Zagato V8 Vantage and V8 Volante In 1986, in a thriving market for exotic and limited-edition cars, Aston Martin and Zagato revisited their 1960 collaboration with a V8 Zagato model featuring a shortened wheelbase and a high-output engine, much like the DB4 GTZ. The V8 Vantage served as the base, and Zagato took charge of styling it. Since the 1980s, the Italian coachbuilder’s designs had been making the most conservative observers cringe, and the Zagato V8 was no exception. From the side, it resembled the Bertone Delfino prototype, but it was primarily its front end—with its plexiglass-covered squared headlights and the massive bulge housing the carburetors—that caused a stir. Never mind—all 50 units were sold out in pre-sales. The following year, a convertible prototype was unveiled, featuring a modified front end, notably with retractable headlight covers. The factory decided to market the convertible but based on a standard V8 Volante, not a Vantage, in order to preserve the sense of exclusivity for the 50 buyers of the Coupé. The advantage of this V8 Zagato Volante version is that it has a fuel-injected engine, and thus a flat hood, allowing for a smoother line. 37 were built. Of course, at Aston Martin, you can still order anything you like, and a few examples of the V8 Zagato Vantage Volante will be produced.