5,935cc DOHC V12 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
435bhp at 6,000rpm
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Brembo Disc Brakes

*Two owners from new
*Number 87 of 99 made
*Fabulous Stronsay Siler over Royal Blue leather color combo
*Fewer than 1,900 original miles

THE DB AR1

Aston Martin renewed its fruitful relationship with renowned Italian styling house of Zagato, most famously begun with the DB4GT Zagato of the 1960s, after a meeting between Elio Zagato's son Andrea and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2001. The result was a stylish coupé, based on the DB7 V12 Vantage supercar, recalling the sublime looks of the original DB4GT Zagato. So favorable was the DB7 Zagato's reception that it was decided to produce an open car in similar vein: the DB AR1.

Designed with the California weather in mind, and a Roadster in the proper tradition with no hood and space for just two people, the DB AR1 was previewed by a select group of potential customers to gauge reaction. The car was so well received on its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2002, that all 99 of the proposed limited edition were purchased.

Powering the new open supercar was a developed version of Aston's state-of-the-art, 6.0-liter V12 enjoying a boost in maximum power to 435bhp, some 20 horsepower more than the DB7 Vantage. This power increase together with more torque, a revised final drive ratio and 'active' sports exhaust system produce a noticeable improvement in mid-range performance, where it is most useful in everyday driving. An AP twin-plate racing clutch combined with a revised quick-shift gearlever for the six-speed manual transmission enable the driver to maximize use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear-change.

Acceleration can only be described as stunning, 60mph arriving in just 4.9 seconds, while its top speed of 185mph makes the DB AR1 the world's fastest true roadster. Above all, the DB AR1 was designed to be a true 'driver's car', equally at home on the autobahn or challenging back road. This is a car that beckons you to look for places to go.

Restraining this superlative high performance are equally exalted brakes: Brembo racing-style grooved discs - 335mm at the front, 330mm at the rear - gripped by alloy four-pot calipers assisted by an improved brake booster unit and moderated by Teves ABS. Power is transmitted to the road via a limited-slip differential to special multi-spoke 19" alloy wheels (8"/9.5" f/r) incorporating revised offset to give a wider track, shod with low profile Yokohama tires.

The interior boasts electrically controlled sports seats, six-speaker Becker stereo radio cassette system with 6-CD changer, alarm and immobilizer with remote central locking and trunk release. There is electronic traction control and power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This fantastic, low mileage AR1 Roadster has lived a charmed life. Purchased new by New York City property developer Steven Pozycki, it was finished in the stunning color combination of Stronsay Silver over Royal Blue hides with contrasting white stitching and matching Royal Blue carpets and fitted with the desire 6-speed manual. The 87th of 99 DB AR1s constructed, it was sparingly driven and enjoyed by Mr. Pozycki for a few years before being traded to a dealer from which it was acquired by the current owner in March of 2008 with just over 1,800 miles on the clock.

Having covered less than 1,900 miles since leaving Newport Pagnell—57 of which have been driven in the current ownership over the last 14 years—it has been on largely static display since being acquired by the current owner. Given its long-term off-road use, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to enjoyment. This barely used, coachbuilt roadster is now ready to move onto to its third lucky owner.