Aston Martin has had racing at its core for as long as it has been in existence. This year it is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its 1-2 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 60 years since it first competed at the Goodwood Motor Circuit. In recognition of Aston Martin’s significant racing achievements over the decades, the Central Feature at this year’s FoS—designed as ever by Gerry Judah—is a 30-meter (32-yard) swoop of steel with the Le Mans-winning Aston Martin DBR1 mounted on its circular track.
Accompanying the Central Feature will be six special Vantages, each designed by the company’s bespoke personalization service ‘Q by Aston Martin’ to honor a famous racing car from the marques long history. The cars that provided inspiration for the series span 11 decades and start with ‘The Record Breaker’ Razor Blade, a car that set two class records in the 1,5-liter class at Brooklands in 1923. There is also a ‘Le Mans Winner’ Vantage celebrating the DBR9 which won back to back class wins in 2007 and 2008. The final car in the series is the ‘Next Generation’ car, which pays homage to the modern Vantage GTE currently taking part in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
There will only be 60 of these ‘Vantage Heritage Racing Editions’ built, and customers will be able to choose from one of the six liveries on offer. Aside from the unique paintwork, a new aerodynamic kit adds 194kg (427lbs) of downforce at 190mph; it comprises of a carbon-fiber rear wing, extended front splitter and dive planes, and will also be available to specify on all Vantages. Further changes to the Heritage Racing Editions include lighter wheels, the inclusion of the sports plus pack and further carbon fiber interior components.
Visitors to the FoS will be able to see all six Vantages on display under the Central Feature throughout the week. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is currently running from 4 to 7 July.
Images courtesy of Goodwood
