In the world of Aston Martin, the Vantage GT12 is already a very raw, visceral, take-no-prisoners kind of sports car hewn from some mixture of whisky and granite. However, an anonymous would-be owner convinced the Gaydon-based automaker to build him a roadster version of that car so that the engine could be better heard.
Yes, this does mean that the GT12 Roadster is a one off, but also one that isn’t even supposed to exist as Aston Martin had previously stated during the GT12 coupe’s introduction that only 100 units will be made.
They all were subsequently built and sold with no mention of a possible roadster until Aston relented and built one by special order through it’s Q division whose sole purpose is to create bespoke Aston Martins for high-rolling individuals.
The one and only Vantage GT12 Roadster was shown at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed where it made the famous hill climb. Naturally, it was very loud thanks to its naturally-aspirated 441kW/625Nm 6.0-litre V12 engine. That powerplant is mated to seven-speed Sportshift III transmission.
That powerful and wonderfully sonorous motor also had less to lug with the GT12 Roadster weighing around 150kg less than the Vantage V12 S. That could be due to the absence of the roof, which would normally require measures be taken to reinforce the car’s structure to keep the Vantage GT12 Roadster’s handling up to part with the coupe, a process that typically adds significant weight and negating any weight lost from being rid of a roof.
Still, that’s what Aston Martin’s Q division specialises in – delivering to customers their bespoke vehicle, no matter what the request. Part of that brief must have also included some new carbon fibre panels, a unique suspension setup, as well as bespoke seats and trim.
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