What better way to celebrate the centenary of a company’s oldest surviving car than to build a modern equivalent? That’s exactly what Aston Martin’s bespoke division has done with this unique commission based on the latest Vantage Roadster.
The Aston Martin ‘A3’, as it is known, was the third prototype that Aston Martin built, before series production commenced, and the vehicle you see here is the oldest surviving prototype. According to Aston Martin, this prototype was used extensively by co-founder Lionel Martin.
The modern Vantage ‘A3’ commission, created by the Q by Aston Martin bespoke division, can be told apart by a number of distinctive design touches. These include a unique grille with a bright aluminium surround and retro-inspired black square mesh, as well as Aston Martin’s heritage badge. Furthermore, the side fender panels, fixed with a saddle leather strap, take inspiration from the exposed aluminium bonnet of the earlier car. The Vantage also features bronze brake calipers and Forged Gloss Black wheels that are designed to look like a modern equivalent of the 1921 car’s rims.
The Roaring Twenties vibes continue in the cabin, where you’ll find micro-perforated fluted seats as well as Chestnut Tan leather accents and contrast stitching, an embroidered heritage Aston Martin script on the rear cubby lid and brass controls.
As with regular Vantage Roadster models, power comes from an AMG-derived 4,0-litre V8 turbopetrol engine that produces 375 kW and 685 N.m, which is a far cry from the 8 kW 1,5-litre side-valve engine that powered the original ‘A3’ prototype.
“It is only right that this great marque takes the opportunity to celebrate the centenary of its oldest surviving model and I am thrilled that my team, working with the AMHT and Aston Martin HWM, have been able to create this tasteful yet suitably exhilarating tribute to our historic forebear,” said Q by Aston Martin sales director Simon Lane.
The bespoke division will build just three examples of this modern-day ‘A3’.
