This could be the wackiest Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato replica in existence

A car enthusiast from the USA dreamed about a rather exotic car, one that would combine the aesthetics of British and Italian automotive schools. He ended up procuring an old Chevrolet Malibu and asking Customs by Flash, in NJ, for a total overhaul.

The idea, apparently, was to make the sedan look like the legendary Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato. The tuners started by replacing the bodywork with new aluminum panels that they beat into shape by hand trying to stay close to the original proportions.

If you look from far enough away, you might think the flush door handles, the headlights, the grille and the wheels were sourced from a true Vanquish Zagato. Of course, that’s not the case, as a single glance at the roofline or the rear end will tell you. Too many shapes are off and look amateurish. Perhaps this is why the build eschews fake AM badges, telling you it’s a Chevy straight away.

The interior and the engine are seemingly stock, too. For all its quirkiness, Manta Ray – this is the name of the car – is surely charming in its own way. We heard it was a frequent sight on New York streets.