Introduced in October 1960 at the London Motor Show, it was effectively a DB4 GT, lightened and improved by the Zagato factory in Italy, by Ercole Spada.

Initially, the factory planned to produce 25 cars, but demand was not as strong as expected and production was reduced to 19.

The DP209 cars have a lower roofline, larger rear wings, a reshaped tail and a flatter, longer front end.

In July 1961 at a British Grand Prix Support race, the Zagato had its first victory with 2 VEV taking the last lap lead from a Jaguar E Type.

Differences from the "originals" include a larger engine capacity, increased from 3.7 to 4.2 litres, and a smaller wheel diameter, reduced from 16 inches to 15.

The first of the four GT-specification rolling chassis was delivered to Zagato in January 1989 and the fourth in April of the same year, with all four being completed in July 1991.

In 1992, Richard Williams approached the executive chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Walter Hayes, and sought approval for the spare body shells to be used to create two further "Sanction" cars.

The cars can only be purchased as part of the "DBZ Centenary Collection" pack which also includes an Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato.