Gear -- 9 days ago
When one thinks of a luxury British automobile, chances are that Aston Martin comes to mind. One of the coolest brands in the world and producing some of the finest four-wheeled machines around, Aston Martin take some beating. It’s not just the new models that take our fancy though – although the Vanquish is high up on our wish-list. Aston have been building cars since 1913, making them one of the oldest and most prestigious manufacturers on the planet. Here are our 5 favourite Aston Martins of all time.
VANQUISH
Whilst the first generation Vanquish was a pleasure to look at, it was somewhat of a tank and felt a little unrefined compared to its rivals. The new iteration is far more comfortable in its own skin, finally accepting its ‘GT’ moniker. It won’t beat the Ferrari F12 around a circuit any time soon, yet it arguably feels more special and its V12 soundtrack is unparalleled.
Production: 2012 – present, Engine: 6.0-litre V12, Power: 568bhp, Top speed: 201mph
DBR1
The DBR1 is a stunning machine, but it’s its racing credentials that turned it into a legend. It won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it Aston’s only ever outright victory at the prestigious event.
Production: 1956 – 1959 (not road-legal), Engine: 2.5-litre straight-6, Power: 250bhp, Top speed: approx 160mph
DB4 GT ZAGATO
, The DB4 GT Zagato is perhaps the best looking Aston of all. Its lightened shell boasts curves to die for and its 3.7-litre, 314bhp straight-6 means it goes with the best of them. Today, a good example of the 20 produced cars can sell for over £1 million, making them one of the most sought after Astons, too.
Production: 1960 – 1963, Engine: 3.7-litre straight-6, Power: 314bhp, Top speed: 154mph
VANTAGE V600 ‘LE MANS’
When new legislations and emission laws were created towards the turn of the century, Aston Martin unveiled this 600+bhp beast, as a last-goodbye to the v8. We love that. Whilst not a particularly gracious or elegant machine, the V600 ‘Le Mans’, could pretty much devour anything in its wake, and up until the One-77 in 2009, was the most powerful car the British marque ever produced.
Production: 1999 – 2000, Engine: 5.3-litre supercharged V8, Power: 604bhp, Top speed: 200mph
DB5
The DB5 simply couldn’t not be atop this list. The prototypical gentleman’s automobile, it represents everything we love; style, class and iconic design. Even if it wasn’t immortalised by the James Bond film franchise, the DB5 would go down as one of the most beautiful cars of all time.
Production: 1963 – 1965, Engine: 4.0-litre straight-6, Power: 282bhp, Top speed: 145mph
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