A PRODUCTION version of a special Aston Martin Vanquish bearing the name of its renowned Scottish automotive designer, Ian Callum, has been revealed.
Its unveiling comes just nine months after the project was announced and building of the 25 bespoke models – set to cost about £550,000 each – will begin in September.
The Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged now features more than 350 engineering, material and design changes from the 2001 original the Scot created.
Engineers have introduced a host of mechanical upgrades – particularly to the suspension set-up – after 20,000 miles of testing on UK roads and on a track in France. Limited-edition model specialist R-Reforged says the result is “a more versatile GT eminently suitable for everyday use”.
Head of engineering Adam Donfrancesco explained: “There was a perception that much of what we planned was aesthetic but the way the car drives, feels, goes, stops and sounds is actually where a lot of our efforts have been focussed.”
Buyers will get the chance to consult with Callum as they select from an “infinite number” of body colours, eight bespoke trim colours, three special 20in wheel designs and manual, semi-automatic or auto transmissions.
The car’s sumptuous leather trim is provided by Scotland’s Bridge of Weir Leather Company, while Bremont’s removable pocket watch, an industry-first, remains prominent in the interior.
The cabin now also includes brushed or polished dark chrome details, and a walnut veneer option instead of carbon. Mulberry has developed luggage to fit snugly in the rear of the cabin.
The 5.9-litre V12 580bhp engine also receives special attention, with carbon and leather dressing, a bespoke carbon intake system and tuned stainless steel manifold. The special editions will be created at Callum’s new Warwick workshops.
Dumfries-born Callum said: “The designers, engineers and craftspeople have poured all their energy into breathing new life into the car, pushing the boundaries of every detail: flawless surface finishes, tight shutlines and a crafted interior I believe you’ll enjoy spending time in.
“I’m particularly impressed with how it drives. From the lower, more sculpted and cosseting seat, the crisper steering with enhanced feel to just the glorious way it sounds, I think we have created something quite special.”
