Aston Martin reveals V12 Speedster tribute to DBR1

Aston Martin has confirmed production of the V12 Speedster, a limited-edition hand-built tribute to the 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1.

A celebration of the marque’s most famous racing victory, the V12 Speedster will be unveiled to the world later this year and is partly based on the Centenary CC100 Speedster concept from 2013.

It will be an open-cockpit design with just two-seats, in the same vein as the CC100 and original DBR1.

The car will be created using cutting-edge aviation and motor sport technology. Aston Martin will fit the new Speedster with its 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbo engine, and a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Speedster will focus on sporting performance and will be created by Q by Aston Martin, the brand’s in-house bespoke personalisation service. Just 88 will be made.

The DBR1 that it will be partly based on was piloted to victory at Le Mans in 1959 by Caroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, with Maurice Trintignant and Paul Frére making it an Aston Martin one-two in the sister car.

The team went on to secure the World Sportscar constructors’ championship the same year, the brand’s only top-flight world title.

It was also one of only three cars in the 1950s to secure victory at Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championship crown in the same year.

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer said that the new tribute car would showcase the brand’s heritage and modern design concepts.

“The V12 Speedster we’re proud to confirm today once again showcases not only this great British brand’s ambition and ingenuity, but also celebrates our rich and unrivalled heritage,” he said.

“The 88 enthusiast drivers and collectors who secure the keys to these cars can be confident that in doing so, they are also securing an iconic new piece of Aston Martin history.”

Orders are currently being taken for the car, with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2021.