Bespoke automotive manufacturer R-Reforged has announced plans to produce its Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged in-house at its new facility in Warwick. R-Reforged will now hand build the 38 Coupé and Speedster TWINS that celebrate the centenary of the Zagato Atelier (1919-2019) and 60-year long partnership between the Milanese ‘Signature’ and British sports car manufacturer.
Offered solely in pairs to just 19 customers (with the majority already sold), the sculpted Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged were created by Zagato and R-Reforged to combine the best of two automotive worlds: a sporting Speedster in its purest form and a timeless Coupé, redefining the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato. Each features iconic Zagato design cues synonymous with the Carrozzeria, notably the ‘double bubble’ roof on the Coupé and, exclusively, the 100th anniversary gold Z badging.
Now derived from the later V12 Vantage S, the 19 Coupés and 19 Speedsters feature a reworked version of its 5.9 litre 48 valve, naturally aspirated engine to produce 600bhp (85bhp more than the original). Clothed in an all-carbon fibre body, both incorporate an active aero and deployable rear wing to improve stability at high speeds whilst maintaining the clean surfaces and pure lines of the Zagato design. Combined with a number of other design tweaks such as new, centre locking 19” bespoke alloy wheels designed by APP Tech, the overall effect is muscular, purposeful yet graceful and unmistakably Aston Martin.
As part of the ‘R-Experience’, the customer is at the very heart of the journey that starts with a bespoke gift box once an order is placed. Owners will then specify every element of the Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged with the designers at Aston Martin St Gallen in Niederwil, Switzerland, before being invited to witness the team of skilled craftspeople at R-Reforged’s newlycreated 30,000 sq. ft facility in Warwick, UK, produce their cars. There, they will see first-hand a blend of traditional and contemporary processes, ranging from Bridge of Weir leather trimming to the latest in additive manufacturing. Options include an ‘infinity’ colour palette with the opportunity to match the interior and exterior to any colour sample provided by the client.
“The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged are undoubtedly a highlight of our centenary celebrations. A beautiful, bespoke and intrinsic part of our history and creative association with Aston Martin. To own these collectible cars will be a very personal and emotional experience.” – Andrea Zagato, CEO, Zagato
Aston Martin VP and chief marketing officer, Peter Freedman said: “Aston Martin’s relationship with Zagato stretches back 60 years and together in that time we have created a series of very special cars. The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged project is a fitting tribute to the Zagato centenary anniversary.”
Marella Rivolta Zagato, who co-runs the Italian design house, specified the first two cars. She explained: “When I was selecting the body colours, I looked for something that would simultaneously represent our 100-year heritage and our future. The most symbolic colours are gold and platinum, which are precious metals. Gold, an emblem of purity and distinction, is in my mind a tribute to our first century. Platinum is resistant to corrosion and has great catalytic capabilities, which is what I wish for our next 100 years!”
“Plants, sources of life that have continually renewed themselves since ancient times, are also woven into this idea,” adds Zagato. “Take for instance the colour for the Speedster, which I have named Oro Angelica. Angelica is an edible plant thought to guarantee long life. It also symbolises inspiration, the driving force of the first 100 years of Zagato’s history. For the Coupé, I chose Platino Acanto. The leaves of the acanthus inspired the ancient Greeks to create the Corinthian capital. This plant represents purity and immortality, embodying Zagato’s vision for the future.”
These cars will be unveiled in summer 2020 with customer vehicle production beginning in the fourth quarter of this year.
The Aston Martin Vantage V12 Zagato Heritage TWINS by R-Reforged was the first project announced by R-Reforged in 2019. R-Reforged forms part of the AF Racing Group, an organisation working closely with Aston Martin as project partners on the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Underlining its ambitions, R-Reforged’s second project, the Aston Martin Vanquish 25 by CALLUM, announced shortly after, also enters production this year. Ambitious, rigorous and responding to a customer demand for bespoke, limited production vehicles with a purchase experience unlike any other, R-Reforged is set to announce further exciting programmes in 2020.
