2003 Aston Martin DB AR1
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 bodystyle with coachwork by Zagato of Italy and incorporates a number of dynamic elements, which have been finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience.
Available only as a two-seater, the DB AR1 is not a convertible Zagato version of the Coupe – launched in the summer of 2002 – but a possible addition to Aston Martins exclusive product range.
Aston Martin will privately show the DB AR1 to customers at an event in LA to gauge their reaction and if the response is positive the car will go into production in very limited numbers during 2003. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated that DB AR1 will cost around $230,000 US (plus or minus 10%).
Aston Martin has yet to conduct performance testing however, it is expected that recent developments of Aston Martins low emission, all alloy, 6.0-litre V12 engine, means that DB AR1 will benefit from a performance increase, and offer 435bhp compared with 420bhp of the DB7 Vantage.
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.
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.
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.
Pictures
Specs & Performance
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Limited Production Car |
| built at | Germany |
| engine | All Alloy V12 |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Fuel Injection |
| compression | 10.3:1 |
| power | 324.4 kw / 435 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD w/LSD |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/4-Pot Calipers, ABS |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/4-Pot Calipers, ABS |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 20.3 cm / 19 x 8 in |
| rear wheels | R 48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19 x 9.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Monotube Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Monotube Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~297.7 kph / 185.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.9 seconds |
Auction Sales History
2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 SCFAE62303K800002 – sold for $214,500 The second production example constructed. Single ownership and less than 800 miles from new. Finished in stunning Aston Martin Green (Code 1959). Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions
2003 Aston Martin DBAR1 SCFAE623X3K800038 – sold for $269,500 Formerly of the Bob Pond Collection. Just over 600 miles from new. The 38th of 99 produced. Finished in the same colors as the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show car. Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions
2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 SCFAE62313K800073 –
his DB AR1 Zagato is a true roadster, in that it carries only two passengers and has no top. The stunning Zagato-designed body is just part of the story, and this car, the 73rd of the 99 built, is the only one painted this unique color, Mercedes Designo Silver. The balance of the car is all Aston Martin, with a four-cam, 48-valve, 6.0-liter V-12 engine putting out 435 horsepower. An AP twin-plate racing clutch, a six-speed manual transmission, and four-wheel Brembo disc brakes round out the performance package. Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions
2004 Aston Martin DB AR1 Roadster –
4,367 miles from new. This immaculate low mileage left hand drive AR1 Roadster is in Tungsten Silver with an all Charcoal leather interior. A 2003 model year car, it was originally sold on February 3, 2004 and remained on extended warranty until April 2007. It was sold new through retailer Aston Martin of Newport Beach, and was purchased by Lawrence Rhoades in 2005 from Desert European Motor cars in Rancho Mirage. After that the car received limited use in and around Naples, Florida and was serviced and maintained by the local Aston Martin agent. Auction Source: Bonhams 2010 Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia
2003 Aston Martin DB AR1 Zagato Roadster 800018 – sold for $148,500 With only 376 miles from new, the Aston Martin was acquired by the O’ Quinn Collection in 2005. Complete with all expected accessories including the heated rear-view mirrors, an aluminum shifter and switches, as well as a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, this is a striking, high-performance, limited-edition automobile in the finest Aston Martin tradition. Auction Source: 2010 RM Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction
