Aston Martin V12 Speedster review

In order to own one of the 88 V12 Speedsters being produced, you’re going to have to part with at least £765,000. That’s quite pricey compared to Aston’s other Volante fodder, but half as much as a Ferrari Monza or McLaren Elva. So we’re already onto a bargain.

You can spend the change on paint. Aston’s shown the car off in a blue-grey hue inspired by fighter jets, and the car in our gallery wears a DBR1-inspired heritage livery paying homage to Aston’s greatest 20th Century racer. Aston will no doubt flog you a cashmere car cover as well, but you might as well sling a cheapo Halfords car-condom in the boot. That’s the one you won’t mind getting wet.

We’re afraid it’s not going to be cheap to run: the V12 swigs fuel even when you’re not peeling back your eyelids with the wind. You’ll get teenage miles per gallon. And no, there isn’t a plug-in hybrid version.

Don’t go thinking Aston skimped on equipment though. Folding door mirrors, a rear-view camera, electrically-adjustable heated seats with memory function and climate control are all thrown in.

Oh, and one last thing. If you’re cynically eyeing the V12 Speedster and thinking ‘pah! I’ll hold out for a V12 Vantage, thanks’ then Aston might have seen you coming. Because while this car has Vantage lights, Vantage interior fittings and even feels quite Vantage-y to drive, Aston says this is not merely a V12 Vantage that’s lost an argument with a low bridge.

Gaydon says “utilising Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, the V12 Speedster utilises elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform". So, while we hope the V12 does find its way into Aston’s smallest car before the electric era begins, don’t bet your very, very, very large house on it just yet.