A never-to-be-repeated scene graces staff as they enter the impressive new Continuation build facilities at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, with no fewer than ten DB4 GT Zagato Continuation models currently going through a painstaking build process there.
Production of the brand’s most valuable new car to date is now in full swing at Aston Martin’s globally renowned Heritage Division headquarters, and the combination of artisan handcraftsmanship and modern production facilities and logistics means multiple Continuation cars can be, for the first time, constructed alongside each other.
But this is no ordinary car production line. Indeed, the word ‘line’ implies a procession of cars; however, at Newport Pagnell the process of hand-crafting the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation sports cars is much less clinical. Each individual Continuation sports car is the result of around 4,500 hours of detailed labour and meticulous handcrafting.
Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “It’s a privilege for all of us here at Newport Pagnell, as part of the Aston Martin family, to work on these remarkable ‘new old’ cars.
“The Continuation programme we started here with the DB4 GT Continuation in 2017, that has now spawned the iconic DB4 GT Zagato Continuation, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to contribute to the rich history of this great British luxury sports car brand.
“Along with the craftsmen and women who built the all-conquering DBR1 and DB3S race cars; the iconic DB4, DB5 and DB6; and the remarkable William Towns Aston Martin Lagonda super-saloon, the staff here today are making their own mark on automotive history.”
Built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960’s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred machine. Evolved for the rigours of motor racing and blessed with a rare and incontestable beauty, just 19 were built.
Each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars is being built at Aston Martin Works to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.
This latest continuation car follows the success of the 25 DB4 GT Continuation models that sold to enthusiast collectors in 2017, and precedes what will perhaps be the most ambitious continuation to date: the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition cars that will come to market in 2020.
Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, said: “I’m thrilled to see this ambitious Continuation project bear fruit in such an exceptional way. It took courage, vision and incredible dedication for all those involved to take this idea and make it the stunning reality it is today.
“The DB4 GT Zagato is one of the true jewels of Aston Martin’s proud heritage and, paired with the new beauty that is the stunning DBS GT Zagato, the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars are a unique and fitting celebration of the brand’s 60-year love affair with this unmatched Italian automotive style icon.”
The DBZ Century Collection is priced at £6m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence in QTR 4 2019 for the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and in QTR 4 2020 for the DBS GT Zagato.
