Aston Martin Driver

OWNING AN Aston Martin (or maybe a second one) is the dream for many of us but financially they often remain out of reach. Yet despite their reputation for having high prices, this isn’t always the case. There’s no denying the Rapide AMR (p62) or Valour (p80) featured in this issue are expensive, but as our 12-page feature starting on p20 shows which looks at five cars worth between £25,000 and £250,000, not every Aston Martin has to be. And these aren’t models you wouldn’t want to own, either, but genuine thoroughbreds, ranging from an early DB9 to the iconic DB6. And to spice things up a little, we also suggest five very different alternatives for the same value. Obviously cars like these won’t be without their issues and so…

Originally conceived by Aston Martin F1 driver, Fernando Alonso, when he wanted some changes made to his Valour, the Valiant is an ultra-exclusive track-focused, road-legal special edition. The latest in a long line of extraordinary projects by in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, the Valiant is powered by a 745PS (735bhp) twin turbo 5.2-litre V12 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Production is strictly limited to just 38 cars globally and are already fully allocated. Said Alonso, “Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car inspired version that was track focussed, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road. Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q…

Aston Martin F1 team’s Fernando Alonso was at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed when he demonstrated a Valiant up the famous hillclimb, the first time the Spaniard had attended the event in two decades. “I didn’t remember it properly!” he said after his first run. “I did it 20 years ago, so when I arrived I wanted to go again. I need another run to explore its potential more.” After being involved with its design and development, the double F1 champion was very complementarity about the new car. “I think the final product is a piece of moving art.” Also in action over the weekend was a Valkyrie, Valour, Vantage and Victor. “The Festival of Speed is the highlight of the season for those who worship at the temple…

The Aston Martin Bulldog has won the ‘Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes’ class at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance held in mid-August. “Winning best in class is a fantastic achievement,” said Tim Griffin, managing director the Bridgenorth-based specialist, CMC, that recently restored the car, said. “This amazing car’s journey and its win at the Pebble Beach concours is testament to the fantastic team at CMC and their dedication to the project.” The car’s owner, American businessman, Philip Sarofim said, “I am ecstatic that the Aston Martin Bulldog has won its class at the toughest and most prestigious Concours on the planet! It is a fitting testament to the hard work, diligence and incredible skill of the entire team at CMC and all those who have dedicated themselves to this…

Aston Martin is once again celebrating its Formula One Team with the release of an exclusive AMR24 Edition of the DBX707. Named after the brand’s Formula 1 challenger, the AMR24 Edition shares a racing identity with both the AMR24 F1 car and the Official Medical Car of Formula 1. The DBX707 AMR24 Edition has the choice of Podium Green, Onyx Black or Neutron White paint, complimented by Aston Martin Racing Green or AMR Lime brake calipers and paired with the 23” Fortis wheel in either satin or gloss black, as well as an exclusive AMR24 engine plaque. With the addition of either Lime Green or Trophy Silver accents to the sculptured in either gloss black or carbon, reminiscent of those on both AMR24 F1 car and the Official Medical Car…

The Vantage GT3 took overall victory in the 24 Hours of Spa, the world’s most prestigious all-GT3 24 hour race which took place at Spa-Francorchamps, in Belgium, over 29-30 June weekend. The win, claimed by Aston Martin partner team Comtoyou Racing, and works drivers Mattia Drudi, Marco Sørensen and Nicki Thiim, was the first for the British sportscar brand since 1948 when St John Horsfall and Leslie Johnson won in a 2-Litre Sports. A complicated night of racing, where torrential thunderstorms and multiple incidents neutralised the event for several hours, Comtoyou Racing remained composed and kept the car in touch with the leading fight, even as pitstops during the safety car periods forced 20-car swings in the race positions on occasion. Each time, Comtoyou Racing rebounded and raced back to…