Extremely rare Aston Martin prototype tipped to sell for whopping £530,000 – and the 33-year-old motor is one of just two in the world

AN EXTREMELY rare prototype for an Aston Martin coupe has emerged for sale for an eye-watering £530,000.

The V8 Zagato was built in 1986 ahead of a limited production run of around 50 cars, all of which were pre-sold before production had even started.

And just three prototypes were made in preparation for the release – with only two available in right hand drive.

The cars were built by Aston alongside legendary Italian coach builders Zagato, who this year celebrate their 100th anniversary.

The example currently for sale is offered from an esteemed collection where it has been for the past 20 years.

It’s being sold by Pendine Historic Cars, who are expecting the motor to appeal to serious collectors.

They are asking for more than £500,000 for the classic motor but aren’t expecting it to be a struggle to sell the stunning red coupe.

The Zagato was originally purchased from new by Aston Martin enthusiast Wensley Hayden-Baillie who was a close personal friend of former Aston Martin Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett.

It was built to an incredibly high specification and has black leather seats, a leather covered steering wheel and dashboard and a walnut centre console.

The powerful 432bhp V8 can do 0-60mph in under five seconds and has a top speed of around 190mph.

Between 2009 and 2013 the car was also subjected to an extensive restoration and is being sold alongside an unbroken, complete and extensive history file.

The Aston also comes with its original service vouchers book and handbook.

James Mitchell, founder of Pendine Historic Cars, said: “This is a well-known Aston Martin and is surely one of the finest examples of all

of the V8 Zagatos built.

“According to the current owner, who has raced and driven more V8 Zagatos than most, it drives unlike the other cars and is visceral by comparison.

“This is a special car which seriously deserves recognition for its place in the marque’s genesis.”