Aston Martin V12 Speedster

Overview

Revealed in 2020, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster was created by the Aston Martin Design team under Miles Nürnberger as an extreme open-air companion to the DBS Superleggera. Positioned as the first Aston Martin Speedster in over a decade, it deliberately echoes the racing heritage of the DBR1 that won Le Mans in 1959. Every element of its two-seater, tandem cockpit layout — individual pilot and passenger cells separated by a central spine — references the aerobatic aircraft aesthetic that Aston Martin has long drawn upon.

The powertrain is the 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 from the DBS Superleggera, tuned to produce 690 hp and 753 Nm. Drive goes exclusively to the rear wheels through an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. With no roof, no windscreen, and a structural carbon-fibre tub, the V12 Speedster weighs approximately 1,450 kg — lighter than the DBS it draws from — and was capable of performance the factory declined to quote publicly, estimating 0–100 km/h in the 3.5-second bracket.

At a list price of approximately £765,000, the V12 Speedster was sold out before production commenced. For collectors in Azerbaijan and the wider Caspian region, examples reaching the secondary market command substantial premiums over original list price, reflecting the extreme rarity and the irreplaceable character of naturally-aspirated-era Aston Martin V12 construction in a completely open format.

V12 Speedster in Pictures

Front Quarter

Side Profile

Rear View

Tandem Cockpits

Twin-Turbo V12

Carbon Detail

Key Specifications

• Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12, derived from DBS Superleggera, tuned to 690 hp.
• Torque: 753 Nm delivered across a broad rev range for maximum usability.
• Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters.
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential.
• Structure: Carbon-fibre composite tub with aluminium subframes — derived from DB11/DBS architecture.
• Body: Exposed carbon-fibre outer panels; no roof, no windscreen, twin fairing humps behind pilot and passenger.
• Kerb weight: Approximately 1,450 kg — lighter than the DBS Superleggera.
• Brakes: Carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, 410 mm front rotors.
• Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 as standard fitment — 245/35 ZR21 front, 305/30 ZR21 rear.
• Production: 88 examples, all built at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Variant Comparison

What Makes It Stand Out

• DBR1 heritage: The design language directly references Aston Martin’s 1959 Le Mans-winning racing car — a lineage no competitor can match.
• No windscreen: The most visceral open-air driving experience of any modern Aston Martin — helmet and racing harness are standard equipment.
• Twin-cockpit layout: Pilot and passenger sit in individual carbonfibre shells separated by an aircraft-inspired central spine — unique at any price point.
• Q by Aston Martin: Every example was delivered with a unique Q personalisation specification — no two Speedsters are identical.
• Investment grade: Sold out before production; secondary market values exceed original list price for concours-condition examples.
• Sound: The V12 soundtrack without a windscreen to attenuate it is an experience entirely different from any enclosed car.

Maintenance & Ownership in Azerbaijan

• Service requirement: Annual service or 16,000 km intervals using Aston Martin approved facilities; given low annual mileages, annual service is typical.
• Carbon-ceramic brakes: Inspect pad condition after every track use; avoid aggressive cold braking which can cause rotor cracking.
• Michelin Cup 2 tyres: Not suited to cold weather use; operate only in ambient temperatures above 10°C for safe performance.
• Open-car storage: The absence of a roof means careful covered storage is essential; UV and moisture exposure can damage the leather cockpit pods.
• V12 cooling: The twin-turbocharged V12 generates substantial heat at high load; ensure radiator and intercooler systems are fully functional before track use.
• Documentation: Maintain the original Q by Aston Martin build specification document — this is critical for insurance valuation and resale.

V12 Speedster vs. Key Competitors

Ownership Cost Calculator (Azerbaijan)

• Estimated fuel used: 800 litres/year
• Estimated annual fuel cost: $600
• Total annual ownership estimate: $24600
• Average monthly ownership estimate: $2050

V12 Speedster Buying Checklist

• Build number verification: Confirm the car’s position within the 88-unit production run via Aston Martin Heritage records.
• Q specification document: Original Q by Aston Martin build sheet should accompany the car — this defines the unique specification and is critical for valuation.
• Carbon-ceramic brakes: Inspect for cracks, uneven wear, and check that the correct OE pads are fitted.
• Cockpit condition: Leather pod condition, harness webbing integrity, and helmet support are key; UV damage accelerates leather deterioration.
• Engine service history: Verify oil service, coolant service, and any turbo inspection records are present and in-interval.
• Tyre age & condition: Michelin Cup 2 tyres degrade significantly with age even at low mileage — check manufacture date codes.
• Import compliance: Ensure customs documentation and duty payment reflect the correct value — these are very high-value assets.

FAQ

Should You Buy an Aston Martin V12 Speedster?

The V12 Speedster is not a daily driver — it is an event. For collectors who want the most extreme open-air expression of the Aston Martin V12 in a road-legal format, nothing else in the brand’s history comes close. It combines the emotive power of the final chapter of Aston Martin’s twin-turbo V12 era with a design that will be recognised as a modern classic.

Budget for storage, specialist transportation to appropriate events, and premium insurance reflecting the true market value. Keep mileage low, maintain documentation, and the V12 Speedster is one of the finest investments in the modern hypercar collector segment.