Aston Martin AR-1

The Aston Martin AR-1 sports a body that comes with no roof or convertible top but, Aston Martin ensures a rainless ride by providing dual Aston Martin umbrellas in the trunk just in case.

Aston Martin DB AR1

The Aston Martin DB AR1 is a limited-edition grand tourer that was made by Aston Martin and Zagato for the United States market in 2003. The AR1 name stands for American Roadster 1. It was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2003, when it had no convertible top at all. The design house of was chosen by A.M due to the strong links that the two companies shared – after all, Zagato had penned a special model for A.M back in the 1980s. Before initial work began on the cars, the concept was outlined to A.M’s best customers – who were reeled in by the promise of a very limited production run of ninety-nine cabriolets and ninety-nine coupes. The order books were filled quickly, and the project was green lighted. The DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) is derived from the DB7 – the most successful Aston Martin of all time. It is based on the current DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) and boasts revised body style with coachwork by Zagato and incorporates a number of dynamic elements, which have been finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience. The long, sweeping bonnet envoked memories of old A.M Le Mans racers, and the large air intake, set low to the road, was much like that of the A.M cars from the 1960s. The coupe’s featured a unique ‘double-bubble’, designed to hark back to the days when sports cars’ buyers needed extra space for when wearing helmets. However, the bubble shape continued rearwards, and onto the rear screen – providing a challenge for the glaziers, as this had seldom been tried on a production car. A pert rear finished off the Zagato’s lissom form, with a small ducktail spoiler, huge circular exhaust pipes and mirroring rear lights. It was an automotive art form.

Design & Styling

The AR1

The DB7 Zagato was a huge success for Aston Martin with all 99 cars sold very quickly. It’s very clear; customers want choice and individuality. The DB AR1 has a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, which are also new, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provide graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.

However, the DB AR1 is a concept car that has been designed with the Californian weather in mind and is a Roadster in the proper tradition, with no hood and space for just two people. The DB AR1 has a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, which are also new, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provide graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.

Aside from a revised body design, the DB AR1 has special multispoke 19” alloy wheels – with revised offset to give a wider track (8×19” front, 9½x19” rear) – equipped with SO2 245/35 ZR19 front and 265/30 rear, low profile Yokohoma tyres.

Interior


Technical Specs

Technical Specifications

This increased power together with a revised final drive ratio and active sports exhaust system will not only provide noticeable improvement in mid-range power, but also additional torque – up from 400 lb/ft (DB7 Vantage) to 410 lb/ft, providing a sharper accelerating drive.

An AP twin plate racing clutch, which replaces the single plate clutch found on the DB7 Vantage, combined with the revised quick-shift gear lever – also fitted to the DB7 GT – will enable the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear change. The active sports exhaust system with rear muffler by-pass valves – as used on the V12 Vanquish – provide the DB AR1 with a very distinctive exhaust note.

A combination of racing-style grooved 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) Brembo disc brakes and uprated Pagid RS 42-1 front pads provide the DB AR1 with better-sustained performance, with improved resistance to judder and fade, particularly at high speed. An uprated brake booster unit – as used on the V12 Vanquish – assists in providing the driver with progressive braking and a firmer and more consistent pedal feel. An uprated brake booster unit – as used on the V12 Vanquish – assists in providing the driver with progressive braking and a firmer and more consistent pedal feel. The AR1 was built with the US market in mind – the clue was in the name, which stood for American Roadster 1. As such, all but one were produced in left-hand drive form, and most found their way Stateside, where their laughable weather protection was not a problem. However, the single right-hand drive example, a light green metallic car, remained in the UK, along with many of the coupes. The cars were very highly sought after, and they sold out within a matter of months from going on sale.

  • Year:
    2003

  • Color:
    Soft Green

  • Engine
    4.4-liter

  • Type:
    Ferrari Daytona Spider 1970

  • 0-60 mph:
    4.9 Seconds

  • Top Speed:
    186 mph

  • Transmission
    5 Speed

  • Body/Chassis
    2-door roadster

Cool Facts

It is based on the current DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) and boasts revised bodystyle with coachwork by Zagato.



 

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