the db ar1 (standing for "american roadster 1") was introduced at the los angeles auto show in january 2003. it is based on the db7 vantage volante and features a unique body designed by zagato in collaboration with henrik fisker. only 99 examples were produced for sale, though aston martin built one additional example for their own factory collection. they were only offered for the u.s. market. the ar1 was intended for sunny american states and as such had no roof of any kind. collectors elsewhere in the world have attempted to remedy this, but long-time db ar1 owner robert stockman commissioned zagato to construct a small folding convertible top. the resulting electrically operated unit is very slight, referred to as a "shelter" rather than a roof by andrea zagato, and hides behind the seats when not in use.