This weekend automobile enthusiasts from the world over will gather for the annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Lake Como, northern Italy. This illustrious celebration of Historic and Contemporary cars will this year be the setting for the debut of Aston Martin’s newest concept car.

The Vanquish Zagato Concept marks the fifth collaboration in as many decades for the British stalwart, Aston Martin, and Italian design house, Zagato. The first design to emerge as a result of this salubrious alliance was the DB4 GT Zagato released back in 1961 and has since garnered a reputation as one of the all-time most beautiful cars. Over the years, the two companies have played to their own unique strengths to present us with cars that both uphold Aston Martin’s traditional sporting dynamic and Zagato’s unique vision from the arena of speed.

The Vanquish Zagato, sure to impress spectators this weekend, was manufactured in Aston Martin’s English base at Gaydon, Warwickshire led by Aston Martin’s lead designer Marek Reichman. They have announced that they are to open a new factory in Wales and are looking towards a collaboration with Red Bull Racing with a view to building a road-supercar. This all sounds very positive for the British motor company which celebrated its centenary in 2013.

The new Vanquish Zagato succeeds the V12 Zagato, debuted in 2011, in more ways than one. This newest model is perhaps the most opulent Aston Martin to have every left the factory. It is lighter but more powerful, sleek and still forceful. In this way, it is the perfect combination of design and sheer brawn. The body of the car is shaped 100% with carbon fibre and they have used larger panels to reduce the occurrence of split lines on the body.  The classic Aston Martin side strake has been reimagined to run from wheel arch to door. It, of course, retains the Zagato trademark double bubble roof and boasts a large front grille, One-77 inspired wing mirrors and retractable spoiler.

Inside, the decadence continues with the luxurious finish we have come to expect from Aston Martin. The aniline leather features a quilted ‘Z’ pattern. The herringbone carbon fibre on the facia is matched with a bronze coating while the switchgear is crafted in aluminium. Of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the trademark ‘Z’ for Zagato embossed on the headrests.

The newest concept car from Aston Martin will mingle comfortably with the other top specimens of automobile engineering on view this weekend at Villa d’Este. The two-day event is held in the stunning surroundings of one of the world’s leading hotels perched on the bay of Lake Como. The show was first realised in 1929 when the world was only just exploring the true potentiality of cars. Today the best of modern luxury and engineering is showcased alongside a wonderful display of historic cars. BMW have been the event’s sponsors since 2005 and this year, to celebrate 100 years of the BMW group, they have curated a special exhibition titled ‘BMW Hommage Cars and Their Historic Counterparts’. It will feature stunning pieces by both BMW and Mini. With the diversity of cars on show, there is sure to be something to tempt everyone.