1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Zagato

1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Zagato

Chassis number: SCFCV8128JTL30013

1 of 10 Vantages.

Only 94 miles from new.

Never Registered.

Fresh from full mechanical overhaul.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Zagato represents one of the rarest chapters in Aston Martin’s modern history. Conceived in partnership with Milanese design house Zagato, the model was based upon the V8 Vantage chassis and clothed in distinctive hand-formed aluminium bodywork. In total, only 37 Volante examples were built, of which just 10 were delivered in full Vantage specification.

Chassis 30013 is one of those ten cars. Leaving the production line in November 1988, it was specified with the desirable five-speed manual gearbox, rather than the automatic transmission fitted to most of the series. This alone sets it apart, as manual Volante Zagatos are extremely uncommon. The car is finished in Gladiator Red, a deep and purposeful colour that accentuates the crisp surfacing of Zagato’s design. Inside, it is trimmed in black leather with matching black hood, presenting the sharp contrast typical of the late 1980s while remaining suitably understated.

The car’s history makes it especially significant. It has never been registered and displays just 94 delivery miles from new, making it one of the lowest-mileage examples in existence. Despite its minimal use, it has not been left dormant: it has recently benefited from a complete mechanical overhaul carried out by respected Aston Martin specialist Desmond J Smail, ensuring it remains in correct working order without compromising originality. Receipts and services records can be presented upon request.

As a model, the V8 Vantage Volante Zagato is already notable for its rarity and character. The collaboration with Zagato gave Aston Martin one of its most striking designs of the period – shorter, sharper and more angular than the standard V8 Volante – while the underlying Vantage specification ensured it retained the power and performance expected of Newport Pagnell’s flagship. For collectors, however, what distinguishes chassis 30013 is not only its extremely limited production status but also the particular combination of features that define it: Vantage specification, manual gearbox, unregistered status, and delivery-mileage condition.

The car is supplied with its original build sheet, heritage certificate, and paperwork documenting its service history and works carried out. In recent years it has been meticulously maintained by Hilton & Moss, The Classic Motor Hub, and Desmond J Smail.

For anyone seeking an important Aston Martin of the late 20th century, this V8 Vantage Volante Zagato is a singular prospect: one of 37 built, one of only 10 to Vantage specification, one of very few fitted with a manual gearbox, and one that remains in time warp condition as it just left the factory.