aston martin

New Lagonda Expected to be Based on Aston Martin Rapide

It's been a bumpy road for Lagonda these past few years. After laying dormant for decades, Aston Martin's sister brand was due to be revived with a new crossover-utility vehicle that debuted last year in Geneva. Unfortunately the Lagonda concept failed to impress, and plans were put on hold.

Now new reports indicate that, although the crossover has been killed, Lagonda's prospects for rejuvenation have not. According to reports, Aston Martin plans to build a larger sedan based based on the Rapide (pictured above) under the Lagonda name. It may be a while yet, though, as the new model isn't expected for another four years.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide

Tags: aston, aston martin, aston martin lagonda, aston martin rapide, lagonda

Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black by Jeff Koons

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Art

Earlier this summer my colleague Noah Joseph reported on the BMW M3 GT2 painted by famed artist Jeff Koons as part of BMW's renowned Art Car program. Now it seems Koons has adapted the design to the new limited edition Aston Martin Carbon Black DBS. Based on the top-of-the-line GT that serves as James Bond's ride of choice, the Carbon Black edition features a unique black paint process designed to deflect the light at different angles, plus lightweight carbon-Kevlar seats upholstered in black leather with silver stitching, piano black trim, special wheels and more. We're not sure why Koons' design would be applied over the special black finish, but there you have it. Koons' colorful pattern is meant to evoke "power, motion and bursting energy." The Aston was spotted in the Netherlands and is slated to participate in The Challenge 2010 race at the end of this month.

[via LuxuryLaunches]

Tags: art car, artist, Aston Martin, Aston Martin Carbon Black DBS, Aston Martin DBS, BMW, BMW art car, contemporary art, Jeff Koons, supercar

New $9.6 Million Aston Martin is World's Most Expensive Car

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

For a whopping $9.6 million you can now order the world's most expensive limited edition supercar, the Aston Martin Super Sport. Only eight examples will be built, each in a different color including red, yellow, silver, black and sky blue, for collectors worldwide. The incredibly costly vehicles are being offered by Star Electric Cars France (SECF), designer of coachbuilt specialty vehicles including Rolls-Royce golf carts and the like for rock stars, royalty and people with way too much money. A sort of souped-up version of the Aston Martin One-77, yet far more exclusive, the mid-engine engined hypercar is powered by a twin-turbo 5.4 liter V8 engine producing around 900 hp. It features carbon fiber bodywork, gullwing doors, carbon ceramic brakes and a leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber interior. While it may just seem like a hyperbolic concept, rest assured that if your check for $9.6 million clears SECF will actually build you one of these things.

Tags: Aston Martin, aston martin one-77, carbon fiber, supercar, worlds most expensive

Rare $650,000 Aston Martin Shooting Brake & More at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A rare 1996 Aston Martin 'Sportsman' shooting brake (above), one of only two ever built entirely by hand, is expected to fetch up to $650,000 at Bonhams' sale of Fine Motor Cars and Automobilia at the 'Weekend de l'Excellence Automobile' held on the former site of the French Grand Prix circuit of Reims-Gueux on Sept. 11. Several more highly desirable Astons will be on offer during the stunning sale, including: a 1965 DB5 Vantage, one of only 17 left-hand drives manufactured to Vantage specification with a manual 5 speed transmission, estimated at €300,000–€400,000; a 1957 DB2/4 MKII Drophead Coupe, one of the rarest post-war Aston Martin models, estimated at €140,000–€180,000; and a 1986 Aston Martin Volante, described by the marque's former Chairman Victor Gauntlett as, "a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe," estimated at €75,000–€100,000.

Tags: Aston Martin, auction, Bonhams, classic cars, France, shooting brake

Bing Crosby's 1966 Aston Martin at Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

A stunning 1966 Aston Martin DB6 that belonged to singer and movie star Bing Crosby will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions' sale on August 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California during Monterey Classic Car Week. The mint condition car features an original black leather interior and cherry wood steering wheel and new silver paint, while some mechanicals have been rebuilt to original specifications. The left hand drive beauty is powered by the famed British marque's 4 liter OHC straight 6 engine rated at 282 hp. Mecum have not released an estimate on the vehicle, but a copy of the title with Bing Crosby's name on it is included with the winning bid.

Gallery: Bing Crosby's 1966 Aston Martin DB6

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Tags: Aston Martin, Aston Martin DB6, auction, Bing Crosby, California, celebrity, celebrity cars, classic cars, Mecum, Monterey

Did the Sultan of Brunei Buy 10 Aston Martin One-77s for His Billion-Dollar Car Collection?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wealth

Back in February we reported on the mysterious filthy rich individual who purchased 10 Aston Martin One-77 supercars, limited to just 77 examples, for $1.7 million apiece or $23 million in total including fees. Now educated insiders are speculating that the Sultan of Brunei bought the cars to add to his multi-billion-dollar, 7,000-strong car collection, the world's most expensive auto hoard. According to Guinness World Records the Sultan's collection includes over 600 Rolls-Royces, more than 450 Ferraris, 570 Mercedes-Benzes, 380 Bentleys, 170 Porsches, dozens of Koenigseggs, and 20 Lamborghinis to name a few. He owns several rare custom, one-off and concept cars, some worth tens of millions apiece, including a Ferrari Mythos, a Jaguar XJ220 by Pininfarina, a Bentley Java, a Bentley Dominator SUV, bespoke Rolls-Royce and Ferrari station wagons, a Porsche Carma and a Koenigsegg Agera. Known for buying multiple models of supercars in order to have one in every color, he owns several McLaren F1s, six Ferrari FXXs, four Ferrari F40s and three Ferrari F50s. The Sultan, who's worth an estimated $20 billion, stores the collection in five heavily-guarded airplane hangars and employs a team of mechanics and specialists to keep the cars in perfect working condition.

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Tags: Aston Martin, Bentley, Brunei, car collection, Ferrari, Ferrari F40, Ferrari F50, Ferrari FXX, Jaguar XJ220, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, McLaren F1, Mercedes-Benz, Pininfarina, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Sultan of Brunei, supercars, wealth

Prince Charles Presides at Cartier International Polo

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports

HRH Prince Charles presided over the Royal Box at the 26th annual Cartier International Polo Day at the UK's Guards Polo Club in Great Windsor Park the other day. The celebrated event, previewed in The Classicist's column on the English summer social season, is the sport's most prestigious. The bands of the Welsh and Irish Guards and the Light Cavalry of the Honourable Artillery Company performed prior to the contest. The Prince, who arrived in his vintage Aston Martin, was joined by the likes of Tommy Lee Jones and Sir Ben Kingsley to watch as England triumphed over New Zealand to capture the coveted Coronation Cup. VIP guests were served a luncheon by chef Anton Mosimann of champagne, Scottish lobster and Chateaubriand followed by Grand Marnier parfait with raspberry coulis. James Beim, captain of the New Zealand team, was awarded the trophy for Most Valuable Player.

Gallery: Cartier International Polo 2010

Tags: Aston Martin, Cartier, equestrian, New Zealand, Polo, Prince Charles, royalty, sporting, sports, Tommy Lee Jones, UK

Automotive Elegance at London's Salon Privé

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

The Salon Privé, Europe's finest and largest dedicated display of supercars, exotics, classics and luxury goods set up English garden party style, graced the lawns of London's famed Hurlingham Club last week. An exclusive selection of luxury goods was on display alongside a seven-category Concours d'Elégance showcasing modern and classic motors. Jaguar made in impressive showing with a special marquee featuring many of the firm's iconic models in its 75-year history. Rolls-Royce exhibited the new Ghost alongside the Phantom and its new bespoke picnic set. Morgan showcased the Aero Supersports, Bentley showed off the new Muslanne, Aston Martin had a Rapide on display and Lotus brought along the Evora. Classic Ferraris, Alfa-Romeos, Bugattis and more rounded out the alluring eye candy to the obvious appreciation of a stylish audience.

Gallery: Salon Prive 2010

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Tags: Aston Martin, Bentley, classic cars, Concours delegance, Ferrari, Jaguar, London, Lotus, luxury goods, Rolls-Royce, Salon Privé, supercar, UK

Aston Martin, Ferrari & More from Russo and Steele in Monterey

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Rare Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more will make an impressive showing at Russo and Steele's sale during Monterey Classic Car Week in California on August 12–14. The top-riced lot is a 1963 Shelby Cobra CSX2009, specially built for the FIA/SCCA racing circuit with many victories to its credit from 1962–1971, estimated at $900,000–$1.2 million – but it's not our favorite car on offer. That would be this stunning 1968 Aston Martin DB6, originally owned by Volkswagen AG President Heinrich Nordhoff, estimated at $230,000–$310,000. Also on offer in the alluring auction: another Shelby Cobra, this one from 1965, a late production Mk 1 in impeccable condition, estimated at $450,000–$550,000; a beautiful 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC, one of the most original models in existence, estimated at $225,000–$290,000; a handsome 1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4, estimated at $100,000–$125,000; and a stunning early production concours-winning 1966 Lamborghini 350GT, estimated at $350,000–$425,000.

Gallery: Russo and Steele Monterey 2010

Tags: Aston Martin, California, classic cars, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Monterey, Russo and Steele, Shelby Cobra

Incredible Louwman Auto Museum Now Open in The Hague

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

An incredible new auto museum designed by famed architect Michael Graves has opened in The Hague. The Louwman Museum houses over 230 historic cars as well as world's largest collection of automotive art, all assembled by Dutch car importer Evert Louwman, who bought everything from pioneering autos from the late 19th century to race cars, sports cars and luxury limousines. Most of the cars are rare examples and are preserved in their original, often unrestored state, including the second-oldest automobile in the world, a De Dion Bouton & Trépardoux from 1887. There's also James Bond's original 1964 Aston Martin DB5, as well as the eccentric Swan Car from 1910, a hybrid Woods from 1917, the Jaguar D-type 1957 Le Mans winner, an original condition Mercedes-Benz SSK (above), bubble cars, steam cars, electric cars and more.

Tags: architecture, Aston Martin, classic cars, Jaguar, James Bond, Louwman Museum, Mercedes-Benz, Michael Graves, museum, The Hague

Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Given their svelte shape and classic lines, it'd be all too easy to think that Aston Martins are strict boulevard cruisers. But they're not. The British marque has enjoyed unprecedented success on the race track, and to the point has released the new N420 edition of its entry-level model, the V8 Vantage.

Like the N400 that preceded it back in 2007, the new N420 commemorates Aston victories on the legendary Nurburgring race track in Germany. While power carries over unchanged from stock at 420 horses, the N420 includes the Sports Pack suspension as standard, a new exhaust system, carbon fiber aerodynamic upgrades, and is freed of 27 kilograms of excess weight. New wheels are also part of the package, along with black grille inserts and a unique range of racing-inspired color options.

The N420 can be had in either coupe or roadster body-styles, with either manual or Sportshift semi-automatic transmissions, and fetches an approximately $20k premium over the $120,000 base price.

Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420

Tags: 2011 aston martin v8 vantage n420, aston martin, aston martin v8 vantage, aston martin v8 vantage n420, aston v8 vantage, aston vantage, v8 vantage, v8 vantage n420, vantage, vantage n420

Rare Aston Martin drives $5.6 Million in Sales at Bonhams Goodwood Auction

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

There are rare Astons, and then there are rare Astons. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the latter. One of only 23 DB5 convertibles ever made, this particular example is one of only 9 that were built with the more powerful Vantage engine. It's had just three owners, who saw it through two comprehensive restorations, and was showcased last year at the prestigious, invitation-only Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. And now it has been sold for a record £551,500 ($833k).

Along with a 1937 Bentley featured in the Bond film "Never Say Never Again" (£221,500/$335k), a rare Lister-Jaguar (£232,500/$351k), and Kylie Minogue's Mercedes SLK (£14,950/$23k), the highly sought-after Aston helped Bonhams reach £3,707,687 ($5.6m) in sales at their annual auction during the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Gallery: 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible

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Tags: 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible, aston, aston db5, aston martin, aston martin db5, Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, Aston Martin DB5 Vantage Convertible, bonhams, goodwood festival of speed

Aston Martin Racing Luggage by Globe-Trotter for Hackett of London

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style

Hackett, the classic British clothing and accessories company that's the official partner of the Aston Martin Racing team, has come out with a new line of Aston Martin Racing luggage created in collaboration with Globe-Trotter, makers of fine travel cases since 1897. Part of a new collection of Hackett luggage designed by the famed firm, the hard-sided Aston Martin cases are finished in classic British Racing Green with leather straps, handles and detailing. The Aston Martin logo and British flag are featured on the outside while the interior is lined with Union Jack fabric. In addition to the Aston Martin range, the collection includes black Mayfair cases with a Prince of Wales checked lining, and the navy blue London range with a blue and white Bengal stripe interior. Prices start at about $750 with monogramming available for an additional $120. Last year The Classicist wrote about Hackett's full range of stylish Aston Martin Racing clothing and accessories.

Gallery: Globe-Trotter for Hackett

Tags: Aston Martin, Globe-Trotter, Hackett, leather, London, luggage, motor racing, racing, suitcase, Union Jack

Aston Martin DB9 gets a Subtle Facelift for 2011

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you're among the legions who find the Aston Martin DB9 to be one of the most gorgeous automobiles on the road today, you may be surprised to find out that the British automaker has revealed some updates to the V12 grand tourer. Not that it needed it, but with the model's replacement not due for another few years, Aston Martin evidently felt it could use a little refresher.

Don't worry, though, because the changes have been kept to a minimum. New wheels are the easiest starting point, and to that Aston has added a new front bumper with mesh inserts in the lower grille, and a restyled quarter panel (the piece running below the door between the wheels) that sweeps up towards the rear wheel. The 6-liter V12 engine carries over unchanged, but the 2011 DB9 now benefits from the adaptive damping system already seen in the DBS and Rapide. The changes are applied to both the coupe and Volante convertible, with deliveries already under way.

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Tags: 2011 aston martin db9, aston, aston db9, aston martin, aston martin db9, db9

Russian Owner Commissions Edo to turn his Aston Martin DB9 into a DBS

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Before the One-77 and V12 Vantage came along, the Aston Martin DBS was the king of the hill. Just ask James Bond: the DBS is the same supercar 007 has driven in the past two movies. But the DBS wasn't designed from scratch. It was based upon the DB9, Aston's staple V12 grand tourer.

After owning one such DB9 for five years, an owner in Russia wanted to upgrade to the DBS. But rather than taking his GT into the local Aston dealer for a trade-in, he commissioned Edo Competition to carry out its own conversion. The venerable tuning house installed the factory-sourced body panels, customized the interior and upgraded both the brakes and engine, the latter boosted from 470 horsepower stock beyond the DBS's 510 all the way up to 550. The big question, though, is whether the conversion ended up costing the owner more than trading in for a DBS straight from the factory.

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Tags: aston, aston martin, aston martin db9, aston martin dbs, db9, dbs, edo, edo competition, russia