This ambitious project was undertaken by the Derby based company Aston Engineering, based on a standard DB4 chassis and a sketch provided by owner. This was substantially re-engineered with a shortened wheelbase and substantial strengthening to improve torsional rigidity following the removal of the roof. No fabric roof appears be have been made for the car – if it rains, the driver and passenger will get wet, much like the similar DB AR1.

The engine was uprated to 4.2 litre specification and with tuning, the straight 6 cylinder produces around 350 bhp. The finished car is about 25cm shorter and 130 kg lighter than the donor car, so with the 4.2 engine, the Barchetta is a more than a match for the regular Zagato

Just to be clear – this is not an actual period Aston Martin model or indeed built by Zagato but is a wonderful way of taking a poorly DB4 and making something different from the normal ‘replica’ that has become rather too commonplace.