Aston Martin, a 106-year-old father to some of the greatest cars to ever come out of Britain. The DBR1, DB5, DB7, Rapide, One-77, V12 Vantage S and the completely bonkers Vulcan just to name a few. Aston’s have always been the most eye-pleasing machine on any road, stumping their rivals on that front.
Aston Martin also have a long and precious history within the world of motorsport. Perhaps one of the most illustrious moments within their history would be the incredible 1-2 finish in the 1959 LeMans, 37 years into their racing career. In fact, the feat was completed in one of their most historic (and now expensive) cars, the DBR1. So, before I delve into the details on Astons new limited-edition DBS Superleggera, let me educate you on the wonderful history that led to the creation of the DBR1 and in turn the new limited-edition DBS.
A Flick Through The History Books
Aston Martin was first brainstormed as an idea and born into existence by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913, just one year after the fateful Titanic, producing their first ever car in 1915. However, rudely being interrupted by the first World War, Aston Martin didn’t make any others until 1922 when they produced cars to compete in the French Grand Prix. Moving on to set a new world speed and endurance records, its safe to say Aston Martin were naturals. Little did they know a racing legacy to last nearly a century had just been kickstarted.
12 or so years on then, and Aston Martin hit some financial problems. However, this time being saved by the second evolution of what so rudely interrupted their progress back in the 1910s, WW2. Aston Martin put the car manufacturing aside during this time, instead creating aircraft components while the battle raged on.
After Aston Martins time in aircraft manufacturing, they actually were bought by a tractor manufacturer, the day in 1947 marking one of the most important points in their entire 106-year history. The company was called David Brown Limited, and they bought both Aston Martin and Lagonda, bringing them together. The entrepreneur Sir David Brown did wonders for the companies, eventually leading to the creation of the legendary DB series when his era ended in 1972.
One of his first acts was to bring the British company back to the race track in the early 1950s, launching the DBR series in order to do so. This leading to the creation of Aston Martins only outright 24-hour LeMans winning car to date, the DBR1.
The DBR1 was a complete psychopath at the time, hosting a 2,922cc In-Line 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission and 254bhp. The estimated top speed of 155mph, estimated 0-60 of 6 seconds mixed with its alien styling would have made this car a complete marvel to the people of 1959.
Todays Aston Martin
Today, Aston Martin celebrate that incredible victory with the introduction of a Special Edition DBS Superleggera, the DBS 59. Aston Martins very own rendition of Beauty And The beast, with Beauty being out on show for the world to see and Beast hiding under the bonnet. Only 24 models will be made, so getting hold of one will take quick hands and a large wad of cash.
DBS Superleggeras Exterior
The car will have the same 5.2-litre V12 as the other 2019 DBS Superleggeras, however the DBS 59 honours the DBR1 through specially engineered styling cues. Following a careful study of the DBR1’s own paint exterior, Aston Martin Racing Green was the outwear chosen for DBS 59. Gloss finish carbon fibre on the roof panel and strakes add some more conversation topics when trying to explain what’s different about your DBS 59.
On the Aeroblade, Aston Martin have also added a foil/bronze inlay of the original shape, chassis number and engine number for the DBR1 that won the LeMans, a very nice and heart-warming touch.
The masterpiece as a whole is plainly one of the most stunning cars I have ever seen, the paint colours chosen work in perfect harmony and give the car that extra special feeling. Usually such a large front grill can make a car look a little gormless, however on this it just works, adding that Aston Martin flavour.
Bespoke ‘59 Edition’ – Interior
For the design of the interior space, the original seat material used on the DBR1 was analysed and recreated. The same weave within each seat back and door inserts trimmed in heritage style material. Bronze details continue in the traditionally hand-crafted interior space with unique bronze shift paddles and a bespoke ‘59 Edition’ logo embroidered on the seatback.
The interior combines an Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather to create what Aston Martin say is a calm sophisticated space. This includes an embroidery of the 1959 Le Mans circuit on the rear speaker cover.
Finally, embroidery on the sun visor gives the exact date the race took place and celebrates the 323 laps completed within the 24 hours. There are even some incredible accessories including a replica heritage racing helmet, 1959 blue race suits and replicas of Carroll Shelby’s race gloves.
Now, I understand that for most people, paying what will most likely be a fair bit of extra money for pretty much the same car with some new colours, materials and embroideries would not be worth it.
Though, for me and other raving Aston Martin fans, the money would be well worth giving away to get your hands on something this special.
The car is a modern celebration of one of the most important points in Aston Martins entire history, one that 24 lucky people will be driving around. A piece of memorabilia that most people wouldn’t think twice about if seen on the roads, but for those who do understand, they would feel truly blessed to own one.
