Aston Martin took part in the most recent soapbox race at Alexander Palace in London.

• Special-edition V8 Vantage GTE to take on all-comers in Red Bull Soapbox Race
• Aston Martin team to be judged on speed, creativity and showmanship as they try to repeat the on-track success of the Le Mans winning V8 Vantage GTE

Aston Martin Racing will reveal a very special-edition of the V8 Vantage GTE that won the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans at this Sunday’s Red Bull Soapbox Race at Alexandra Palace in London.  

The ’24 Seconds of Le Ally Pally’ will see a crack team of Aston Martin personnel, take on all-comers in a miniature version of the Le Mans winning V8 Vantage GTE.

David King, President of Aston Martin Racing said: “When taking on a challenge as big as this it is important to rally your troops and throw everything you’ve got at it. 

 

Aston Martin has enjoyed great on-track success with the V8 Vantage GTE so it was the obvious choice for the design of our soapbox entry. I don’t think we’ll be putting our race drivers in it though as we need them to be in one piece for their next World Endurance Championship race the following week!”

Aston Martin has a successful Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing but there will be no favouritism on Sunday. It is a level playing field, so to speak, and the Aston Martin crew is ready for the fight having made meticulous preparations.

Over 104 years ago, early Aston Martin cars were designed for hill-climb racing so all that knowledge can now be turned on its head.  It’s not great news for those who love the sound of a V8 or V12 engine as the power source for this event much quieter…gravity! With design and engineering by Aston Martin and the build taking place at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, the Aston Martin challenger is already a favourite for the event.

Entrants are judged on speed, obviously, and creativity of design. They are also judged on showmanship and this is where Le Mans winners Darren Turner (GB) and Jonny Adam (GB) can help.  Well-known for their ability to put on a great show, the two racers will be on hand to support Alex Summers, Aston Martin Prototype Operations Senior Engineer who has (been) volunteered to race the mini-Vantage.

“Having watched the Red Bull Soapbox Race numerous times, it looks the most amazing event so I can’t wait to go and see it for real,” said Turner. “There is no way in the world I would get into one but I’m very happy to wave the brave pilot on his merry way.  I hope Alex manages to last for more than 24 seconds and, most importantly, makes it to the bottom in one piece!”

Jaguar started the trend, now Aston Martin are rebuilding a continuation model the DB4 GT.

• Iconic DB4 G.T. brought back to life by Aston Martin Works
• Cars will be built at Newport Pagnell - home of the original DB4 G.T.
• Strictly limited to 25 track-only cars
• Newport Pagnell production re-starts after 10 years

One of Aston Martin’s most iconic models – the  DB4 G.T. - is to be celebrated with a special series of 25 track-only continuation cars built to lightweight specification by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell.

Launched in 1959, the DB4 G.T. was immediately celebrated as one of the rarest and most revered of all Aston Martins. 

Evolved from the production DB4 and introduced in the same year Aston Martin scored its historic outright win in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the DB4 G.T. was a true supercar of its day. 

Shorter, lighter, sleeker and with a more powerful version of the legendary 3.7-litre straight-six engine, not only was the DB4 G.T. Britain’s fastest passenger sports car, it was a born winner, scoring a debut race victory at Silverstone in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss.

A total of 75 DB4 G.T.s were built between 1959 and 1963. Of these only eight were lightweight models, most of which survive today, and values now comfortably exceed £3m.

Remaining faithful to the design of those original eight factory lightweights, each DB4 G.T. Continuation will be built with Aston Martin Works’ unrivalled experience and exemplary attention. 

Employing a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern techniques, continuation cars benefit from improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, with great care taken to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s exceptional qualities while retaining its feel and character.

Underlining that authenticity are the continuation car VIN numbers, which carry on from the last original DB4 G.T. ordered - Chassis 0202R - for an unbroken bloodline and impeccable Newport Pagnell-built pedigree spanning half a century.  

At its heart is a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its 340bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, just as in the original DB4 G.T. 

Thanks to its shortened wheelbase the DB4 G.T. is a strict two-seater blessed with greater agility than the regular four-seater DB4. Its body follows the original construction, with thin-gauge aluminum panels fitted over a tubular frame. 

To improve the accuracy and consistency of the panels, the continuation car’s bodywork uses state-of-the-art digital technology, before being hand-finished in time-honoured tradition. 

Fittingly for a car created to celebrate one of Aston Martin’s most illustrious competition models, the DB4 G.T. 

Continuation is built to be enjoyed on track. 

Aston Martin Works has created a two-year international track driving programme held at a number of the world’s finest race tracks, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. 

The ultimate arrive-and-drive experience, customers may also take advantage of Aston Martin’s dedicated driver training team. Comprised of expert instructors, including Aston Martin Racing’s multiple Le Mans class winner (and Goodwood Revival regular) Darren Turner, they will help customers master driving techniques from an era when track driving was more art than science.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director, Aston Martin Works said of the DB4 G.T. Continuation programme: “For over 60 years Aston Martin Works has devoted unrivalled skill and experience to preserving Aston Martin’s heritage. 

Now we are creating something for the future, with a special series of 25 continuation cars that celebrate one of Aston Martin’s greatest cars - the DB4 G.T. Lightweight.

“Built in our recently refurbished, state-of-the-art facilities in Newport Pagnell, the DB4 G.T. Continuation is hand built in the same location as its illustrious forebears, and marks the return of production to the historic home of Aston Martin for the first time since the last Vanquish S was completed in 2007. 

Combining the authenticity of a hand-crafted David Brown era car with sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements, the DB4 G.T. Continuation is a fusion of classic design and contemporary methods.

“The result is a truly remarkable machine. One that offers 25 individuals the opportunity of commissioning a classic, built to modern day standards and ready to be enjoyed in an international track driving programme as bespoke and individual as the cars themselves.”

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO commented: “Aston Martin has a rich and vibrant heritage, as you’d expect from a company that has been building some of the world’s finest sports cars for 103-years. 

Of those the DB4 G.T. stands proud as one of the most coveted of all. It’s a mark of Aston Martin’s breadth of abilities that in the same year we launched the DB11 - our most advanced ‘DB’ production car ever - we can also embark on an adventure such as the DB4 G.T. Continuation. 

A project that taps into the unique passion and skills that exist within Aston Martin, I’m thrilled we have the imagination and capability to offer 25 enthusiasts the unique opportunity to commission their own piece of Aston Martin history.” 

First deliveries of DB4 G.T. Continuation will commence in QTR 3 2017.

ASTON MARTIN Works hosts exclusive celebration track day at Silverstone.

• One-77, V12 Zagato and DBRS9 take to Silverstone circuit
• Customers from across Europe travel with their sports cars
• Event continues Works’ year-long diamond jubilee celebrations  

In its 60^th year, Aston Martin Works this week hosted a celebration customer track day at the world-renowned Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.

Works’ clients from across the UK and Continental Europe enjoyed the rare opportunity to put their Aston Martin sports cars to the test on one of the world’s most famous motor racing circuits.

The private event, at which owners savored the chance to test out the true performance potential of their sports cars, saw some of the luxury British brand’s most iconic models put through their paces. 

Among the cars in action were a One-77, a V12 Zagato and an example of the DBRS9 race car. They lined up alongside V8 and V12 Vantages; DB9s, a Virage and a Newport Pagnell-built original Vanquish, among much else.

Commenting on the event Aston Martin Works’ Commercial Director Paul Spires said: “It’s great to see so many of our sports cars being driven so skillfully by such an enthusiastic group of owners.

“When we proposed this idea at the beginning of the year we weren't sure how many people would want to bring along their cars, but the response today has been superb and I believe all involved have had an experience to remember.”

More than 20 Aston Martin sports cars took part, with drivers coached and tutored as required by a group of experienced Aston Martin Performance Driving Instructors.

Record breaking Spring concours backed by Aston Martin Works.

The Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) held its annual Spring Concours event – the blue riband of competitions for Aston Martin owners – on Sunday 10 May, with support from Aston Martin Works.

The annual Spring gathering of Aston Martin owners from across the UK and further afield, was this year staged in the elegant grounds of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, just a few miles from the historic home of Aston Martin in Newport Pagnell.

This year’s Concours was the largest to date with around 350 cars on show and was attended by Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer. For the first time, the Concours included a special class dedicated to the limited edition Aston Martin Works 60^th Anniversary Vanquish.

Five of the six Anniversary Vanquish models were entered in the event, with Aston Martin Works’ Commercial Director Paul Spires presenting the trophy to happy winning owner Jeremy Levinson.

Mark Donoghue, Chairman and Chief Judge of the AMOC Concours said: “Today’s record event has once again raised the bar for our activities and I’m very happy that so many Aston Martin owners could join us here at Woburn.

“We included the Aston Martin Works’ Anniversary class in honour of the 60^th anniversary and were thrilled to see these special cars on display here today.”

Also drawing the crowds at Woburn was the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon. The finest of fast cars made its UK debut at Aston Martin Works just 24 hours prior to the Spring Concours and continued to generate considerable attention among Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts at the glamorous event.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: “Just 24 hours after the 16^th annual Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works, the AMOC Spring Concours has been another great day for all of us in the Aston Martin ‘family’ and I’m really pleased that we have been able to mark Works’ 60^th anniversary with this special Concours class.”

16th annual Aston Martin Sale sees total transactions top £10m

• 16^th annual Aston Martin Sale sees total transactions top £10m
• Sir Peter Ustinov-owned DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible nets £1.5m
• More than 50 sports cars and 170 items of automobilia change hands 

In its 60^th anniversary year Aston Martin Works played host to another hugely busy Bonhams Aston Martin Sale on Saturday – with £10.3m worth of rare and prized sports cars changing hands.

The historic home of the great British luxury brand was the venue for the 16th annual Bonhams Aston Martin Sale, which saw around 50 classic Aston Martins sold.

The annual sale is recognised as a globally-significant occasion for Aston Martin collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

The 2015 event was the biggest to date, setting a sales total of £10,280,275 and witnessing a fascinating and diverse collection of Aston Martin-related automobilia go under the hammer in several hours of exciting and highly-charged bidding.

Highlights of the day included the 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible – originally the property of Sir Peter Ustinov – which sold for £1,513,500, and top lot of the sale, the 1966 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible in ‘Vantage’ specification, which sold for £1,524,700 including buyer’s premium.

‘Barn find’ and project cars also sold well, with a brace of 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloons performing particularly strongly – one selling at twice its top estimate and achieving £104,540, with the other changing hands for £115,740.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: “This year’s Aston Martin Sale has been a hugely memorable occasion, with rare and collectable Aston Martin sports cars going to buyers around the world.

“Despite the mixed weather there was a superbly sociable ‘garden party’ atmosphere among the 2,000 or so guests who joined us here today – enjoying the sale and helping us to celebrate our 60 years in superb style.”

Bonhams’ UK Head of Motor Cars Tim Schofield said: “As pioneers of the single-marque sale we’ve returned to Aston Martin Works here in Newport Pagnell for another great auction, exceeding all previous years’ totals.

“The quintessentially British marque of Aston Martin attracts interest from enthusiasts across the world, a fact demonstrated here again this year as we took bids from all corners of the globe. The sale attracted a larger and more cosmopolitan attendance than ever before, achieving an excellent result.”

Fancy an Aston ? got up to a Million ? well, there is a lot for sale here, go on, you know you want to !

In its 60^th anniversary year Aston Martin Works is gearing up to host the biggest ever Aston Martin Sale staged by internationally renowned auction house Bonhams.

Now in its 16th year, Bonhams’ Aston Martin Sale is set to see some of the brand’s most iconic, and valuable, sports cars change hands as eager bidders head to the Aston Martin Works facility for this globally significant auction event.

Among the highlights in the packed catalogue are two rare and collectible DB4 convertibles. The first, a 1962 DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible, is one of only nine produced in left-hand drive and was once the property of Sir Peter Ustinov. It carries an estimate of £900,000 to £1m. 

Meanwhile, in right-hand drive, a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 4.0-Litre Series IV Convertible is estimated at £800,000-900,000.

The 2015 event is Bonhams’ largest Aston Martin Sale to date, and features more than 250 lots of motor cars and automobilia.

A total of 21 DB4, DB5 and DB6s have been consigned to the sale – the largest number of Sir David Brown-era motor cars in the sale’s 16-year history.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, said: “The Bonhams auction weekend is always a highlight of the Works’ calendar and this year, once again, some truly remarkable cars will be offered for sale.”

Tim Schofield, Bonhams UK Head of Motor Cars, said: “This year’s sale features a selection of significantly rare left-hand drive Aston Martins from the Sir David Brown era.

“At the time, only a small number of left-hand drive models were produced by the luxury marque, making the models incredibly rare. This year’s sale – in which more than a quarter of cars are left-hand drive – is very unusual indeed.”

He added: “But it’s not all about left-hand drive models. The sale has over 30% more lots than 2014, meaning there’s something for everyone. 

This includes restoration projects such as the 1958 Aston Martin DB Mark III Sports Saloon (Lot 201: £30,000-50,000); concours-standard motor cars such the 1952 Aston Martin DB2 Drophead Coupé, originally the property of His Royal Highness, Prince Bertil of Sweden (Lot 209: £250,000-300,000), and the 1961 Aston Martin DB4 ‘Series II’ Sports Saloon (Lot 233: £420,000-460,000) – plus many examples of automobilia.”

Formerly the property of Sir Peter Ustinov, the 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage Convertible adds some Hollywood sparkle to the sale.

Originally owned by the Academy Award-winning actor, playwright and diplomat, this ultra-rare DB4 Vantage Convertible was delivered to him at the Montreux Palace Hotel in Switzerland in 1962. One of only nine DB4 Series IV convertibles ever made, the car is estimated at £900,000-£1m.

Aside from the auction activity, the event will also play host to the UK public debut of the luxurious new Lagonda Taraf super saloon. 

Unveiled to the world last year, and announced as a right-hand drive model in February, the new Lagonda makes its UK debut at the place where the last Aston Martin Lagonda model – the William Towns-designed four-door – was built up to its end of production in 1989.   

Customers drive their dreams at Aston Martin Works.

Aston Martin Works customers are among the first drivers in the world to take delivery of exclusive new V8 Vantage N430 sports cars this weekend.

Sporting the new ‘64’ registration plate, three N430s are being handed over to buyers who were quickest off the mark when order books for the new motorsport-themed Vantage models opened earlier this year.

Paul Spires, Commercial Director at Aston Martin Works, explained: “Interest in the new N430 models has been very high since the cars were first announced at the Geneva Motor Show back in March.

“I’m really happy that the first deliveries we are able to make to customers coincides so well with the arrival of the new ‘64’ plate registration mark.”

Pure, unadulterated fun is what lies at the heart of the new V8 Vantage N430. Honed on the track to excel on the road, N430 – available in Coupe or Roadster form – boasts peak power of 436 PS at 7,300 rpm.

Ally the car’s inherent dynamic capability to lightweight and sporting-biased features as standard such as carbon fibre and Kevlar® seats and ten-spoke forged alloy wheels in a new graphite painted finish – together yielding a weight saving of 17 kg – and it’s clear that the GT4-inspired N430 has been created to deliver exceptional performance with a club sport ethos. The car is capable of 190 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds.

That power feeds the rear wheels through a sporty six-speed manual gearbox; with the option of a close-ratio seven-speed Sportshift™II automated manual transmission with short final-drive ratio for those demanding the most driver-focused yet involving set-up.

N430’s front mid-mounted, 4.7-litre, all-alloy, quad overhead cam, dry-sumped V8 engine is complemented by a rousing sports exhaust, aerodynamics honed through numerous wins in GT racing and a competition-derived braking system.    

The compact proportions and inherent balance of the Vantage design are supported by a carefully calibrated sports suspension tune and quick-ratio steering rack that rewards the true enthusiast driver on road, and on track.

Paul Spires added: “With the arrival of the new N430 on UK roads, I’m sure we’re going to see many more potential owners pay a visit to our showroom here in Newport over the weeks ahead.”