One of the greatest moments in Aston Martin Lagonda’s (AML) illustrious motorsport history is the inspiration for the latest Q by Aston Martin: Commission; the ‘DBS 59’.
Aston Martin Cambridge has commissioned a collection of 24 very special DBS Superleggeras. The inspiration comes, of course, from Aston Martin’s historic 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with its iconic DBR1.
The number is symbolic – one for every hour of the legendary endurance race. Called the ‘DBS 59’, each is identified by bespoke design features, hand-crafted interiors and graphic elements drawing directly from the DBR1 and the race it so famously conquered.
A marque synonymous with success in the world’s toughest endurance race – the most recent being a dramatic class win for the V8 Vantage GTE in last year’s race – Aston Martin’s outright victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans is the stuff of motorsport legend. Facing stern opposition from works Ferrari and Porsche entries, plus a team of Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars, the David Brown Racing Aston Martin DBR1s fought valiantly to score a famous 1-2 finish in a masterful display of pace, reliability and teamwork.
Since described by Sir Stirling Moss – who helped Aston Martin win the 1959 World Sportscar Championship – as ‘the most important Aston Martin ever produced’, the DBR1 has deservedly attained iconic status. Just five were built between 1956 and 1959. That makes it one of the rarest Aston Martins ever. And when one last went to auction (at Monterey in 2017) it set a new world record as the most valuable British-made car ever. The sale price came at £17.5m ($22.5m).
Immediately identifiable by its timelessly beautiful Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork, the DBS 59 features extensive use of gloss finish Carbon Fibre
That is most striking on the roof, roof strake and painted bonnet louvres. The interior is in the classic combination of Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather. There’s also fabric for which the inspiration came from the DBR1 seat material. It was for the ‘DBS 59’s’ seat backs as well as the door inserts. Around the exterior and interior, there are bronze details. Among them are the front grille surround, the ‘Superleggera’ bonnet script as well as the rear Aston Martin script and Q Fender Badge.
Additional Q by Aston Martin detailing include bespoke Saddle Leather Helmet Pods in the rear compartment to hold special ‘DBS 59’ crash helmets, race suits and gloves, and a bespoke ‘DBS 59’ logo embroidered in the seat headrests. Each of the ‘DBS 59s’ will have a small painted roundel adjacent to the side strakes. Each car will also have a number – from 1 to 24.
Further accessories include period blue race overalls complete with Aston Martin and ‘DBS 59’ logos; replica string-backed racing gloves modeled on those worn by 1959 Le Mans-winning driver Caroll Shelby; replica 1959 race helmet; bespoke 2-piece luggage set to match interior trim; bespoke car cover in Aston Martin Racing Green and featuring white roundels with specific edition number.
The DBR1’s proud genetic legacy is very much evident in the 2018 DBS Superleggera
This is the fastest and most powerful series production model in Aston Martin’s multi-award winning range. The 211mph, 715bhp Super GT is an inspired combination of imperious performance and impeccable style. Having received the attention of Q by Aston Martin: Commission it is a truly covetable car.
Speaking of the ‘DBS 59’, Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Sproule said:
“When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special. The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful; the level of thought and detailing is exceptional. My favourite element on the ‘DBS 59’ are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material, but there are countless touches that will intrigue and delight”.
The ‘DBS 59’ limited edition is the fourth Q by Aston Martin. Last year the company created Red Arrows Edition Vanquish S. Earlier V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition was a success as well as the Vantage S Blades Edition.
