The Vanquish Zagato concept is the most beautiful Aston Martin in a long long time

Remember the stunning Aston Martin V12 Zagato that sent the automotive world into a tizzy five years back? That concept, based on the Vantage, was just the latest product of a long-standing relationship between two of the automotive world’s most revered tastemakers, a relationship that dates back to the DB4 GT Zagato from 1960, now one of the most expensive production cars in the world. The V12 Zagato was so well-received that it eventually ended up getting a 150-unit production run after the concept debuted.

And now, we have another stunning beauty to add to that list. Meet the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato concept that debuted at the annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este this weekend in Lake Como, Italy. Based on the current Aston Martin Vanquish coupe, the concept is no mere badge-swap; it wears an all-new skin rendered from carbon fiber; classic round taillights with awesome LED “blades” around their perimeters in place of the Vanquish’s thin, modern units; and a slick carbon-fiber aero package all the way around.

Also reminiscent of the DB11 is the sculpted side strakes and cutaways in the front wings, leading into the doors. Around the back you’ll find a retractable rear spoiler and luggage compartment access, while a quad-exit exhaust sits within the carbonfibre rear lower panel. Inside, upgrades include bespoke seat trims, the Zagato ‘Z’ logo embossed into the headrests and centre console, upmarket ‘herringbone’ carbon-fibre finishes and anodized bronze rotary dials and vents.

With a concept that looks like this, power and performance really aren’t that big concerns, but the Zagato Vanquish does get 24 more horsepower than the standard car, up to 592, although its makers aren’t interested in publishing any specific performance claims. That said, the Zagato Concept is likely to complete the 0-100 kmph sprint in 3.6sec and reach a top speed in the region of 320 kmph.

Although still a concept for now, Aston Martin has a track record of putting their Zagato concepts into production. If this follows that route too, it will be a fitting sendoff before the Vanquish is replaced in the next few years. Just don’t bother asking about the price tag if you don’t have an oil field or a small African diamond mine in your name.