Ex-Rowan Atkinson-raced Aston Martin Vantage Zagato for sale

A unique Aston Martin with a special backstory is up for sale in the United Kingdom, having once been owned by actor and comedian Rowan Atkinson.

Built in 1986, the V8 Vantage Zagato Coupe was one of just 50 examples built, finished in gladiator red with a tan hide interior, going through two owners before ending up in the garage of the Mr Bean and Blackadder star in 1998.

Never one to do things by halves, Atkinson commissioned Aston Martin Works Service to develop his Vantage Zagato to race in the Aston Martin Owners Club's (AMOC) C2 Class for mildly modified vehicles, becoming the only V8 Zagato to have these mods done.

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Some of the tweaks included reducing its kerb weight to 1485 kilograms from a hefty 1600kg while the 'X Pack' V8 engine was fettled to develop 360kW @ 7000rpm and 558Nm @ 5500rpm, all controlled by Koni shocks, Eibach springs and AP Racing brakes.

A BBC article from 2001 confirms comments online attributing Atkinson to having a minor accident at the Croft Racing Circuit during an AMOC meeting aboard the Zagato, just two years after the first of his two highly-publicised accidents in a McLaren F1.

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After Atkinson sold the car in 2016, Aston Martin specialists Nicholas Mee and Co., started to bring it back to road-spec, refitting a road clutch, interior and air conditioning. The lightweight body panels and stonking engine, however, remain.

Previously sold for £253,500 (AU$469,106), it's expected the Zagato could fetch more now that it's in more road-friendly trim and the global used car market is following a seemingly perpetual upward trajectory.

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