If you want to get your hands on one of the rarest Aston Martins ever built, you better move quickly. The model in question is the pristine 2003 DB AR1, a Zagato-style roadster, and one of only 99 that were ever made. The "AR1" is for American Roadster 1, so yes, this beautiful Aston was reserved exclusively for the local market.

Based on the DB7 Vantage Volante of the time, the DB AR1 was conceived for sunnier regions in the US, so a proper roof wasn't part of the original design, although certain owners have tried to fit one. We're guessing that anyone who can afford the current bid of $171,000 - at the time of writing - also has a large garage to keep the Aston safely protected on wet days. Some of its styling cues, such as the circular taillights and 'double bubble' panel at the back, still live on in the Vantage V12 Zagato.

Under the hood, the DB AR1 is fitted with a glorious 435-horsepower 5.9-liter V12 engine which is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. A limited-slip differential is also fitted. The particular example shown here is painted in Tungsten Silver and has a leather interior in Charcoal. The cabin lacks the gadgetry you'd find in a modern vehicle, but we love the classic white gauges and diamond-quilted leather seats. Everything looks immaculate, which isn't surprising since this example - car number 55 - has just over 6,000 miles on the clock.

According to the Bring A Trailer listing, this particular DB AR1 was initially registered in California, but also spent part of its life in Florida and Illinois. The current Massachusetts dealer is selling it with original Aston umbrellas, a leather jacket, and factory books/manuals. In the video below, posted by Aston Martin New England, you can hear the V12's melodious sound, unmuffled by turbocharging. It's goosebump-inducing stuff and made even more special when combined with the ability to switch through the gears yourself.

Back in the cabin, the Aston has heated and power-adjustable seats, an old-school six-disc CD changer (not that you'll ever need it), and oversized knobs and switches for the ventilation system that ensure easy operation without taking your eyes off the road, a far cry from the fussy touch-sensitive controls in the likes of the current DBS Superleggera.

Over the last month, the engine oil and filter were changed, and the car received a coolant flush, too. The 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and there is no history of any accidents. Although expected to sell at over $200,000 - which could buy you a brand new DB11 - this throwback DB AR1 has won us over.