When it comes to British engineering marvels, two names instantly come to mind. Aston Martin and the Supermarine Spitfire. Names that stir the soul and evoke a sense of pride!
Aston Martin, a beacon of excellence, is known for its timeless design and unparalleled performance, and the Spitifre, a symbol of courage and British innovation during World War II as one of the greatest fighter planes ever built.
Introducing the extraordinary Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80. A car that stands as a powerful homage to the legendary Supermarine Spitfire. Commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge and brought to life by Aston Martin’s Q branch, this one-of-a-kind vehicle captures the spirit and legacy of the iconic British fighter plane.
Strictly limited to 8 individual examples, the Spitfire 80 is built on Aston Martin's impressive V12 Vantage platform, featuring a 6.0 litre V12 engine mounted to a lightweight aluminium frame to achieve awe-inspiring performance. Combined with the 7-speed Sportshift III transmission, the result is an elegant driver focused car with added bark! The cars were launched at a grand handover event, held at Imperial War Museum Duxford, where the 8 lucky owners were treated to exclusive handover ceremony in October 2016 to celebrate the Spitfire's 80th Anniversary. Included in the ceremony, a personal Spitfire flight, with tours and presentation by the Q Branch team, before the chance to get behind the wheel on the Duxford air strip!
Every aspect of this car is a nod to the Spitfire's design and legacy. The exterior finished in Duxford Green is reminiscent of the Spitfire's wartime camouflage, complimented by satin carbon fibre elements bringing a modern twist inside and out. Trademark 'Speed Yellow' pinstripe accents adorn the side strakes, nose and deck lid of the Vantage, as well as yellow brake calipers set against the Satin Graphite lightweight wheels and carbon ceramic discs. The famous Aston Martin 'Wings' logo are made from solid Sterling Silver with a tailored Old English White inlay.
It's on the inside however, that the homage really takes hold. Immediately, the Kestral Tan leather seats and door cards command your attention, complete with optional Raven Black Spitfire 80 logo headrest embroidery. The seats are complimented with a Pure Black Alcantara dashboard with contrast Kestral Tan stitch, Pure Black Alcantara steering wheel and black carpet set. Additional Saddle Leather floor mats with Sheepskin inserts provide an added layer of comfort and luxury to the interior. Further interior details include an anodised 'Spitfire Red' handbrake grip, anodised 'Cockpit Green' tread plates, purposeful 'Remove Before Flight' door pulls with 'Release' graphic, RAF coloured central rotary switch with Spitfire 80 etching, a printed leather roof headlining detailing a wartime aerial view of Duxford Aerodrome, Spitfire serial number embroidery in Kestral Tan Stitch and plenty more!
Whilst the unmistakeable symphony of a Spitfire Merlin engine cannot be matched, the Aston Martin comes in second-best, with its titanium sports exhaust system supplying a rich growl from all 12 cylinders. A switchable Sport mode further enhances the experience, unleashing the full 563 horsepower to a top speed of 205mph.
This Spitfire 80 benefits from full PPF coverage, ensuring excellent condition all round. Having covered just 8,500 miles with the cars one and only owner over the last 8 years, the car has benefited from Aston Martin main agent servicing as required. This specific car pays direct homage to Spitfire R6701, piloted in 1940 by Sergeant Marmaduke Ridley of 616 Squadron, downed in active combat off the South Coast during the Battle of Britain, with the serial number stitched onto the dash and lacquered on the side strakes.
What further sets this unique model apart, is the accompanying accessory set, all of which is present and correct. This includes a unique pair of Irvin Flying jackets, Irvin Flying 'helmet' and goggles, bespoke Spitfire 80 car cover, Kestral Tan owners manual and build book documenting the process through the Aston Martin production line and a personalised photo album covering the handover day at Duxford.
Not just a car, but a tribute to British ingenuity and bravery, this presents an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of history. With just 8 built, this collectors level Aston Martin is sure to become a highly sort after addition to any collection, as one of Aston Martin's most successful models to date.
Supplied with a 12-month warranty, fresh MOT and fresh Aston Martin service, the car has been thoroughly checked over by our in-house technicians, ready for its next custodian. Available now for immediate viewing and demonstration at our Hertfordshire showroom. Competitive finance available and part-exchange considered.
Full Q Branch Specification:
- Q Special Paint – Duxford Green
- Speed Yellow Accent Stripe (Side Strakes, Front Grille, Deck Lid)
- Satin carbon fibre front diffuser, rear diffuser and side strakes
- Lightweight wheels in Satin Graphite
- Carbon Ceramic brakes with yellow callipers
- Aston Martin ‘Wings’ badges in Sterling Silver with Old English White inlays
- Colour Union Jack front wing badges
- Bonnet louvres painted in Duxford Green
- Spitfire Serial Number (R6701) lacquered onto side strakes
- Gloss black window surrounds
- Black grille meshes
- Assortment Pack (Including Reverse Camera, Front Park Assist, Glass switches and second glass key)
- Kestral Tan Sports Seats with matching stitch
- Raven Black Spitfire 80 logo headrest embroidery
- Pure Black Alcantara dashboard with Kestral Tan contrast stitch
- Pure Black Alcantara steering wheel
- Pure Black carpet set with Saddle Leather and Sheepskin floor mats
- Exposed satin carbon fibre door cards with ‘Release’ graphic and Kestral Tan armrest pad
- Red webbing door pulls featuring ‘Remove Before Flight’ print
- Anodised ‘Spitfire Red’ handbrake grip
- Anodised Central Rotary switch with RAF Roundel and Spitfire 80 logo
- Structural parts anodised in ’Cockpit Green’ including tread plates, C-Struts and under bonnet struts
- Headlining in printed leather, with aerial view of Duxford Aerodrome
- Anodised black sill plaques with Laser etched Spitfire 80 logo
- Spitfire serial number (R6701) embroidery on dash in Kestral Tan
- Rear cabin finisher in aluminium
- Contrasting glove box lining in Kestral Tan, with brass firing order plaque
- Full accessory kit of Irvin Flying jackets, Irvin Helmet and Googles
- Spitfire 80 Car cover
- Owners Manual and Build Book in Kestral Tan
- Personalised photobook in Kestral Tan with presentation box
- FuelPetrol
- Body TypesCoupe
- Transmission
- Exterior ColourDuxford Green
- Number of doors