Following from its first "Silver Bullets" offering, Collecting Cars has kicked off Part II – a curated collection of four of the world’s rarest Aston Martins, open for bidding from Sunday 22 June for a seven-day auction.
Heading up the collection is an incredibly rare 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage V580/V580X – one of just two Vantage models later used by the factory to develop the modifications destined for the final production series of the V8 Vantage ‘X-Pack’.
Originally delivered in 1985 as a demonstrator to Aston Martin main agents Stratton, the car was 'borrowed' by the factory for its own demonstration purposes. The company would eventually purchase it back from Stratton and assign it as one of two developmental cars for the ‘V580X’ or ‘X-Pack’ programme.
Collecting Cars says the V8 Vantage is in "excellent condition" and has benefited from more than £25,000 (NZ$56,470) of work by renowned Aston Martin specialist RS Williams. It is being offered with its original wheels and bespoke luggage.
Also joining the line-up is a 2013 Vanquish Centenary Edition, number 82 of just 100 planned to celebrate Aston Martin’s 100th anniversary – though it is believed that just 85 cars were ultimately built.
It features a unique ‘graduated’ two-tone paint finish that required an additional "18 hours of craftsmanship" using a specialised mini-jet spray technique, lacquer layering, and hand polishing.
The interior is trimmed in deep-soft Obsidian Black leather, a black One-77 steering wheel with silver stitch, and carbon fibre accents throughout.
The third car is a 2004 DB AR1 that was created in partnership with Zagato and built for the American market. The AR1 (short for American Roadster 1) was never fitted with a roof of any kind – making it the most "unapologetically sunshine-focused car" Aston Martin has ever built.
Based on the DB7 Vantage Volante but fitted with a GT-spec V12 and rare six-speed manual gearbox, this particular example is finished in Silver Birch over charcoal hide and comes complete with many of its original accessories – including the numbered car cover and two umbrellas.
It is one of just 99 built and remains one of Aston Martin’s boldest designs.
Completing the set is a 2006 Aston Martin Vanquish S that has undergone a full manual gearbox conversion carried out by Aston Martin Works. Originally sold in black, but now refinished in Skyfall Silver, the Vanquish S is widely regarded as the last of the truly hand-built Aston Martins.
"Every one of these cars has a story," says Edward Lovett, Founder of Collecting Cars.
"They’re four very different machines with four very different pasts. Whether it’s a development prototype, a centenary special, or a rare roadster, they all capture something essential about Aston Martin – style, exclusivity and the thrill of driving.
"And of course, they all share that unmistakably iconic Aston Martin finish – because let’s be honest, nothing says ‘Aston’ quite like silver. It’s a colour with a bit of cinematic pedigree."
All four Aston Martins are available to bid on Collecting Cars, a UK-based global auction platform. The auction started on the 22nd June, and will conclude on the 29th June, so you'll have to be quick!
