To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Villa Erba event, 25 May
2019.
Estimate:
€400.000 - €450.000
- The 30th of 40 examples built; 22 left-hand drive
- Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Aston Martin's Le Mans
victory
- The last coach-built Aston Martin
- Showing just over 11,000 km from new
In honour of the 40th anniversary of Aston Martin's incredible 1959
victory at Le Mans, the marque built just 40 exclusive supercharged
versions of their V8 Vantage. Unveiled next to the race-winning
DBR1/2 at the 1999 Geneva Motor show, the so-named Vantage Le Mans
was not just a 'paint and trim' special - it was a fully enhanced
and upgraded model.
The Vantage Le Mans specification included a special front spoiler
with larger cooling ducts, added to improve down force. The side
vents in the Le Mans were reshaped, while the fuel caps were
re-designed to look like fuel valves - all elements to hint at the
DBR1. Inside, the sporting treatment continued, with perforated
pedal pads, aluminium gear lever knob, and brushed metal panels
replacing the traditional wood veneers. This exclusive model was
sold as a spectacularly expensive Works Service conversion post
production to avoid the thorny issue of homologation.
All V600 Le Mans were originally equipped with the V590 engine
before returning to the factory to be re-engineered and upgraded by
Aston Martin Works to the impressive V600 specification of 600 hp
and 600 lb. ft. of torque. Vantage Le Mans specification also
included the Driving Dynamics modification with the up-rated brakes
and suspension mechanisms and hollow magnesium Dymag wheels.
Several years after its release, a driving test by Classic & Sport
Car found the Vantage Le Mans performance to be suitably
impressive, with a 0-60 mph sprint of just 3.9 seconds.
Interestingly, the V600 Le Mans was also the very last truly
coach-built Aston Martin with every part of the car built in-house
and hand finished.
Finished in the rare Cannock Black over Forest Green leather,
chassis number 70260 is one of just 22 left-hand drive Vantage Le
Mans built. An Aston Martin for the true enthusiast, this coupe is
perfect for any owner who is seeking the perfect marriage of power,
speed, and luxury.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19.