To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' London event, 24 October
2019.
Estimate:
£250,000 - £300,000
- The 16th of 40 examples built; one of 22 left-hand drive
- Retains original six-speed manual transmission
- Built to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Aston Martin's Le
Mans victory
- The last coachbuilt Aston Martin
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 downforce. The side
vents in the Le Mans were reshaped, while the fuel caps were
redesigned 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 foot-pounds of torque. Vantage Le Mans specification also
included the Driving Dynamics modification with the uprated brakes
and suspension mechanisms and hollow magnesium Dymag wheels. For
the Aston Martin connoisseur, the Vantage Le Mans represents the
last of the truly coachbuilt cars, as the marque turned towards
automation in the 21st century.
After being sold from its original owner in 2001, chassis no. 70256
was sold by the second owner with just 13,000 km on the odometer.
In 2011, the car had completed less than 30,000 km and was being
maintained by Auto Performance in Paris. Now offered from the third
owner, this V600 retains its original colour scheme of Aston Martin
Racing Green over Tan leather seating and matching Green
carpets.
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/lf19.