Aston Martin Blog
Autoblog attends 2010 Le Mans Classic, celebrates 80 years of legendary racingFiled under: Motorsports, Classics, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Racing 
2010 Le Mans Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery, and help us caption some of the cars!
Every two years in July, hundreds of vintage race cars gather at the famed Le Mans race circuit in France to fire up their engines and relive the glory days in the historic corners and long straights of the nearly 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe. But that's just part of it. In addition to the priceless machinery racing on the track, thousands of other classic cars trek to the grounds to fill nearly every open spot at the huge venue. Autoblog was invited by Porsche France to enjoy the 2010 Le Mans Classic in person, and needless to say, it was absolutely spectacular.
According to the organizers, this year's show welcomed 100,000 spectators, 8,000 display cars, 460 racing cars and 1,000 drivers. With sunny 95-degree temperatures over both days, the weather was unusually hot and the grounds chokingly dusty, but it didn't seem to keep anyone - or anything - from the event.
When not enjoying the racing, we strolled the show and stumbled over well-preserved classics from Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Renault, Lamborghini, Audi, BMW and more. Porsche models were everywhere as the various European Porsche Car Clubs stormed the venue with more than 800 cars. Where else can you physically brush elbows with a race-ready BMW M1, a brand-new 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO and ride in the back of a historic war-era Willys Jeep all within the same 60 seconds? Le Mans Classic, baby. And these weren't sterile, stuck-behind-the-ropes museum stock, either - everything was meant to be driven and enjoyed.
We've put together a massive gallery offering just a taste of the caliber of vehicles on display, running hot laps and racing last weekend. While we've attempted to caption many of these, some still have us stumped. If you can identify a few of the nameless, give us a shout in the comments (with the photo number as seen in the URL) and we'll update the captions as quickly as our server's cache will let us.
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Autoblog attends 2010 Le Mans Classic, celebrates 80 years of legendary racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRare Aston Martin DB5 convertible drives $5.6 Million in sales at GoodwoodFiled under: Classics, Convertible, Auctions, Aston Martin, Misc. Auto Shows, UK 
1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery
Britain has produced more than its fair share of memorable classics, but arguably few as seductive as the classic Aston Martins of the 1960s. Introduced in 1963, the DB5 benefited from several generations of DB4 development, largely retaining the Touring bodywork but replacing the old 3.6-liter engine with a new 4.0-liter unit and several other advancements.
Over two years of production, over a thousand DB5s were built, the vast majority of coupes outselling the 12 Radford coachbuilt shooting brakes and the 23 convertibles. Of those few roadsters, only nine were outfitted with the more powerful Vantage engine, and one of them has just sold for a record £551,500 ($833k) at the Bonhams auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The example in question, with original "VDB 5" license plates, had three previous owners who saw it through two comprehensive restorations (one at the Aston Martin Works Service in 1992 and another at Aston Service Hamburg in 2004), and was displayed last year at Villa d'Este.
Along with the DB5 Vantage Convertible (the Volante name only coming into use on the subsequent DB6), Bonhams also auctioned off the 1937 Bentley featured in the Bond film "Never Say Never Again" for £221,500 ($335k), a rare Lister-Jaguar for £232,500 ($351k) and several more, totaling £3,707,687 ($5.6m) in sales. Details in the press release after the jump, with photos of the beautiful Aston in the gallery below.
[Source: Bonhams]Continue reading Rare Aston Martin DB5 convertible drives $5.6 Million in sales at Goodwood Rare Aston Martin DB5 convertible drives $5.6 Million in sales at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 VantageFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, UK 
2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 - Click above for high-res image gallery
You remember the Vantage N400? Aston Martin released the special-edition sportscar back in 2007 to commemorate the success of its Vantage N24 racer at the Nürburgring. It packed 400 horsepower, a series of suspension tweaks and some special cosmetic touches. Unfortunately, Aston only produced 240 examples of the 'N', all of which have long since sold out. But now it's back. With a vengeance.
Whereas the previous N400 upgraded the stock 380 horsepower to 400, the new N420 - based on the current, post-2008 updated Vantage - carries over the stock 420-horse mill. Suspension upgrades come courtesy of the otherwise optional Sports Pack, here fitted as standard equipment, along with a special exhaust unique to the N420. A new front splitter, side skirts and diffuser are made of carbon fiber, unique wheels are fitted along with black mesh grille inserts, and 27 kilograms (60 pounds) have been trimmed from the curb weight. Upgrades have also been carried out to the interior, and buyers can choose from a range of "race collection" paint schemes.
Like its predecessor, the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 will be sold in coupe or roadster format and available with either six-speed manual or Sportshift semi-automatic transmissions. Deliveries will begin next month in the UK, the £96,995 price tag (that's over $147,000 USD but includes the UK's hefty Value Added Tax) represents a £13,804 ($21k) premium over the base model, which sells in the UK for £83,191 (equivalent to $126k at today's exchange rates) and in the United States for $119,500. Details in the press release after the jump, high-res gallery below.
[Source: Aston Martin]Continue reading Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage Aston Martin releases new N420 edition V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Aston Martin One-77 spotted on the 'Ring for the first time, wears new color for the occasionFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin, Luxury 
Aston Martin One-77 at the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery
Yeah, yeah. We know the Aston Martin One-77 has already shown its hips to the world, but our crack team of spy photographers have managed to lay their lenses on one of the super-exclusive Astons bumping around the Nurburgring. Even better, the megacar is dipped in a new color that we've yet to see. The deep metallic bronze paint is drop dead gorgeous, even on what appears to be nothing more than a pre-production engineering mule.
The One-77 is built to be an exercise in what Aston Martin can accomplish when cost and exclusivity are no barrier. With a 7.3-liter V12 under the hood producing a proletariat-crushing 700 horsepower, the coupe exists in a world detached from reality. That's just fine, though, because Aston Martin is only building 77 of the cars, and with each coming in at a staggering $1.8 million, the people who can afford it aren't of this world anyway.
Spy Shots: Aston Martin One-77 spotted on the 'Ring for the first time, wears new color for the occasion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOfficially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury 
2011 Aston Martin DB9 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Despite the fact that few people would actually argue that the Aston Martin DB9 really needed a nip and tuck, that's exactly what it's getting for 2011. Given how well the DB9 has held up over the last seven years, the changes have been kept pretty discreet. The lower front grille has been reshaped and new mesh inserts have been added, while the rocker panel crease now sweeps up into the rear wheel arches.
Mechanically, the DB9's 6.0-liter V12 powertrain has been carried over, as has its 470 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The most significant upgrade for 2011 is the adoption of an adaptive damping system similar to the one already available on the DBS and Rapide. Thanks to the improved handling offered by the damping system, Aston has decided to drop the Sport Pack previously available on the DB9. Production of the upgraded models has already started and customers should be getting the new cars in the coming weeks.
[Source: Aston Martin]Continue reading Officially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9 Officially Official: Aston Martin refreshes the DB9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Aston Martin DBS gets a nip, a tuck and new headlampsFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Design/Style, Luxury
2011 Aston Martin DBS spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our spy photographers have been busy little bees lately. The crew recently managed to set their lenses on what appears to be the next Aston Martin DBS, complete with a pretty new face. From what we can tell, the company has refreshed the V12 heathen with all-new body work from the A pillars forward. The car now wears a revised fascia with thinner headlamps, and the hood appears to have a few new wrinkles as well. We're having a hard time telling if the front fenders have been significantly massaged or not, but chances are they've been modified somewhat to mate with those new LED-bespeckled lights.
From the rear, its clear Aston Martin has equipped the car with a redesigned diffuser, and the taillights have been redrawn as well. So, will the company supply buyers with any extra power to accompany the new suit of clothes on the DBS? It's possible, but not likely. Odds are the car will still pack the same burly 6.0-liter V12 with 510 horsepower. Which still sounds pretty good to us.
Spy Shots: Aston Martin DBS gets a nip, a tuck and new headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsEDO Competition converts five-year-old Aston Martin DB9 into DBSFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury 
Edo Competition Aston Martin DB9/DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery
You'd think that someone who can afford to have their Aston Martin DB9 transformed into a DBS could probably afford to simply buy a new DBS. We can't really speak to the motivations of one Russian DB9 owner, but Edo Competition wasn't about to argue with a paying customer.
After the five-year old DB9 was brought to Edo for conversion, the tuner replaced the original metal body panels with the carbon fiber parts used on Aston's flagship DB. In addition to the external appearance, the interior of the car has been customized with a mix of leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber and metal.
The DB9's 5.9-liter V12 has also been upgraded from 470 horsepower to 550 hp, taking it beyond the 510 hp output of the factory-built DBS. A car that goes faster needs to be able to stop as well, so the binders have been enlarged, though Edo oddly stuck with steel brakes instead of upgrading them to carbon. No cost has been disclosed for the conversion, but we can't help but wonder whether the net expenditure was greater than the cost of a new car minus the trade-in.
[Source: Edo Competition]EDO Competition converts five-year-old Aston Martin DB9 into DBS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Aston Martin to debut revised DB9, Vantage in 2013/14Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin 
Following the introduction of the Rapide and One-77, and with the miniaturized Cygnet on its way, Aston Martin is turning its attention to its two core model lines. But rather than replace the existing DB9 and Vantage with all-new, ground-up redesigns, word from the UK is that Gaydon is planning thorough revisions of the existing models, including to their chassis and engines.
Both the DB9 and the Vantage are based on Aston's flexible VH platform, which will reportedly carry on for another generation. However Aston's aiming to cut weight by around 10 percent. Although the VH is made of aluminum, the vehicles based on the platform are heavier than they should be. A comprehensive re-engineering of the platform components, as well as the possible use of lightweight composite body panels, should help Aston trim the weight off the next-gen mode - expected to arrive around 2013/14 - thereby helping the company reach EU emissions targets.
The current DB9's V12 engine is also expected to carry on for another generation, although significant revisions are expected there as well. Technologies developed for the brand's racing program will be brought to bear for the road car, although it remains to be seen whether the potential benefits of incorporating direct injection will outweigh the costs involved.
Stylistically, both the DB9 and Vantage are expected to take their cues from the One-77, with a low, wide grille and strong character line running from the signature front-fender vent to the rear, albeit somewhat toned down for the volume models.
[Source: Autocar]Report: Aston Martin to debut revised DB9, Vantage in 2013/14 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSebring and Petit Le Mans added to 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans CupFiled under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Audi, Peugeot 
2010 12 Hours of Sebring - Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) announced the formation of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup that would feature races in Europe, North America and Asia for what is essentially a sports car racing world championship. For this year, the cup includes only three races, with the North American round being the Petit Le Mans in October.
Come 2011, the cup expands to seven races and will include the 24 Hours of Le Mans and both the Sebring and Petit Le Mans events in the U.S. Peugeot has already committed itself to competing for the 2010 cup and Audi has said it is considering participating. The other 2011 races will be at Spa in Belgium, Silverstone in England, Fuji in Japan and a circuit in China.
The ACO also announced that it would follow the American Le Mans Series and eliminate the GT1 class in 2011 in favor of GT2 as well as bringing in a new generation of LMP cars.
[Source: American Le Mans Series] Continue reading Sebring and Petit Le Mans added to 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup Sebring and Petit Le Mans added to 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park ClubFiled under: Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury 
Four of Agent 007's Aston Martins
Before the original Aston Martin DB5 Bond-mobile goes on the auction block this Fall, it and three other Astons from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s will get together for a party in the UK. The DBS, Vanquish, and V8 Vantage Volante from Quantum of Solace, Die Another Day and The Living Daylights will be on hand for the Midsummer Classic at the Stoke Park Club.
The Stoke Park Club is hardly new to Agent 007, having been a setting in at least two Bond flicks among other lesser known films. The absence of the original DBS from 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service and the V8 Vantage coupe from The Living Daylights means this isn't quite a complete set, but it's close enough. Now we just need to bring together the Lotus Esprits and assorted BMWs from the middle years of Bond for a more complete retrospective.
[Source: MotoBullet]Reunion for four of Bond's Astons planned at Stoke Park Club originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototypeFiled under: Motorsports, Aston Martin, Racing 
Lola-Aston Martin LMP1 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Since returning to the sportscar racing scene in 2005, Aston Martin Racing has expanded its scope to cover every category of GT racing from the GT4-spec Vantage to the GT1-spec DBR9. But few were prepared for the full-on assault the British outfit launched last year in the top-tier, winner-takes-all LMP1 category.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last Aston Martin overall victory at Le Mans, the team shoehorned the V12 engine from the victorious DBR9 into an existing Lola chassis with support from veteran LMP1 campaigners Charouz Racing System. The Aston-powered Lolas emerged among the most successful gasoline-powered entries (behind the diesel-powered Audis and Peugeots). But that was only a stop-gap measure. This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans - set to kick off next weekend - is slated to be the last time Aston uses the Lola chassis before it launches its own.
Developed by Aston's racing partner Prodrive - directed by Aston chairman David Richards - the ground-up Le Mans prototype is set to take to the track next year. But Aston won't be keeping the fun all to itself. According to the latest reports, the factory works team will field two cars of its own, and sell an additional two cars to a privateer team next year and then another two in 2012. If Aston can find an edge against the longer-running diesels - this is an endurance race, after all - or if the series organizers find an effective way of equalizing the performance between the fuel types, a field of six Aston prototypes stand a good chance of topping the podium within the next couple of years.
[Source: Autosport]Aston Martin looks set to flood Le Mans grids with new prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our worldFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury 
2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above to watch video after the jump
If you've felt an unexplained disturbance in the automotive force recently, it can probably be attributed to the scheduled arrival of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage on American shores. We've been lusting after this thing since it first cropped up as concept way back in 2007, and now the ridiculously wealth or the fantastically in debt can finally get their paws on the car here in the U.S. The recipe is simple - take the brawny, 510 horsepower 6.0-liter V12 from the DBS, cram it into the engine bay of the lithe Vantage, add louvers and call it a day. Sorta.
Aston Martin has taken it upon itself to prime the collective American pump for the V12 Vantage debut by releasing a quick teaser video. It's dipped in sweet, slow-motion glory shots of the car doing what it does best - sending tires to their smoky grave and conning otherworldly speed out of seemingly plebian strips of asphalt. There are even a few shots of the race-derived version loftily beating its way around the Nurburgring. We're in love. Hit the jump to see it for yourself.
[Source: Aston Martin via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsJames Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auctionFiled under: Classics, Auctions, Aston Martin
James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 - Click above for high-res image mega gallery
The mantle of "world's most famous car" is a heavy one indeed. But if any single automobile ever created deserved the honorific, surely it's the 1964 Aston Martin DB5 used on-screen in the production of the iconic 007 films Goldfinger and Thunderball. And in case you were disappointed at having missed the opportunity to get your hands on one of the stunt cars, the real thing is now up for grabs in London, where RM and Sotheby's will be auctioning it off to the highest bidder.
The car in question was prepared by Aston Martin for use in the Bond films. After that it went back to the manufacturer, which then sold it to radio host and philanthropist Jerry Lee, who's been holding onto it for the past 40+ years. In pursuit of his charitable work, Lee is finally putting the car up for sale, with bids expecting to top $5 million when it goes under the hammer on October 27.
One of only two made and the only one still in existence, the custom DB5 comes packed with all the extras the Q-Branch installed for Bond's use, from the revolving license plates and tracking device to the oil slick dispenser and smoke screen. You can check out all the details in the press release after the jump, along with the 100+ high-resolution image gallery that very well might be the largest we've ever compiled. Oh, and do be careful, Bond.
[Source: RM Auctions]Continue reading James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5 expected to top $5 Million at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage priced at $179,995Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury 
2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black - Click above for high-res image gallery
Aston Martin has finally put a U.S.-approved sticker onto the V12 Vantage, and if you're aching to get into the 510 horsepower coupe, you'll need to set aside $179,995 for the "base" model.
Included in the kit is the DB9-sourced V12 powerplant putting out the aforementioned 510 ponies and 420 pound-feet of torque, capable of scooting the svelte coupe to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 190 mph.
If the standard V12 Vantage is just too plebeian for your tastes, you can option up for the Carbon Black Edition - an exclusive trim for the States - which includes black metallic paint, carbon fiber accents, a reworked grille, 10-spoke black wheels and a host of interior appointments.
Pricing for the Carbon Black model comes in at a cool $194,995 (undercutting both the DB9 and DBS), and both prices include the $3,000 gas guzzler tax and $1,350 destination charge. If that's too rich for your blood, just enjoy the high-res pics in the gallery below.
2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage priced at $179,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBonhams auction at Aston Martin Works Service most successful yetFiled under: Classics, Auctions, Aston Martin, UK 
11th Annual Bonhams Auction at Aston Martin Works Service - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you want to get your hands on a pristine or historically significant vintage Aston Martin, there's only one place to go: Bonhams' auction at the old Works Service in Newport Pagnell. Think of it as the Aston equivalent to RM's event at Maranello every year. It's been held for the past 11 years running, and this year's was the most successful yet with £4.7 million ($6.8M USD) in sales.
Among the lots that rolled across the auction block were a 1950 DB2 raced by Sir Stirling Moss (£513,000/$740k) and a mint-condition '68 DB6 that went for £124,700 ($180k). The Goldfinger DB4 sold for a more modest £84,000 ($121k) - but even that doubled it's low £40-50k pre-sale expectations, capping a day of sales far exceeding their estimated values. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Bonhams]Continue reading Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works Service most successful yet Bonhams auction at Aston Martin Works Service most successful yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Aston Martin DB9/DBS nip/tuck spotted swirling 'round the 'RingFiled under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury 
2011 Aston Martin DB9/DBS - Click above for high-res image gallery
A refreshed version of either the Aston Martin DB9 or DBS has been spotting working out at the Nurburgring, likely in preparation for a debut in Paris this September. Up front the lower fascia has been reshaped with a single wider lower opening while a pair of DBS-style air extractors are added to the hood. Both of those point to a bump in output, likely in the range of 10-20 horsepower although it could be considerably more if Aston Martin decides to add something like direct injection to the 6.0-liter V12.
Obviously, it's too early to speculate about gearbox changes, but since Aston Martin has indicated that it will be working with Daimler on some future projects, we wouldn't be surprised to see the SL63's multi-clutch-transmission supplant the hydraulically actuated manual.
At the back the DB9/DBS gets clear taillamp lenses, a taller lip spoiler and a big diffuser to help keep the rear wheels stuck to the pavement at elevated speeds. Undoubtedly, there will also be interior upgrades with some new woods and hides and perhaps a better telematics system of some sort.
Spy Shots: Aston Martin DB9/DBS nip/tuck spotted swirling 'round the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMystery buyer allegedly puts in $17M order for ten Aston Martin supercarsFiled under: Car Buying, Aston Martin 
Aston Martin One-77 - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you have the money, influence and inherent coolness to purchase one of the 77 Aston Martin One-77 super mega cars, it would be a good idea to put in your order as soon as humanly possible. That's because while a limited run of 77 vehicles makes for a very exclusive exotic car club, one buyer may have made it even harder to join the sacred One-77 fraternity.
The Times of London reports that one buyer, believed to be of Middle-Eastern descent, has purchased 10 of the 77 super Astons. The buyer is reportedly picking up 13 percent of one of the rarest new rides on the planet, but the models will each be differentiated by color and interior trim.
The folks at Aston Martin aren't spilling the beans on who the buyer could be, so this One-77-hoarding mad man lucky dog looks to be shucking the spotlight, at least for now. The total price for the 10 One-77s is $17 million, but now that the market for the most exotic of Astons has just shrunk by 10 units, we're thinking that the secret owner's collection could make all the 7.3-liter V12-powered One-77s more valuable. Thanks for the tip, David!
[Source: Fox News]Mystery buyer allegedly puts in $17M order for ten Aston Martin supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAston Martin from Goldfinger reportedly found in UK barn, set for auctionFiled under: Coupe, Auctions, Aston Martin, UK, Luxury 
In 1964 a special effects designer used an Aston Martin DB4 as a practice prop for the real DB4 used in the movie Goldfinger. In 1974 he put it in a garage, where it sat until recently. Now it's being put up for sale at Aston Martin's annual factory auction, held at Newport Pagnell and run by Bonhams.
The pre-sale estimate for the red coupe is £50,000 ($74,640 U.S.). That number is boosted by what is seen to be a recent trend: investors placing their money in hard assets, as opposed to currency, until the markets regain some stability. Last year's take of £3 million ($4.36M U.S.) is expected to jump to around £5 ($7.27M million) for the 47 cars being offered this year, including a 1950 DB2 Team Car and a 1976 V8 Coupe. Hat tip to Alex!
[Source: Bloomberg]Aston Martin from Goldfinger reportedly found in UK barn, set for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 May 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAston Martin announces plans to sell V12 Vantage in the U.S.Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury 
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black - Click above for high-res image gallery
Aston Martin has finally answering your prayers... assuming that you, like us, have been offering up daily supplications asking that the crew from Graydon to send over its V12 Vantage to those of us living in the good ol' United States of America.
Specs? Here goes: 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 510 horsepower, and 420 pound-feet of torque with a top speed of 190 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Not bad. But Aston is also claiming that its newly muscled Vantage is also "our most agile model with our most powerful engine," adding that it "represents the definitive Aston Martin driving experience."
According to the automaker, some subtle changes were necessary to the structure of the car in order for it to meet North and South American regulations. In addition to these enhancements, Aston has also announced that it will be adding a new Carbon Black version of the V12 Vantage exclusively for the American market.
Included in the dark and sinister makeover will be "a bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina; painstakingly created through a hand painting process taking 50 man hours." Further, the side strake will be fashioned from carbon fiber, wheels will be gloss black 10-spoke diamond-turned alloys and a bright finished grille will be featured up front.
Inside, you'll see plenty of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with contrasting hand stitching in silver. Piano black interior trim will join black tread plates and unique sill plaques, and a 700w Premium Audio System will be standard equipment. Ordering begins right about now and initial deliveries are slated for fourth quarter of 2010. Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery below and then hit the jump for the press release.
[Source: Aston Martin]Continue reading Aston Martin announces plans to sell V12 Vantage in the U.S. Aston Martin announces plans to sell V12 Vantage in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: White Aston Martin One-77 goes for a spinFiled under: Videos, Aston Martin
When a pearly white Aston Martin One-77 arrived with a convoy celebrating Silverstone's new grand prix circuit, we couldn't help but let out a few excited giggles. After all, we're talking about the handmade, exceedingly rare, V12-powered super Aston of our wildest dreams. In white.
After the jump is video of the One-77 trolling around the UK in an easy search of people willing to stand and stare at its awesomeness. We should warn you that the nearly three minutes of video isn't nearly as exciting as the audibly sexy test footage we showed you a couple months back, but it's an Aston One-77, it's white, and it makes us drool. Enjoy.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: White Aston Martin One-77 goes for a spin Video: White Aston Martin One-77 goes for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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