VROOAMM!

It’s Friday lunchtime and I’m just tucking into my Chả Giò at the local Vietnamese. My phone on the table vibrates. Who’s that now?

Still with one hand gripping my spring roll I check my messages. No name, just a German telephone number and a picture of an Aston Martin Zagato with the phrase “Vrooamm!” written underneath. I know instantly who it is and excitedly text back “Where are you? Is it in Münich?” Only one person I know in Germany could have such exclusive access to rare metal like this. Kacher!

Let me explain. Georg Kacher is one of the most respected motoring journalists in the World! He writes for CAR, Automobile and Auto Bild and I just happen to know his Son ‘Basti’ who incidentally works for the Audi Press department in Italy.

After a few more messages, it’s set up for that evening, 8.30 at the Kacher residence near Ammersee, 30 minutes South-West of Münich.

One fast drive later, work colleague and good friend Stevie Fahr-Becker and myself arrive in a flurry of noise (we decided to take both our cars! my R8 and his 964 Turbo) The Sun is setting fast when we arrive and my priority is to snap a few photos  before it disappears completely. The Kachers come to greet us and after formalities are exchanged attention turns quickly to the car. Stevie does the taking! I do the walking, well shuffling really as I desperately try to get some good angles in the fading light. We discover that the Zagato, which has been delivered by truck from the UK, is worth a cool 500,000 Euros! No driving tonight! Dad’s tired and Juniors not insured! We admire the mighty V12 instead, it’s started and revved, not too loud though! Can’t upset the neighbours! but I’m sure these neighbours are used to the sound of a few Supercars? Doors fly open and we’re greeted to a cocoon of wavy stitched leather and suede (even the headlining is wavy!) I try the Sports seats for size ‘Like a glove!’ Head room is generous, enclosed by the trademark Zagato ‘double bubble’ roof.

With it's signature Aston Martin grille and large nostrils in the bonnet, the Zagato is powerful and purposeful. Sharp lines intersect taut surfaces and all is beautifully finished with deep petrol blue paintwork accentuated with aggresive carbon fibre diffusors and spoilers. Muscular haunches over the rear wheels are dramatically sliced to reveal the protruding rear lights that when lit look like a jet fighter in after burn!

The light has finally gone, time for a beer and something to eat. Talk turns inevitability to cars again and especially design. What’s new? What’s coming? Who's where? Interspersed by Stevie's incredible and amusing car engine impressions, it's a relaxing conclusion to a fantastic evening. It's getting late, we could speak all night about cars, I know! but it's time to go home. We say our goodbyes and say we must meet again. There’ll be another time, I'm sure! 

 

Comments

[Mattijs]

Must have been a great night. Beautiful story on this fantastic car in an exotic scenery. Love the color on that Zagato. Thank you for sharing, I am jealous on this side of the screen.

[Mattijs]

Nice pictures. The one in front of the house sums it all up, yellow sweater included.

[Geert]

A shame you couldn't drive it but impressive story nevertheless Steve. Pretty good pics given the circumstances! (love those afterburners too). Double bubble a must for someone of Kacher's size ;)

[Rik]

Sweet! Had a close look at a Vanguish yesterday (love that car), seems Zagato did too (rear haunches). Isn't it just great when the 2 ultimate 'car nations' collide, as proven earlier with DB 4GT Zagato?