What Makes the Aston Martin DB4 GT and DBS GT Zagato Pair So Special?
Imagine being handed the keys to not one, but two of the rarest Aston Martins ever built. Back in 2019, Aston Martin joined forces with the legendary Italian design house Zagato to create a duo that would make any car enthusiast’s heart skip a beat: the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and the DBS GT Zagato. Only 19 pairs exist on the planet, and here’s the kicker—you couldn’t buy them separately. If you wanted in, you had to commit to both, with a price tag that hovered around $7.8 million. For collectors, this was the ultimate flex.
But what’s under the hood? The DB4 GT Continuation is a modern homage to the 1963 classic, packing a 4.7-liter straight-six that churns out 390 horsepower. It’s all wrapped in hand-formed aluminum, painted in a shimmering Caribbean Pearl, and paired with a four-speed manual—pure old-school magic. Its partner, the DBS GT Zagato, takes the already ferocious DBS Superleggera and cranks things up with a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, tuned to deliver a staggering 760 horsepower. Both cars are rolling works of art, each with its own story to tell.
Why Did These Ultra-Rare Astons Lose So Much Value?
Here’s where things get interesting. You’d expect cars this rare and beautiful to appreciate, right? Turns out, the market had other ideas. When these pairs first hit the scene, collectors snapped them up, likely thinking they’d struck gold. Fast forward to 2024, and one set is about to cross the auction block at Monterey Car Week, with an estimated sale price between $3.5 million and $4.5 million. That’s nearly half of what the original buyers paid.
What’s behind the sharp drop? Several factors are at play. First, the ultra-high entry price may have been too ambitious, even for the world’s wealthiest collectors. According to Hagerty’s 2024 market analysis, the appetite for ultra-modern, ultra-expensive limited editions has cooled, with buyers increasingly favoring classics with more racing pedigree or broader cultural significance. And let’s be real—cars that spend their lives in climate-controlled garages, barely driven (this DB4 GT has only 63 miles on the clock), don’t always ignite bidding wars.
How Do These Cars Stack Up in Terms of Performance and Design?
Let’s break it down. The DB4 GT Zagato Continuation is a love letter to the golden age of motorsport. With its naturally aspirated straight-six, featherweight aluminum body, and manual gearbox, it’s the kind of car that begs to be driven on a winding track. Yet, it’s so rare and pristine, most owners wouldn’t dare risk a stone chip. The craftsmanship is jaw-dropping—every curve and seam is a testament to Aston Martin and Zagato’s shared obsession with perfection.
The DBS GT Zagato, meanwhile, is a modern-day missile. Its 760-horsepower V12 launches it into supercar territory, while the carbon fiber double-bubble roof and centerlock wheels scream exclusivity. Inside, the Dark Knight leather and silver anodized trim create an atmosphere that’s both luxurious and intimidating. It’s a car that makes a statement before you even turn the key.
Are These Astons Still a Good Investment?
If you’re looking for a quick flip, probably not. The numbers don’t lie—these cars have depreciated significantly since their debut. But investment isn’t always about dollars and cents. For some, owning a piece of automotive history, especially one born from a collaboration between two icons, is worth every penny. And who knows? Tastes change. As the years roll by and examples disappear deeper into private collections, scarcity could eventually drive values back up.
That said, it’s a cautionary tale for anyone chasing the next big thing in the collector car world. Rarity and beauty don’t always guarantee a financial windfall. Sometimes, the smartest move is to buy what you love and enjoy the ride—literally.
What’s the Real Appeal for Collectors and Enthusiasts?
There’s something undeniably romantic about these cars. They’re not just machines; they’re rolling sculptures, each with a backstory that blends British engineering with Italian flair. For many collectors, that’s the real draw. It’s not about lap times or auction results—it’s about owning a tangible piece of a legendary partnership.
And let’s not forget the bragging rights. With only 19 pairs in existence, showing up to a cars-and-coffee event in a DB4 GT and DBS GT Zagato duo is the automotive equivalent of dropping the mic. These cars turn heads, spark conversations, and—if you’re lucky—make you the envy of everyone in the room.
The Big Takeaway? Collecting Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Smarter Adjustments
If you’re eyeing a set like this, don’t get hung up on the numbers. The collector car market is fickle, and even the rarest gems can lose their shine in the short term. What matters more is the connection you feel to the car, the stories you’ll tell, and the memories you’ll make. Start with one change this week—maybe it’s researching a car you’ve always loved, or finally taking your pride and joy out for a proper drive. You’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. That’s the real magic of car collecting.