This British manufacturer of hand-crafted, high-performance sports cars was founded in 1914. It was company-founder Lionel Martin's own successful performance at the Aston Hill Climb that was to give the cars that he went on to produce their famous name: Aston Martin. The company focused on racing during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1947, Aston Martin was acquired by David Brown Limited, which launched the long line of 'DB' high-performance sports cars for which the company is best known. The series began with a few examples of the Two Litre Sports/DB1 in 1948 and the DB2 in 1950. Racing versions of the Aston Martin sports cars achieved great racing success during the 1950s, culminating in winning both the 24 Hours of Le Mans road race and the overall World Sportscar Championship in 1959. In the 1960s, Aston Martin concentrated on road car production, creating perhaps its most famous car, the DB5, in 1963. This sports car began Aston Martin's long relationship with secret agent James Bond. The DB5 appeared in the film 'Goldfinger' in 1964, gaining the company and its cars many new admirers. The DB line of sports cars continues to this day. Aston Martin returned to motor racing in 2005 with a racing version, the DBR9, that went on to conquer Le Mans in the GT1 class. In 2009, the company also fielded three LMP1 race cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Aston Martin's 1959 victory.
If you think you are James Bond then the DB5 will serve you bloody well. Even though it does not come equipped with machine guns, smoke screens or an ejector seat, the DB5's form, function, and raw charisma makes it a true classic. Fire this iconic idol up and revel in the burble of the English inline six, before you let it fly. Just please return it in one piece.
If Britain can be said to never have truly entered the muscle car fray, then the Aston Martin V8s that prowled the UK starting in the late 1960s are surely the next best thing. Unabashedly aggressive in appearance, and equally savage in sheer grunt, the V8 Vantage also offers something that no American muscle car of the time could ever equal: authentic European luxury and exclusivity. For in addition to its performance credentials, spending time in a V8 Vantage is to coddle yourself in soft leather while admiring the real wood paneling. Yet the power on tap is the real story: the none-too-subtle hood bulge barely conceals the 5.3-liter V8, whose hot cams and revised carburetion allowed for an unprecedented 170 mph top speed, at which point the standard rear decklid spoiler becomes important. The Vantage’s soundtrack of burbles and bellows means that at any speed the mighty V8 stirs something primal in a driver’s soul that must be felt to be properly understood.
Take a luxury sportscar and then squeeze even more horsepower out of an already chest-pounding motor. That’s what Aston Martin did with the super-low production Vantage V600. This comprehensive upgrade package added twin mechanically-driven Eaton superchargers, with optimized intercooling and a fatter exhaust. As a result, engineers at Aston produced 600 hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque from the aluminum-alloy, 5.3-liter V8 powerplant. To cope with all that juice, ventilated and grooved discs with six-piston, AP calipers were fitted; as well as Eibach springs and Koni dampers. Only 56 cars were built with this option package; not surprising, since only a select few can afford the V600’s stunning combination of power and luxury.
It only takes a glance at the One-77 to see that each curve, crease, and air intake has been sprinkled with superhero serum. Aston boss Ulrich Bez felt that the company needed a car that was completely unrestricted by convention, and so they unleashed the One-77 to show what is possible when no expense is spared. Pop the hand-formed aluminum hood and the investment is obvious, as the 7.3-liter V12, draped with polished aluminum and bare carbon fiber, is a work of art. Fire it up and few cars can match the burbling howl of 750 hand-crafted British ponies. It’s sculpture sitting still, but don’t park it in a museum; to show off the beauty and purpose of this special Aston, try firing up Photo Mode and get to know this just what makes this beauty so special.
In the land of sporty grand-touring coupes, Aston Martin has long been the pinnacle of British automotive finery. Reminiscent of its forbearer, the DBS has a long stout nose. An equally stout 565 horsepower, 6-liter V12 lies in wait for your right foot to awaken. The aural revelation that is produced under power will spark the senses and remind you why you chose an Aston Martin. Inside the cabin no detail has been left to chance and every comfort is addressed. As evidence of such attention to detail, every Vanquish takes more than one million stitches to complete. Luxury such as this comes at a cost, both in the hefty price tag and curb weight. Despite its carbon fiber body panels the Vanquish is no light-weight, at 3,850 pounds. This a car that you can enjoy at the track, but is truly at home on the curvy country lanes that lead to its owners’ estates.
Should you encounter the urge to travel at speeds upwards of 200 mph in regal comfort, the Vantage S awaits. Packed with a V12, the Vantage S just pulls and pulls… and then pulls some more. Excess is standard equipment in an Aston Martin and the Vantage S positively exudes it. This is more car than most will ever need, but isn’t half the fun knowing that a car is capable of much more than it will ever be asked? Take this ultimate luxury sport coupe for a ride and decide for yourself.
The new limited edition GT12 is where exclusivity and dynamic performance meet. Inspired by Aston Martin’s success in GT3 racing, there is little more one could ask for in a luxury sport coupe. This Vantage has been re-engineered taking in the experience and knowledge earned on the race track. It’s leaner by 220 pounds over the Vantage S, and boasts a significantly higher output as well. You will find the GT12 wider and lower with a prominent aero kit that not only screams racing, but also delivers substantial downforce to make cornering even more effortless. Aston Martin has made history in motorsport, and the GT12 gives you your own chance to drive a legend.
For the record, the “Vulcan” name here is more closely related to Britain’s loud Cold War-era bombers than to the notoriously logical aliens in “Star Trek”. Nonetheless, the Vulcan is Aston Martin’s entry into the hypercar market, and there will only be 24 of these track-only vehicles built. Those lucky enough to accept the offer of purchase will find 800 hp ready to thrill from the race-inspired V12. The asking price? Somewhere north of $2 million, but the uncanny lines and performance should inspire the appropriately logical responses of longing stares and envious eyes.
