Aston Martin is honouring the 20th anniversary of its original V8 Vantage V600 with an ultra-limited run of 2018 V12 Vantage V600 special editions – which will also mark the end of production of its long-running ‘VH’ sports car platform.
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The original 1998 V600 was a V8 Vantage, but apparently it’s a customer commission that’s led to the contemporary V600s being V12s. They commissioned just 14 cars: seven coupes and seven roadsters.
All have a seven-speed manual gearbox paired with the 600hp naturally-aspirated V12 engine: they’ll also probably be the 6.0-litre V12’s swansong, as its been replaced by a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 in the latest DB11.
The power is unchanged over the 1998 original though – which underlines just what a monstrously powerful car it was for the time. A supercharged version of Aston’s famed V8 engine delivered the firepower.
Creating a special edition of a car that’s already been replaced is an unusual commission, but such is the flexibility of the Q by Aston Martin bespoke division, it was able to manage it.
Indeed, said Aston Martin vice president and chief creative officer, “this is precisely why we created our ‘Q by Aston Martin – Commission’ service.
“Our customers can create truly bespoke sports cars by personally collaborating with myself and Aston Martin’s design team. The V600 name remains a classic in Aston Martin’s heritage and I’m proud to see it adorn the V12 Vantage V600 once again.”
The new V600s have been given a unique grille and bulging bonnet, revised side strake and a brand new carbon fibre rear diffuser. Centre-lock forged and machined alloy wheels are fitted.
Inside, the interior is decked out in carbon fibre and dark anodised aluminium. The lightweight seats have new trim and the centre armrest is made from hand-crafted saddle leather.
Once the 14 cars have been finished, that’ll be it for the Aston VH platform, which has underpinned everything from the firm since the original DB9 and V8 Vantage. Today’s architecture is several generations on in terms of sophistication, making these V600s retro modern classics straight out the box.
The customer who commissioned the V12 Vantage V600, dubbed ‘Triple V’, has not been named – but they’re not buying all of the cars, which is great news for Aston collectors. Deliveries begin in autumn 2018: pricing and ordering is strictly upon request…
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