Discussion
Officially it's bloody hideous! Looks like some sort of half-arsed Aston replica based on a cross between a Z4 and a previous model XK! 
In fact, the more I look at the door shape, rear window and upper lines of the rear wing, it seems to be some sort of XK b
disation....
In fact, the more I look at the door shape, rear window and upper lines of the rear wing, it seems to be some sort of XK b
disation....Edited by steve_amv8 on Tuesday 5th May 22:20
Special. That's what that is. See http://www.astonmartins.com/virage/vantage_special...
Just Googled Aston Martin specials and I think it's this one:
Aston Martin Vantage Special Series II
Link to picture: http://jalopnik.com/5182517/
From Supercars.net:
Following three retro Series Is, the Series II was a custom built series of cars built for the Sultan of Brunei and his brother Prince Jeffri. The first Series was a modern interpretation of the classic 1961 DB4 Zagato, and transformed the V8 Vantage V600 into a two seat supercar. As a fitting continuation, the second series kept the four seat arrangement, but fit the car with a thoroughly modern Zagato body and custom-built interior.
Most likely the body was sketched up by Zagato and executed at the Projects Group in Newport Pagnell. The design retains the classic Aston Martin grill and surrounds it with a muscular lines that make the old 1992 V8 Vantage look dated by comparison. A unique design feature was included around the front and rear taillights from which a crease line extended into the fender. This trademark Zagato cue was later included on the much more official DB7 Zagato.
The cars were built on the V600 platform which was a after market upgrade available to any Aston Martin customers. This increased the power of engine to 600 bhp, upgraded the suspension and added huge brakes with AP Racing 6-piston calipers.
Only three Series II Astons were built and all went directly to Brunei. Our forum member, Basman007 thinks that the chassis for these models are: #70508, #70509 and #70510. A third series was planned which would have been the most dramatic of all, but just after the bodies were made, the Sultan and his brother pulled out of the deal, and the project was scrapped.
Aston Martin Vantage Special Series II
Link to picture: http://jalopnik.com/5182517/
From Supercars.net:
Following three retro Series Is, the Series II was a custom built series of cars built for the Sultan of Brunei and his brother Prince Jeffri. The first Series was a modern interpretation of the classic 1961 DB4 Zagato, and transformed the V8 Vantage V600 into a two seat supercar. As a fitting continuation, the second series kept the four seat arrangement, but fit the car with a thoroughly modern Zagato body and custom-built interior.
Most likely the body was sketched up by Zagato and executed at the Projects Group in Newport Pagnell. The design retains the classic Aston Martin grill and surrounds it with a muscular lines that make the old 1992 V8 Vantage look dated by comparison. A unique design feature was included around the front and rear taillights from which a crease line extended into the fender. This trademark Zagato cue was later included on the much more official DB7 Zagato.
The cars were built on the V600 platform which was a after market upgrade available to any Aston Martin customers. This increased the power of engine to 600 bhp, upgraded the suspension and added huge brakes with AP Racing 6-piston calipers.
Only three Series II Astons were built and all went directly to Brunei. Our forum member, Basman007 thinks that the chassis for these models are: #70508, #70509 and #70510. A third series was planned which would have been the most dramatic of all, but just after the bodies were made, the Sultan and his brother pulled out of the deal, and the project was scrapped.
I've seen better panel fit on a 1985 Lada Riva .... and it seems that the design might be at the hand of the well-known hit and miss design house, Zagato ... no surprise there then!
Sultan of Brunei special ... for me it doesn't look any prettier from the side, but then I guess I could be in the minority and different folk have different tastes ...
.... and it seems that the design might be at the hand of the well-known hit and miss design house, Zagato ... no surprise there then!Sultan of Brunei special ... for me it doesn't look any prettier from the side, but then I guess I could be in the minority and different folk have different tastes ...
Edited by steve_amv8 on Tuesday 5th May 22:36
Edited by steve_amv8 on Tuesday 5th May 22:37
Misguided Mutant 
Adam, note how it turns my head
The rear end looks like they took it off a late Ford Scorpio, possibly one of the ugliest cars ever made ! Basically the problem stems from a desire to be unique and therefore exclusive. Trouble is the best designs are already available to the crowd, and are successful because they are attractive. Thus to be different you are by definition only left with the option to go for something less appealing. Is that ironic, or what ?
Adam, note how it turns my headThe rear end looks like they took it off a late Ford Scorpio, possibly one of the ugliest cars ever made ! Basically the problem stems from a desire to be unique and therefore exclusive. Trouble is the best designs are already available to the crowd, and are successful because they are attractive. Thus to be different you are by definition only left with the option to go for something less appealing. Is that ironic, or what ?
Edited by GR1FF1F on Wednesday 6th May 10:36
adam24 said:
The power of PH! Thanks chaps.. Trust me it had much more presence when seeing it in the flesh.. It was so big and brutal looking, a real head turner. One of three hey, how much will that be worth?
Thanks in advance,
It will be hard to value, but if it went to auction expect a massive price tag. Of more interest, how did you come to see it? They very rarely see the light of day.Thanks in advance,
We supplied and fitted glass to cars that were modified/converted for the Sultan of Brunei by a vehicle converter in the UK. One of the owners of the business used to go with the car to present it when it was delivered to him. The snippets that he let out about the trips were very interesting.
Many of the cars were driven once on delivery and then never saw the light of day again. They were left parked in the underground (IIRC) multi storey car park. I don't know if the list ran to 3000 but there it certainly ran into the hundreds.
On one occasion the Sultan came to London to collect a 6R4 metro that had been fitted with all mod cons such as aircon, power steering, sound system (and sound proofing) etc. He came out of the hotel with bodyguards in tow and promptly hopped in the car and drove off on his own, much to the horror of his entourage! He later returned with a wide smile much to the relief of everyone.
Many of the cars were driven once on delivery and then never saw the light of day again. They were left parked in the underground (IIRC) multi storey car park. I don't know if the list ran to 3000 but there it certainly ran into the hundreds.
On one occasion the Sultan came to London to collect a 6R4 metro that had been fitted with all mod cons such as aircon, power steering, sound system (and sound proofing) etc. He came out of the hotel with bodyguards in tow and promptly hopped in the car and drove off on his own, much to the horror of his entourage! He later returned with a wide smile much to the relief of everyone.
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