► Unique Aston Victor mixes old and new
► 836bhp 7.3-litre V12, carbon bodywork
► Bits of One-77 and Vulcan under the skin
If Aston’s most technologically advanced models were blended with some of the brand’s classic design cues of the 70s and 80s, this is how it would look: the one-off Victor.
The basis of this unique creation from Aston Martin’s Q department is the carbonfibre monocoque from a One-77 – already a rare beast in itself – that’s been completely refurbished. Also donated by a One-77 is the engine – a 7.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 making 836bhp and 606lb ft of torque. Unlike the One-77, the Victor uses a six-speed manual to deliver all of that power to the rear wheels.
Of course, the most interesting part of the Victor are its retro-modern looks inspired by the DBS V8 and V8 Vantage of the 70s and 80s. Headlights, the front apron and silhouette are derived from these classic Astons, with a continuous shoulderline that flows into a massive rear ducktail. The retro bodywork is finished in Pentland Green, and also benefits from matte carbonfibre trimmings, rear light tech derived from the Valkyrie hypercar and sidepipe exhausts like the Vulcan. Aston says that the bodywork and chassis combined weigh less than a One-77.
Aston says that this extreme rear spoiler and other computer-generated fluid dynamic testing allows the Victor to achieve GT4 racing car-spec downforce; the Victor can deliver 85kg of downforce at 100mph, for example – more than a Vantage GT4. Carbon ceramic brakes and the same suspension setup as the Vulcan also feature. Unlike the Vulcan, the Victor is a road-legal machine.
Inside, the colour combo of Forest Green and Conker leather upholstery from Bridge of Weir is blended with cashmere in the headlining. The steering wheel is derived from the Vulcan, and there are anodised aluminium and polished titanium trimmings along with solid walnut wood on the likes of the gearknob.
And, as usual, Aston continues its use of the ‘V’ nomenclature here but, unlike Valkyrie and Vulcan that are derived from aeronautics, it comes from Victor Gauntlett, who was Aston boss when the brand launched the V8 Vantage.
Check out our Aston Martin reviews