design. Based on the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, the car was reimagined by Zagato with an aggressive new look — including a massive front grille, unique double-bubble roof, and active aerodynamic features.
Under the hood lies a tuned 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, uprated to produce a staggering 770 horsepower — 45 more than the standard DBS. Power is delivered via an 8-speed automatic transmission, allowing this grand tourer to surge from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 3 seconds.
Despite its extreme capabilities, this car was designed to match the elegance and exclusivity of the DB4 GT Continuation, completing the duo in both performance and visual harmony.
Extremely Low Mileage, Extremely High Rarity
The pair heading to auction has barely been driven since its delivery. The DBS GT Zagato shows just 365 kilometers on the odometer, while the DB4 GT Continuation has only 101 kilometers — practically delivery mileage. Both cars have been meticulously preserved, making them even more desirable to collectors.
Yet despite their near-mint condition and extreme rarity, the expected hammer price is shockingly low: between $3.5 million and $4.5 million. That’s nearly half their original retail price, offering a rare opportunity for one lucky buyer to own a significant piece of modern automotive history — at a steep discount.
Why the Discount?
So why the relatively low expected price? There are a few factors:
Niche Appeal: These cars were designed for collectors, not daily use. The buyer pool is limited.
Pair-Only Sales: You can’t separate the two, which adds logistical and financial complexity.
Changing Market: Economic shifts and trends in collector interest may impact high-end car values temporarily.
Still, for the right bidder, this is a golden opportunity to acquire a museum-grade set of cars with unmatched provenance.
The DBZ Centenary Collection stands as one of the boldest and most exclusive projects ever undertaken by Aston Martin and Zagato. From the hand-built craftsmanship of the DB4 GT to the futuristic elegance of the DBS GT, this pairing represents the best of both worlds — heritage and innovation.
With only 19 sets ever made and mileage in the triple digits, this upcoming auction offers a rare glimpse into the upper echelon of automotive collecting. Whether the final price lands closer to $3.5 million or climbs higher, one thing is certain: these cars will remain iconic pieces of art and engineering for years to come.
