Celebrating a decade of exclusivity and a lifetime of thrilling open-cockpit sportscars

Aston Martin has chosen the 2022 Monterey Car Week to unveil the spectacular DBR22 for the first time: A V12-engined two-seater coach-built design concept, celebrating the marque’s extraordinary bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers.

The creation of the DBR22 design concept, unveiled in California, is the latest in a long line of extraordinary projects expertly handled by in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, which this year celebrates a decade of building exclusive cars for the world’s most discerning customers. Iconic one-off commissions such as Aston Martin Victor, and low volume specials such as Vulcan – limited to 24 examples worldwide, and Vantage V600 – limited to just 14, are truly magnificent examples of these collaborations. It seems only fitting then, that the DBR22 design concept should also form the basis of a production reality example for an ultra-exclusive number of Q by Aston Martin customers.

By mating the classic art of coachbuilding with advanced materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, DBR22 is a perfect blend of design purity, engineering precision, heart-pounding performance and true passion. A perfect celebration of Q by Aston Martin and its limitless potential. All underlined by the knowledge it is one of the rarest Aston Martins in the marque’s rich 109-year history.

With classic proportions and immaculate, muscular curves, DBR22 unashamedly speaks of tradition – specifically Aston Martin’s lifelong lineage of world-beating two-seater open-cockpit sportscars such as the DBR1 and DB3S – but expresses it with a dynamic new take on this compelling theme.

DB3S represents an important piece of Aston Martin’s competition history. Introduced in 1953, Frank Feeley’s alloy DB3S body became known for its curves and aerodynamic efficiency, establishing Aston Martin as a serious Le Mans contender and scoring some impressive results along the way. DBR1, known as the ultimate Aston Martin sportscar, took Feeleys design language a stage further and became one of the most important, influential Aston Martins of all time – winning a number of notable races, the most famous of course being Le Mans in 1959, driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, and taking the Aston Martin team onto the ultimate victory: winning the World Sports Car Championship in the same year (‘59.)

The DBR22 design concept showcases a completely new body from the designers at Aston Martin. Its exceptional coach-built form is created from a minimal number of body panels to create a more sculpted, muscular presence.  The result: a smooth and effortless blend of exceptional drama and elegance, with several unique design features to compliment.

A particularly noteworthy feature is the entirely new front grille which incorporates a unique carbon fibre design in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins. This design takes inspiration directly from the DBR1 and DB3S, giving a unique identity; one which clearly draws from Aston Martin’s heritage but uses this inspiration to create a truly contemporary design.

The bonnet features a dramatic horseshoe vent, recessed to aid airflow from the 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine that sits beneath it. This long, unbroken bonnet line draws your eye back towards the cockpit, over the lowline wind deflector and delicate mirrors, which are mounted to the tops of the doors on slender, wind-cheating carbon fibre arms.

Sitting perfectly within the wheel arches is a set of all-new 21in alloy wheels. Featuring a unique 14-spoke design created especially for the DBR22, these lightweight wheels feature a motorsport-derived centre-lock hub, which is also available to spec from an extensive colour pallet.

We set our design systems to ‘hyper-drive’, pushing the exploration of formalism further and endeavouring to express a future in the here today. Where could we go with the surfaces, proportion and form. Combining this approach with advanced process, technology, and materials, we’ve effectively modernised our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree. DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sports car full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer

The DBR22 design concept also showcases an entirely bespoke paint colour, developed specifically for the occasion using ‘Paint to Sample’ – an exclusive option available through Q by Aston Martin, demonstrating again the vast design possibilities attainable through the marques bespoke service.

The DBR22’s cockpit continues the fusion of classic and contemporary approaches with many unique components and an extensive use of both leather and exposed carbon fibre. With architecture defined by the all-new dashboard and sleek infotainment displays, it sets the tone for a clean, uncluttered environment.

Though taking inspiration from Aston Martin’s world-beating competition cars, the DBR22 is no bare-bones racer inside. Supple aromatic hides swathe the contemporary dashboard, the carbon fibre performance seats and extend over the tops of the doors to create an inviting hint of the interior.

Rising from behind the seats are twin nacelles which smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads.  At the rear, DBR22 design concept has an unmistakable horizontal light graphic courtesy of the slim, full-width light bar made specially for this application. Beneath it sits a perforated panel to allow hot air to exit the tail. This beautifully sculptural piece is yet another unique highlight of the DBR22 intriguing design. Together with the smoothly integrated diffuser and pair of large diameter exhaust tailpipes, the DBR22 has incredible road presence, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of the driving experience.

With an extensive options palette available through the celebrated bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin offers customers of all Aston Martin models the chance to create something completely unique. As well as paint colours and finishes, bespoke graphics through to tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the interior and exterior, every Q by Aston Martin car can push the limits of design and desire and is completely tailored to the customer.

Thanks to an immensely potent 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo powertrain the DBR22 backs-up its extraordinary looks with truly breath-taking performance; peak outputs of 715PS and 753Nm providing sufficient propulsion to accelerate the DBR22 from a standstill to 60mph in just 3.4sec and on to a top speed of 198mph/319kmh. With nothing but the slipstream between the driver and this epic engine’s unforgettable twelve-cylinder howl, the DBR22 promises to be an intense sensory stimulation. 

Dynamically the DBR22 targets true driver connection, with a chassis honed to deliver precision, agility and tactility in equal measure. Unique calibration of the engine and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission uses torque shaping to give the DBR22 a manner and delivery unlike any other model. A pinned steering column brings greater accuracy but also provides more detailed feedback so the driver can build a more accurate picture of available grip.

Attention has also been paid to the DBR22’s chassis structure. Unique front and rear shear panels further increase tortional rigidity, with a bespoke calibration for the adaptive dampers providing precision and pliancy for a blend of body control and ride refinement that will make the DBR22 an absolute pleasure to drive – on road or racetrack.

Technology is pivotal in the construction of DBR22, with extensive use of carbon fibre throughout, and the use of 3D printing for the manufacture of a structural component. As such DBR22 showcases Aston Martin’s unique capabilities, with world-class design combined with an agile, intelligent approach to engineering and production. For a car that was designed to celebrate the ultimate bespoke customisation service, the engineering developments mean DBR22 truly has the dynamic theatre to match, ensuring the drive is just as addictive as its looks.

Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer

The DBR22 also features a 3D printed rear subframe – the first time Aston Martin has introduced such a method. The component is made from multiple 3D printed parts printed from aluminium, which are then bonded to form the finished subframe. The advantages are clear, with a significant weight saving and no reduction in stiffness, plus the ability to make special parts for ultra-low volume models, where required.

Monterey Car Week kicks off later this week, and it’s looking like it’ll be a doozy. Acura, Bentley, and others have big reveals planned, and those are the debuts we know about. Pebble Beach always delivers a few big surprises, too, so keep an eye out. The Aston Martin DBR22 design concept will be displayed at Pebble Beachthe Concours d’Elegance from August 19th through August 21st.

Come into the beautiful world of Aston Martin.

Aston Martin offers up a peek into the progress of its DB5 Goldfinger Continuation series

The Aston Martin DB5 is a British luxury Grand Tourer (GT) that was made by Aston Martin and designed by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. Carrozzeria Touring became well known for both the beauty of its designs and patented Superleggera (tube-frame) construction methods.

Released in 1963, it was an evolution of the final series of DB4. Although the design and construction techniques were Italian, the DB4 was the first Aston to be built at the company’s Newport Pagnell works in Buckinghamshire, England. And so was the DB5.

By many people dubbed as ‘the most famous car in the world’ and renowned as being among the most desirable and sought-after classic Aston Martin models, the DB5 has become a byword for timeless style and sports car desirability.

Fewer than 900 saloon examples were built by the brand between 1963 and 1965, with by far the most famous of the original owners being the world’s best-known secret agent – James Bond – who first drove the car that is today inextricably linked with him in the 1964 film, ‘Goldfinger’.

Now, 55 years after the last DB5 rolled off the production line at Aston Martin’s then global manufacturing base in Newport Pagnell, work is once again under way there on a strictly limited number of just 25 new DB5 models. Created in association with the producers of the James Bond films, EON Productions, and featuring a broad suite of working gadgets first seen on screen in the 1964 film, the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are history in the making.

The latest in Aston Martin’s phenomenally successful Continuation car programme, which began in 2017 with the DB4 GT Continuation, the new DB5 models represent among the most valuable new cars yet brought to market by the British luxury brand. Each DB5 Goldfinger continuation car is priced at £2.75 million plus taxes, and the meticulous construction process takes around 4,500 hours per car.

Each of the 25 new cars is being built to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements, alongside the integration of cutting-edge working gadgets developed with Chris Corbould OBE, the Oscar-winning special effects supervisor who has worked on more than a dozen Bond films.

The list of Bond-inspired gadgets includes features all too familiar to viewers of the classic 1964 big screen hit, such as revolving number plates at the front and rear (triple plates), simulated twin front machine guns, a simulated tyre slasher, a bullet resistant rear shield, a removable passenger seat roof panel, a telephone in the driver’s door, a gear knob actuator button and a remote control for gadget activation.

All the new cars are meticulously detailed authentic reproductions of the DB5 seen on screen, with some sympathetic modifications and enhancements to ensure the highest levels of build quality and reliability. All the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars are being built to one exterior colour specification – Silver Birch paint – just like the original.

The cars feature original DB5 styled aluminium exterior body panels wrapped elegantly around an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure (Supperleggera). Under the bonnet, there’s a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine with a six-plug head, three SU carburettors and oil cooler, that’s capable of generating in the order of 290 bhp. This is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission in the rear-wheel drive DB5, which also features a mechanical limited slip differential.

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works where the original DB5 was built and the new cars are also being created, said: “We are making, perhaps, some of the most desirable ‘toys’ ever built for 25 very lucky buyers worldwide. Creating the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars and working with EON Productions and special effects supervisor, Chris Corbould, is something truly unique and a real career highlight for everyone involved here at Aston Martin Works.”

First deliveries of the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation to customers will commence in the second half of 2020. Come in the beautiful world of Aston Martin.

 

 

 

Aston Martin Reveals First Body of the Revived DB4 GT Zagato

Britisch carmaker Aston Martin announced its plans to bring back the iconic DB4 GT Zagato last fall as part of a continuation series to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Italian carrozzeria Zagato. The project began at the manufacturer’s Heritage Division at its Newport Pagnell facility and now the first body has been revealed.

The Heritage Division, is the largest, best equipped and most knowledgeable Aston Martin restoration centre in the world, the invaluable and highly specialist skills nurtured at Aston Martin Works are perfectly suited to the brand’s celebrated Continuation projects.

Built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960’s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred machine. Evolved for the rigours of motor racing and blessed with a rare and incontestable beauty, just 19 were built. Drawing on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the team at Aston Martin Works the 2019 DB4 GT Zagato Continuations are to be meticulously crafted, staying true to those original Zagato-bodied DB4 GTs produced by Aston Martin and Zagato in the 1960’s.

We are bringing all of our hand-craftsmanship and expertise to bear in building these nineteen Continuation cars, sympathetically incorporating the very latest engineering advancements and performance enhancements, but remaining true to the purity and authenticity of the original design.

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works

Each of the 19 DB4 GT Zagato Continuation cars is being built at Aston Martin Works to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old world craftsmanship, with the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.

Beneath the Continuation cars’ bonnet will sit a version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed straight-six cylinder engine with two spark plugs per cylinder, transmitting its circa 380 bhp to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, for an authentic and unforgettable driving experience.

This latest continuation car follows the success of the 25 DB4 GT Continuation models that sold to enthusiast collectors in 2017, and precedes what will perhaps be the most ambitious continuation to date: the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Edition cars that will come to market in 2020.

The Aston Martin DBZ Century Collection will be priced at £6m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence in the third quarter of this year with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and in fourth quarter 2020 for the DBS GT Zagato.

Come into the beautiful world of Aston Martin.

 

 

 

 

Very rare preproduction Aston Martin DB4 hits the market

London based Hexagon Classics are delighted to offer none other than the R.S Williams’ own Aston Martin DB4, which as one can imagine, has not wanted for anything. This was just the third right-hand drive DB4 ever produced on the line at Newport Pagnell.

This Aston Martin DB4 Series 1 must be one of the most unique Aston Martins on offer today. It also provides wonderful value especially when compared to the prices regularly achieved by DB4 GT models. This model later served as the initial inspiration for the DB5, which many should recognize as James Bond’s car Goldfinger.  

The lightweight Superleggera (tube-frame) body was designed by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, and its Continental looks caused a sensation on its unveiling at the 1958 London Motor Show. Although the design and construction techniques were Italian, the DB4 was the first Aston Martin to be built at the company’s Newport Pagnell works in Buckinghamshire, England.

The exquisite aluminium bodywork was styled by the Italian Carrozzeria bur utilizing under licence their famed Superleggera lightweight structure. The first 50 cars had no over-riders, and frameless side windows. The DB4 has long been regarded by enthusiasts as the purists’ example, with its wonderful proportions and nimble handling.

Aston Martin registered the car as their London demonstration model, and then supplied it to its first owner Dolcis Ltd, Great Dover Street London, W1.  R.S Williams opted to upgrade the DB4 interior to the DB6 specification, converted the car to run on Vantage triple Weber set-up, and added the flared front and rear wheel arches to accommodate the larger offset wire wheels.

This vehicle successfully competed in hill climb events, and its successes were legendary. It is the epitome of fast road specification. After eventually selling the DB4, Richard Williams continued to look after the car for its new owners,

Hexagon Classics have recently undertaken a full recommissioning of the DB4 by Aston Martin marque specialists’ Pugsley & Lewis and Prestige Restorations, at a cost of more than £222,000 (approximately $300,000 USD). The details of which included having its engine rebuilt to 4.2 litre specification, and unleaded fuel conversion.

Naturally, this rare and highly sought after DB4 is complete with a comprehensive history file, ownership records, factory build sheet, historic MOT’s and V5s, including the original buff log book copy and a BMIHT record. Its provenance and near concours condition make this one of the finest examples of its kind.

The DB4 Series 1 also retains its original registration number of WLC 433. This important car which has now returned to its former glory, is available to be enjoyed straight away.

This rare Blu Scozia can be yours if you can foot the bill. It’s available to view now at their London showrooms. Come into the beautiful world of Hexagon Classics.

Ex-Sadruddin Aga Khan Aston Martin DB5 for sale

The Aston Martin DB5 is an icon and a perfect example of superlative design – by Italian coachbuilder Touring. Hexagon Classics is proud to offer for sale a stunning DB5, previously owned by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and and presented in fully restored condition.

Back in the day, the DB5 appealed to Hollywood actors, business magnates, and royalty. Arguably the most famous and loved Aston Martin ever made, the DB5 is one of the most desirable classic cars in the world. Over the years, it has made several starring roles in movies, its screen debut being in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

Supplied new on 7^th February 1964 by official Aston Martin agents Mill Car Garages of County Durham to Levey’s Wallpaper Stores of Walstead, Northumberland, the DB5 at Hexagon Classics was ordered by a Mr D Levey who specified the colour of Goodwood Green.

In 1986 chassis number DB5/1406/4 was bought by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan for his personal use in Switzerland. At the point of export, His Highness commissioned a detailed restoration. The Aga Khan held ownership of the DB5 until February 1998 when he sold it to another Geneva resident who kept the vehicle for some 16 years until it was acquired by Hexagon Classics in 2015.

Since then, it has undergone a complete restoration that has included a full repaint in the originally manufactured colour of Goodwood Green and an interior re-trim in the original colour option of Connolly Leather Natural Hide. This re-trim has also included new, period-correct Beige Wilton carpets.

Under the skin, the DB5’s 4.0-litre straight-six-cylinder engine has had a mechanical refurbishment completed by Aston Martin specialists, Pugsley & Lewis Ltd, according to Hexagon. Quite what this refurbishment entails hasn’t been detailed, but we are assured that it is now capable of running on unleaded fuel (how modern!), and it also gets a new clutch, some new Avon Radial tyres, and new 15in Chromium wire wheels.

Further features include an engine compartment & vehicle underside prepared to concours standards. Which means it’s probably got somewhere close to the 282bhp and 280lb ft of torque Aston claimed it had in 1964. So equipped, it could deal with the 0-60mph sprint in 7.1secs, and rock on to a top speed of 142mph. But it’d be rude to do it in a car of such grandeur.

Accompanying this car is a comprehensive service history file which includes the Factory Build Sheet and all works invoices detailing the 1986 restoration and those just completed. The documentation also includes a 1964 Aston Martin Factory Brochure, Aston Martin DB5 Owner’s Manual and original factory jack among other items. The car will be sold with a full MOT and 12-month warranty.

This is, without doub,t one of the finest Aston Martin DB5s currently on sale anywhere in the world. Not only has it been the subject of a meticulous restoration but it also has a very prestigious previous owner. DB5s in such condition and with such provenance are very rare indeed. This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase an outstanding example of a true British motoring icon.

Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics

But as it’s often the case with classic cars from this era, DB5s aren’t cheap at all. This specimen is priced at £799,995, a bundle of pounds sterling that translates to just over $1 million at current exchange rates. It’s a very beautiful thing, though; miles prettier than Aston’s present-day model. 

Sadruddin Aga Khan’s former Aston Martin DB5 is available to view now at Hexagon Classics’ flagship showroom in north London. Come into the beautiful world of Hexagon Classics.

Aston Martin DB Junior for Kids

If you are one of the caring parents that want to teach your child to drive from an early age, you are now in luck. Nicolas Mee & Co, an Aston Martin Heritage Dealer from West London has thought about this and came up with the perfect idea. The man has managed to build a fully functioning, scaled-down, petrol-engined classic car perfect for children aged 10 or more.

The model is called DB Junior and it has as inspiration the well known Aston Martin DB Touring Superleggera models build in the 1960s. Just to make a better idea on what it happening, the small model features composite coachwork and a sturdy box-section chassis, leather or vinyl seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel and hydraulic disc brakes. It is a bit difficult to see or imagine the size of the new car however we will be able to help in this matter.

According the maker, it is about half the size of a normal car and measures 2.500 mm in length and 1.030 mm in width. Under the hood it hides a 1.110 cc, four-stroke petrol engine with an electric start. To transfer the output to the road, the engineers have offered a 3-speed semi-automatic transmission. It can reach a top speed of 46 mph, which, if the parent wishes, can be restricted downwards. To make sure that the ride end well, the man has reassured to offer Brembo disc brakes. On the inside, the little driver can use different indicators, lights and the horn. In terms of exterior colors, the model can be found a several colors.

In terms of price, you will have to get ready to pay, as the base price for the new DB Junior was established to starts at GBP19.900. For the ones that already have a full-size one, the small convertible will not be a problem.

Come into the beautiful world of Nicholas Mee & Co.