Aston Martin Creates DBS 59 Special Edition, Based on DBS Superleggera
Aston Martin DBS 59 commissioned to celebrate the DBR1 Le Mans victory in 1959.
Inspired by Aston Martin’s historic 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with its iconic DBR1, Aston Martin Cambridge has commissioned a collection of 24 very special DBS Superleggeras, one for every hour of the legendary endurance race. Dubbed ‘DBS 59,’ each is identified by bespoke design features, hand-crafted interiors and graphic elements drawing directly from the DBR1 and the race it so famously conquered. These 24 DBS 59 models are being produced by Aston Martin’s Q division.
A marque synonymous with success in the world’s toughest endurance race – the most recent being a dramatic class win for the V8 Vantage GTE in last year’s race – Aston Martin’s outright victory in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans is the stuff of motorsport legend. Facing stern opposition from works Ferrari and Porsche entries, plus a team of Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars, the David Brown Racing Aston Martin DBR1s fought valiantly to score a famous 1-2 finish in a masterful display of pace, reliability and teamwork.
Since described by Sir Stirling Moss – who helped Aston Martin win the 1959 World Sportscar Championship – as ‘the most important Aston Martin ever produced’, the DBR1 has deservedly attained iconic status. Just five were built between 1956 and 1959, making it one of the rarest Aston Martins ever.
Immediately identifiable by the stunning Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork, the DBS 59 features extensive use of gloss finish carbon fiber. The sexy, race-ready material is used on the roof, roof strake and painted bonnet louvers. From there, a classic combination of Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather is used throughout the interior. Fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material is used to trim the ‘DBS 59’s’ seat backs and door inserts. Bronze detailing is strategically deployed around the exterior and interior, with the front grille surround, ‘Superleggera’ bonnet script, rear Aston Martin script and Q Fender Badge amongst the items painted. The effect, frankly, is devilishly sultry, and desirable, at least, in our eyes.
Additional Q by Aston Martin detailing includes bespoke Saddle Leather Helmet Pods in the rear compartment. Naturally, these hold special ‘DBS 59’ crash helmets, race suits and gloves. Additionally, bespoke ‘DBS 59’ logos embroidered in the seat headrests. Each of the DBS 59s will be identifiable by a small painted white roundel adjacent to the side strakes, with each car numbered from 1-24.
Further accessories include period blue race overalls complete with Aston Martin and ‘DBS 59’ logos; replica string-backed racing gloves modeled on those worn by 1959 Le Mans-winning driver Caroll Shelby; replica 1959 race helmet; bespoke 2-piece luggage set to match interior trim; bespoke car cover in Aston Martin Racing Green and featuring white roundels with specific edition number.
DBS 59, as previously ntoed, is based upon the new DBS Superleggera, a car we are very fond of, here at 6SpeedOnline. Aston Martin claims that “DBR1’s proud genetic legacy is very much evident in the 2018 DBS Superleggera,” the fastest and most powerful Aston Martin production model. Having received the attention of Q by Aston Martin: Commission it is a truly covetable car; one aimed at those who appreciate the lasting significance of DBR1’s historic victory and world-beating contemporary performance and handling of the DBS Superleggera.
Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Simon Sproule said: “When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special. The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful; the level of thought and detailing is exceptional. My favorite element on the ‘DBS 59’ are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material.”
The DBS 59 limited edition is the fourth Q by Aston Martin: Commission from Aston Martin Cambridge, following on from the success of last year’s Red Arrows Edition Vanquish S, and the earlier success of V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition, marking 80 years of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight, and the Vantage S Blades Edition, developed in collaboration with the Blades Aerobatic Display Team.
DBS 59 models 1 through 24 are available to order now from Aston Martin Cambridge. This means, sadly, that they will remain a U.K.-exclusive. Though, we can all dream.