There's a Lot to Explore with This Replica Build | Carscoops

      The builder has taken the effort to create flush door handles for the vehicle.

      The hand-crafted replica features several new aluminum body panels and is named the 'Manta Ray.’

      Similar to the original Vanquish Zagato, this modified Malibu sports a vivid red paint job.

      Although the car is unlikely to deceive anyone, the initiatives taken by the owner deserve recognition.

      The Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato models are among the most stunning cars produced in recent times. Offered in limited quantities as a Coupe, Volante, Speedster, and Shooting Brake, they combine British elegance with Italian design artistry like few other cars. They have also inspired a rather unusual replica in the United States, based on an old Chevrolet Malibu.

      This peculiar version of the Vanquish Zagato, resembling something you might find in the less reputable sections of Temu, has been seen on the streets of New York for a few years. We are unaware of its current owner, but evidently, the original owner had a fondness for the original design, leading them to commission Customs by Flash in New Jersey to create this homemade variant.

      While the proportions are significantly off and the replica doesn't even achieve 20% of the real car's appeal, it's clear that the shop dedicated substantial effort to completely transform the old Malibu, even if the result won't fool anyone into believing it’s a genuine Aston.

      A bit of research online shows that the car's custom bodywork was meticulously handmade. Many of its panels, including the hood, are constructed from lightweight aluminum, with several components curved and shaped in an effort to replicate Zagato's iconic design. The entire vehicle was then finished in a striking red color.

      Some of the intricate details are genuinely impressive. The flush-mounted custom door handles were skillfully crafted, and the headlights closely resemble those of a true Vanquish Zagato. The large front grille and black wheels further enhance the illusion—at least from afar.

      One of the most striking features of the original car is its rear. This replica attempts to emulate it with a sloping tailgate and round taillights. Initially, the car was fitted with two tailpipes on either side and a relatively simple black diffuser, but recent photos show it now has a more complex diffuser and two tailpipes positioned in the center.

      Interestingly, it lacks any fake Aston Martin or Zagato badges and instead displays Corvette emblems. While that may seem peculiar, it could be fitting as the car is named the 'Manta Ray.’ If anything, it serves as a unique homage to a truly exceptional vehicle, even if the execution is somewhat unconventional.