AUCTION HIGHLIGHT: 2019 ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA 59

Special editions are a staple of the automotive industry: limited-production variants of popular models for those who want to either stand out from the crowd or preserve these rarer examples. Not all special editions are created equal of course, but when the craftspeople at Aston Martin turn their hand to one, it’s likely to be rather impressive.

With a legacy as steeped in performance and racing pedigree as this renowned British marque, it would be a shame not to shout about it, and what better way could there be than by combining everything that the world has come to desire from a modern Aston Martin: power, luxury, and heritage influence.

In January 2021 a stunning model was brought to market, which well and truly ticked all the boxes for a sought-after special-edition. This 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 59 was a bespoke version of the already acclaimed standard car, and was produced to commemorate one of the most significant motorsport successes in Aston Martin’s history.

Developed as a commission for Aston Martin Cambridge through the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ personalisation service, it celebrated the legendary DBR1’s historic 1-2 finish at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans. This particular example was number 14 of only 24 cars built, representing one for every hour of the famous endurance race.

This car was handed over to its first and only owner from new at a special ceremony before the start of the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans race, alongside the 23 other unique machines. A celebratory parade lap followed, and this example was then driven back to South Wales from France, covering some 560 miles.

This DBS Superleggera 59 was finished in a carefully matched Aston Martin Racing Green paint scheme, with a gloss carbon-fibre roof, A-pillars, front splitter and side strakes, as well as satin-bronze accents on the wheels, ‘Superleggera’ bonnet script, brake callipers, badging and interior detailing. To top it off there were also unique bronze foil inlays on the rear carbon-fibre spoiler in the shape of the winning DBR1 and denoting its chassis number.

Under that svelte yet muscular bonnet sat a powerful twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12, which delivered 715bhp and 664lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with paddle shift.

Inside, the sumptuously appointed cabin was finished in a blend of Obsidian Black and Chestnut leather, featuring contrast stitching, embroidered ‘59’ wreaths on the front seat backs, an embroidered Le Mans track layout between the rear seats, and custom tweed fabric inlayed into the door panels and on the back of the front seats. Most striking of all though was the eye-catching ‘mural’ of the DBR1’s 1959 Le Mans victory adorning the headlining, acting as a stylish reminder of the marque’s provenance.

Presented in pristine condition, the car had recently been put through its first scheduled maintenance visit with technicians at Aston Martin Bristol, and was ready to be driven and enjoyed by its next enthusiast owner.

Accompanied by all of the original ‘59’ model accessories, it offered to chance to acquire a highly collectible example with intoxicating performance and a luxurious cabin. Amassing over 10,000 views and 100 watchers, this remarkable machine secured a winning bid of ￡218,000.