Aston Martin One-77: the beautiful beast
Described as an ‘über car’, the Aston Martin One-77 is one of those exclusive offerings that invites a war of superlatives.
One of the most eagerly anticipated Aston Martin's ever, the One-77 made its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, though even here much of the car remained tantalisingly out of sight – and out of reach. Off limits to all but the most affluent buyers, the car was finally was revealed to the public in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show. Now the world could subject the car that separates the men from the boys to closer scrutiny.
For most it would be a rare opportunity to see this sports car, for with a severely limited production run (77 units) you’re not likely to see one on the road very often. That number makes this a very exclusive offering indeed, rendering the average super car positively plain by comparison – and it is something that is reflected in the price tag, for at €1,8 million the One-77 leaves most ultra luxurious cars well behind it.
Old-fashioned production values in a modern form
To justify such a sum, however, a car – even an Aston Martin – has to be very special. Rarity alone cannot propel the value to this level, though the idea that the owner is one of a very select group of individuals around the globe will certainly appeal to this kind of buyer. Indeed, individuality and exclusivity are the values around which this car has been developed, and though it is a thoroughly modern beast the One-77 is hand-built to individualised detail in the manner of the pre-war greats.
It gives a different meaning to the expression ‘my car’, for in the case of the One-77 every detail is aimed at the purchaser – a car fitted to measure like a Savile Row suit. At first glance, though, this model looks like a beefier, more refined adaptation of the current stable of Aston Martin’s – not the outlandish car one might have expected. But Aston Martin understands its clientele and knows that they will not want to drive around in some attention-drawing pastiche that looks like a science fiction movie prop.
Refinement as a path to perfection
Instead, the development team led by Marek Reichmann focused on refining the existing design language of Aston Martin to the point of perfection, creating what can easily be described as the most advanced AM ever. Powerful but suave features constructed from a handcrafted aluminium frame set the tone. In this car the cutting edge of technology meets hand worked detail and precision. Drawing from Formula One, the car has a carbon fibre monocoque chassis that harbours a 7.3-litre 12-cylinder engine producing 750hp.
Tested top speed is 354 km/h and 0-100 is achieved in 3,5 seconds, ensuring that this svelte looking apparition is more than a match for the most evil-looking racing cars out there. Transmission, suspension and braking are all cutting edge as well, but always within a refined ambience of comfort and opulence. This is the gentleman’s racing car, devoid of unsightly beams, basic décor and uncomfortable seating. In fact, the interior dressing is pretty much anything you want it to be.
A perfect synthesis of raw power and performance married to elegance and opulence, the Aston Martin One-77 is made for a clientele that wants to stand out without attracting too much attention. To the untrained eye it looks almost like a regular Aston Martin, but for those in the know this is a diamond among lesser gems, the jewel in the crown. With a production run of just 77 and a commensurate price tag attached to it, the sale of such a car is always going to be a big occasion – especially if you’re one of the first to achieve the feat.
C. de Salamanca in Marbella, the appointed dealer for a wide range of luxury brands, made the headlines when it did just that, becoming one of the first companies in Europe to sell a One-77. “Except for the very largest markets, there may not be more than one or two of these models sold in countries such as Spain,” says Viktor Kortscheff Pardo, the man responsible for the sale. Delivery is in March, but as to the buyer’s identity mum’s the word. “With an exclusive product comes an accompanying service and discretion – it’s part of the package.”
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