UV-Coated Aston Martin DBS Glows and Goes in Gumball 3000 Rally

The Gumball 3000 Rally brings together swarms of unique supercars, so it can be hard to make a statement, unless your car literally glows. That’s what the owner and driver of an Aston Martin DBS thought before taking his car to Nevana Designs to have it completely covered in a special UV material. More on Motortrend.com:2012 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Volante First Test
Check out the glow-in-the-dark Aston Martin DBS in the photos below. More on Automobilemag.com:First Drive: 2009 Aston Martin DBS Source: Nevana Designs More on Automotive.com:Best Movie Cars

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Would you buy an Aston Martin built in Alabama?

CEO Palmer says state is an "obvious choice"

LONDON -- Aston Martin is set to make a decision on building a second factory, likely to be in the United States, by the end of the year, CEO Andy Palmer said.

The U.S state of Alabama is the “obvious choice” for a new plant to build the upcoming DBX crossover, Palmer told Automotive News Europe. A decision has not been made yet, he said.

Palmer said the UK sports car maker has narrowed potential locations to regions where it will sell the most DBX models.

“Our principal customers will be in the United States and China,” he said. A China location would be difficult because Aston Martin would have to form a joint venture with a local automaker. It is also more difficult to export vehicles from China, Palmer said.

Aston Martin plans to launch the DBX in 2019 as part of its plans to increase annual vehicle sales to 15,000 from 4,000 last year. The automaker has limited room for growth at its factory in Gaydon, central England, which currently builds all Aston Martins.

Palmer said it would be possible to build 15,000 cars a year at the Gaydon factory but it would be a strain. “If went to three shifts we would be at 15,000 a year, so theoretically we could do it but you'd have no room for stoppage for maintenance.” However, expanding Gaydon remains an option, he said.

Car News The Aston Martin DBX crossover is a go

Aston Martin has secured more than $300 million in funds to produce a crossover based on the DBX concept, Automotive News Europe reports. The DBX Concept was unveiled at the Geneva motor show earlier ...

Aston Martin prefers an Alabama location because it would be close to where Daimler builds Mercedes-Benz SUVs, Palmer said.

Daimler has a 5 percent stake in Aston Martin as part of a deal to supply the UK company with high-performance V8 engines and electronic architectures for the firm’s next generation of sports cars, likely to be launched starting next year.

A U.S. plant would likely build the DBX from kits using parts made at Gaydon, Palmer said. “It's not impossible to imagine it acting as a hub and a spoke to our craftsmen in Gaydon,” he said. “One of the mental challenges we need to go through right now is how do you create British craftsmanship and reproduce it somewhere else.”

Last month, the Financial Times reported that Aston has held talks with officials in several U.S. states about a factory to build its first crossover, which would be based on the all-electric, all-wheel-drive DBX concept unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March.

"Aston Martin CEO says Alabama 'obvious choice' for U.S. plant" originally appeared at Automotive News on 5/19/15.

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Ray Evernham, Mark Martin hope for NASCAR Hall of Fame call on Wednesday

Benny Parsons, Robert Yates, Curtis Turner among favorites in this year's election

The seventh class selected for NASCAR’s Hall of Fame will be unveiled on Wednesday evening at the facility in uptown Charlotte, N.C. The five-person Class of 2016 will come from a slate of 20 nominees, five of them on the ballot for the first time. If recent form holds, three living men and two deceased will be voted into the Hall.

The five new nominees are retired championship-winning crew chief Ray Evernham, retired drivers Hershel McGriff and Mark Martin, the late championship-winning crew chief Harry Hyde and the late championship-winning driver Alan Kulwicki. Many NASCAR watchers expect Evernham to join holdovers Jerry Cook, Robert Yates, and the late Benny Parsons (a series champion and Daytona 500 winner) and Curtis Turner. Of that group, Parsons and Turner have been on the ballot since the first class was selected in 2009.   

There will be support for ailing track owner Bruton Smith, championship-winning drivers the late Bobby Isaac and Red Byron, plus team owners Rick Hendrick, Richard Childress and owner/mechanic Raymond Fox. Short track star the late Larry Phillips, retired drivers Buddy Baker and Terry Labonte (the latter a two-time champion) and six-time modified champion Mike Stefanik also will have supporters among the 55 voters, but not enough.          

Evernham went from racing modifieds in New Jersey to preparing IROC cars to leading newcomer Jeff Gordon’s famous “Rainbow Warriors” at Hendrick Motorsports. Together, between late 1992 and late 1999, they won 30 poles and 42 races, and three of Gordon’s four Sprint Cup titles were orchestrated by Evernham. He eventually became a successful team owner and brought Dodge back into NASCAR in 2001. Evernham later became a motorsports-related TV personality and remains a frequent advisor at Hendrick Motorsports. He would be an invaluable asset as the Hall labors to expand its commercial appeal.

Hyde was the gruff, no-nonsense mechanical whiz deftly portrayed by Robert Duvall (as Harry Hogge) in the forgettable 1990 movie “Days of Thunder.” A World War II veteran, Hyde’s cars won 88 poles and 56 races, and the 1970 Cup with the late Bobby Isaac. Among his other drivers: Bobby Hillin, Geoffrey Bodine and Ken Schrader, plus the late Benny Parsons and Tim Richmond, most of the time at Hendrick Motorsports. He died in 1996, a much-beloved figure by traditionalists who embraced innovative, irascible crew chiefs over pretty-boy, smarty-pants engineers.

Alan Kulwicki won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 1992. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Kulwicki, a college-trained engineer from Wisconsin with a unique way of doing things, ran only six full NASCAR seasons between 1985 and his aviation-related death in 1993, four months after winning the 1992 title. He won 24 poles and five races en route to the championship by 10 points with his self-owned Ford team. Perhaps he’s best known to modern-era fans as the originator of the “Polish victory lap” after his 1986 breakthrough victory at Phoenix. He and three others died when their plane crashed near Bristol Motor Speedway on April Fool’s Day of 1993. He’ll certainly make the Hall in time, but likely not this time.

Martin is considered the best stock car driver to have never won a championship. He won 56 poles and 40 races in Cup, 30 poles and 49 races in the Xfinity Series and even found time for three poles and seven victories in the Camping World Truck Series. Most of his success in his 1,143 combined NASCAR starts came at Roush Fenway Racing, where he spent 19 seasons before leaving in 2006. He finished 17 times among the top 10 in Cup points between his NASCAR debut in 1981 and his farewell in 2013, including five runner-up finishes. Like Kulwicki, he’s an eventual lock for the Hall… but maybe not on the first ballot.

McGriff is recognized more for his longevity than for his on-track accomplishments. His first NASCAR start came at age 22, in the inaugural 1950 Southern 500 at Darlington; his last came at age 66, in the 1994 race at Sonoma. He won only five poles and four races in 85 Cup starts, but backed that with 43 poles and 38 victories between 1970 and 2012 in the old Winston West/K&N West Series. He was a top-10 points finisher 14 times in that series, including the 1986 title and three second-place finishes. With a Dodge that broke after only a few laps, he was part of NASCAR’s two-team effort -- along with the late Junie Donlavey and his No. 90 Ford -- at the 24 Hours of LeMans in June of 1976. 

Engine guru Robert Yates won the 1999 Sprint Cup with driver Dale Jarret. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

The 15 holdovers are drivers Baker, Byron, Cook, Isaac, Labonte, Parsons, Phillips, Stefanik and Turner; team owners Childress, Fox, Hendrick, Parks and Yates; and racing executive Smith. 

Baker, son of Hall of Famer Buck Baker, was at his best on long, high-speed, high-banked superspeedways. He won 38 poles and 19 races, including four each at Daytona Beach and Talladega, and two at Charlotte;

Byron was the first Cup champion, but didn’t spend much more time in the series. He ran all eight races in 1949 and then only seven more over the next two seasons. He won two poles and two races, all in 1949, and died in 1960 with no NASCAR starts after 1951.  

Childress parlayed a mediocre driving career (no wins or poles in 285 starts) into a spectacular career as a team owner. He won six Cups with the late Dale Earnhardt, four Xfinity titles with Kevin Harvick (two) and Clint Bowyer and Austin Dillon (one each), and Camping World titles with Mike Skinner and Dillon.  

Cook won six NASCAR Modified titles (five straight between 1974 and 1977) before retiring in 1982 to become a series official. He made more than 1,400 starts, won 26 poles and 342 races, good enough to get him into three other racing halls of fame.

Fox was a legendary engine-builder and owner of cars driven to victory by Buck and Buddy Baker, Junior Johnson and Earl Balmer, and to some success by Cale Yarborough, LeeRoy Yarbrough and Fred Lorenzen. He died in 2014 after having won 16 poles and 14 races between 1962 and 1974.

Rick Hendrick has won 11 NASCAR Sprint Cup championships as a team owner. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Hendrick has emerged as NASCAR’s most successful owner, witness his 11 Cups with Jimmie Johnson (six), Jeff Gordon (four) and Terry Labonte (one), his Xfinity Series title with Brian Vickers, and his three Camping World titles with Jack Sprague. All told, GM-based Hendrick Motorsports teams have won 203 poles and 235 races in Cup, 36 poles and 23 races in Xfinity and 22 poles and 26 races in the Camping World Truck Series. That's quite a comeback from early in 1984, when Hendrick feared he might have to shut down his fledgling Cup team because of financial issues. Everything changed when Bodine and Hyde won the spring race at Martinsville, Va., allowing Hendrick to stay open for business.

Isaac won 48 poles and 37 races, and the 1970 Cup for owner Nord Krauskopf. He died of a heart attack in 1977 at a short-track race in North Carolina. He is the winningest Cup champion and second-winningest eligible driver not already in the Hall of Fame.

Labonte won the 1984 Cup for owner Billy Hagan and the 1996 title for Hendrick Motorsports. He won 27 poles and 22 races, and is half of the only brother combination to have won Cup titles.

Parks was the first championship-winning Cup team owner and an important player and powerbroker in NASCAR’s infancy. His cars won only two poles and two races in 18 starts (six during the first Cup season) between 1949 and 1955. Byron won both poles and both races, but Parks also had Bob and Fonty Flock, Tom Hall and Turner in his cars. He died in 2010.

Parsons, the 1973 Cup champion for L.G. DeWitt, won 20 poles and 21 races (including a Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600), and was among the first drivers to successfully move from the cockpit to the radio/TV booth. He died in January of 2007.

Phillips spent his entire career (1960-2001) on the small, weekly bullring tracks of the Midwest, winning a record five NASCAR Weekly Racing Series titles. He died in 2004 as one of racing’s winningest drivers.

Stefanik, much like Cook, spent almost his entire career in the Northeast, running short-track races several times a week. He won a record-tying eight NASCAR titles, six in the Modified Series and two in the Busch North/K&N East Series. He also made a handful of Xfinity Series and Truck Series starts.

Turner was among NASCAR’s earliest stars, a skillful driver with an appealing personality that helped in the sport’s early growth. Called “Pops,” he won 16 poles and 17 races in 184 starts between 1949 and 1968. He was suspended during the '50s by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. for his involvement with the Teamsters Union. He returned late in 1965 and promptly won at Rockingham, N.C. He died in a plane crash in 1970. 

Smith is the founder and longtime head of Speedway Motorsports Inc. Often at odds with NASCAR about their differences in approaches to the same problems, he nevertheless is considered a major player in forcing speedways to upgrade to keep up with the innovative he brought to his seven tracks.

Yates, a noted engine-builder and team owner, won the 1999 Sprint Cup title with Dale Jarrett. He began as an engine-builder at Holman-Moody before working for several other Ford-based teams. As an owner between 1989 and 2009, his drivers won 49 poles and 57 races, including many of NASCAR’s major superspeedway events. In addition to Jarrett’s title, Yates’ teams were top 10 in points on 14 other occasions;

Each of the first six classes into the Hall of Fame included five men.

-- The late Bill France Sr., Bill France Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, and Richard Petty and Junior Johnson were in the inaugural Class of 2010;

-- The Class of 2011 featured the late Lee Petty, plus David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett and Bud Moore;

-- The Class was 2012 was Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Dale Inman, Glen Wood and the late Richie Evans;

-- The 2013 class was Rusty Wallace and Leonard Wood, and the late Buck Baker, Cotton Owens and Herb Thomas;

-- In 2014, the Hall inducted Jack Ingram, Dale Jarrett, Maurice Petty and the late Fireball Roberts and Tim Flock;

-- And the just-inducted Class of 2015 featured Bill Elliott, Fred Lorenzen and Rex White, plus the late Wendell Scott and Joe Weatherly.

In addition to the 20 nominees for the Hall itself, NASCAR has nominated five others for the Landmark Award. Men and women on that ballot include competitors or members of an organization, track management, team, sponsor, media partner or ambassador for the sport. Award winners remain eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame at some later date.

This year’s Landmark nominees are Parks, broadcaster Ken Squier, the late track builders H. Clay Earles (Martinsville) and Harold Brasington (Darlington), and former R.J. Reynolds executive the late Ralph Seagraves.

The Class of 2016 will be announced on Wednesday at 6 p.m. during a one-hour show televised by NBCSN and Fox Sports 1.

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Aston Martin names new CFO

Aston Martin names new CFONoah Joseph

Aston Martin is on the verge of a resurgence, instituting (among a great many other things) new top leadership, and that includes a new chief financial officer.

Mark Wilson comes to Gaydon with a wealth of experience at British sports car manufacturers, having previously worked for Lotus and McLaren. His most recent posting, however, was as CFO and COO at renewable energy insurer G-Cube Underwriting. He'll take up his new job as Chief Financial Officer (and his place on the executive board) at Aston Martin on June 8, reporting directly to Andy Palmer, who in turn took up his job as CEO just this past September.

Considering Aston was recently injected with an influx of cash, hiring a new money man was probably prudent. But hiring new top personnel, of course, isn't the only change Aston is making. It's got a new platform in the works, a new engine under development with Mercedes-AMG and a raft of new projects in the pipeline. That includes the replacement of every one of its models by the end of the decade and the addition of as many as three new model lines – particularly the DBX crossover that could be the first new Aston built in America.
Show full PR textASTON MARTIN NAMES MARK WILSON AS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

14 May 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin today announces the appointment of Mark Wilson as Chief Financial Officer. Joining the business on Monday 8 June, Wilson, will report directly to Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer and take a place on the Executive Board at the company's global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

With a strong track record of senior automotive experience already accrued with McLaren Automotive and Lotus Cars Ltd, Wilson joins the luxury British sports car maker from renewable energy insurer G-Cube Underwriting where he held the post of Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

Welcoming Wilson to the team, Dr Palmer said: "Mark joins us at what is, undeniably, an extremely exciting time for Aston Martin. We are currently implementing the largest investment plan in our history which will see a total remake of our product portfolio. By the end of the decade, not only will our current line-up have been replaced entirely, we will have added up to three extra model lines and entered new market segments.

"As our process of product renewal, segment development and market expansion continues I know we will benefit from Mark's extensive automotive experience, his core financial management skill set centred on delivering rigorous cost control and his proven ability to work successfully with multiple investors."

He added: "I'm very much looking forward to working with him as we activate our exciting and ambitious Second Century development plan."

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Aston Martin boss says DBX is about securing the future

Aston Martin boss says DBX is about securing the futureImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsImage Credit: Drew PhillipsMore PhotosAston Martin Vengeance by Kahn Design2015 Aston Martin Owners Club Spring ConcoursBonhams 16th Annual Aston Martin SaleAston Martin Vengeance by Kahn Design: Design RenderingsAston Martin DB11: Spy ShotsAston Martin On Ice 2015Chris Bruce

The Aston Martin DBX was a revelation when it debuted at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Not only did the concept evolve the British brand's traditional shape into a high-riding crossover coupe, there were electric motors to power each wheel. Just a few weeks ago, we learned that the company secured $306 million in funding to actually bring the DBX to production. Now, CEO Andy Palmer is talking about just how important the model is for the future.

With the DBX moving into such a radically different segment than the rest of the lineup, the model gives Aston Martin the opportunity to go after a new group of customers. "You can't create enough working capital with just 7,000 cars a year whichever way you look at it. You've got to extend the portfolio somewhere, and I'd rather do this than sell caps and t-shirts," Palmer said to Auto Express, taking a slight dig at Ferrari.

While Aston calls the DBX a crossover, its coupe-like lines don't look like any other vehicle in the segment, especially other high-style CUV attempts like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe. Apparently, that differentiation is entirely on purpose. "We think there is a different space to the traditional SUV. Why? Because we make beautiful cars, and it's hard to make a beautiful SUV. It's hard to make a box beautiful," Palmer said to Auto Express.

The production DBX will gain two more doors for the start of production in 2019, according to Auto Express. The high-performance electric powertrain will remain, though, and Aston will aim for a range of over 300 miles. Earlier reports also suggested that the CUV could be produced at a new factory in the US.

Aston Martin isn't abandoning its performance legacy entirely, though. The DBX is just one part of Palmer's Second Century plan, and the other major pillar is replacing every model in the brand's lineup by the end of the decade. One of them has already been spotted testing.

Related Video:

#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-808924{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-808924, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-808924{width:100%;display:block;}Featured GalleryAston Martin DBX Concept: Geneva 2015

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One-off Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial up for grabs

One-off Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial up for grabsImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams 2015 © RM Sotheby'sImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RMImage Credit: Robin Adams/RM2015 DB9MSRP$188,295ShopReviewsMore PhotosAston Martin DB9 Successor: Spy ShotsAston Martin DB9 Test Mule: Spy ShotsAston Martin DB9 Volante by QAston Martin DB9 Volante Equestrian Edition2015 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon Edition: New York 20142015 Aston Martin DB9 Carbon EditionNoah Joseph

There's a long and proud history of Aston Martins coachbuilt by Zagato, and while we wouldn't call them commonplace, most of them were put in serial production, however limited. But not this one.

This one-of-a-kind DB9 Spyder was handbuilt by Zagato (along with a similarly styled DBS coupe) to celebrate Aston's centenary. Rather than remain in the private collections of either company, though, it was built in England, fitted with its customer bodywork (over the course of a year) in Italy, showcased back in England and then again at Pebble Beach before being delivered to its owner, who has kept it in California ever since. But now he's putting it up for auction.

Equipped with a 6.0-liter V12, carbon-ceramic brakes and of course that unique coachwork, the DB9 Spyder Centennial edition has been consigned to RM Sotheby's for its sale in Monterey this coming August, two years after it was first shown there. It's anticipated to fetch between $380,000 and $450,000, which would be about double what Aston charges for a new DB9 Volante, but strikes us as a pretty solid investment considering just how rare this particular Anglo-Italian bird really is.

Of course the Aston Zagato isn't the only notable vehicle RM has in store for Pebble this year. It's also highlighting a 1968 Maserati Ghibli Spyder that's billed as the first of its kind ever made, a US-spec Ferrari Daytona prototype, an early Lamborghini Countach and a rare 1973 Nissan Skyline GT-R. In short, RM's Monterey auction is already shaping up to be a notable one, and we're still a few months out with new consignments being added all the time.Show full PR textRM SOTHEBY'S TO SHINE SPOTLIGHT ON STRIKING PAIR OF ITALIAN PROTOTYPES IN MONTEREY

- RM Sotheby's prepares for triumphant return to Monterey, California, August 14-15
- The pinnacle of collector car auctions, multi-day sale to lift gavel on approximately 150 blue-chip collector cars
- Early highlights include a pair of Italian-built prototypes: the first Maserati Ghibli Spyder, and the original U.S.-specification Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Prototype
- Additional early attractions include a 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 'Periscopio'; a rare 1973 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R 'Kenmeri'; and a one-off 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Centennial Spyder Concept
- Frequently updated list of entries available at www.rmauctions.com

BLENHEIM, Ontario (May 12, 2015) – A striking pair of Italian-designed and built prototypes will take center stage in Monterey this summer as RM Sotheby's returns to California for its flagship sale during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance weekend. For Maserati aficionados, this pairing includes arguably the most significant Ghibli in existence, while Ferraristi will be presented with an exclusive opportunity to acquire the original U.S.-specification Daytona Prototype. The two prototypes are among 150 blue-chip collector cars slated for the RM Sotheby's sale, August 14-15.

The 1968 Maserati Ghibli 4.7 Spyder Prototype, chassis AM115/S 1001, is well-documented as the first Ghibli Spyder ever produced, and the first example ever shown to the public, as confirmed by Maserati Classiche. Striking in bright Giallo with a Testa di moro interior – the same color combination it wears today – and featuring sublime styling by Ghia, 1001 was shown at the 1968 Turin and 1969 Geneva Auto Shows to rave reviews. As the prototype design, it displays several unique differences from the production Spyder that followed; among the most noticeable, a slightly longer boot lid, and slight recesses in the door panels where the handles are mounted.

Following the conclusion of Maserati's testing and development, 1001 was sold to its first private owner in 1969, who allegedly drove the car frequently around Italy before the Spyder exchanged hands in 1975 and was imported into the United States. In 1986, with 41,100 miles on the clock, 1001 went into storage, where it remained for nearly thirty years before being purchased by its current custodian. Upon acquiring the car, the vendor commissioned a full service by a marque specialist, who discovered the car had been properly stored, and as a result, it required very little effort to return the Spyder to life.

Chassis no. 1001's first public outing in nearly three decades was at the 2014 Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's in Michigan, where it received the Debut Award for most important concours debut. Later that year, the Ghibli Spyder attended the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance where it received a Palmetto Award in the highly competitive Maserati class, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the marque. Offered fresh to the market, 1001 is expected to fetch $1,200,000 - $1,800,000 when it crosses the RM Monterey podium in August.

"A piece of Maserati History, 1001 is undoubtedly the most significant Ghibli in existence," says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director, RM Sotheby's West Coast Division. "Not only does it boast incredible historical value as the prototype used by the factory to develop the production Ghibli Spyder, but it also offers incredible looks, fantastic performance – thanks to its potent 4.7-liter V-8 - and wonderful driving dynamics. We're thrilled to have been entrusted with the car's sale by its gentleman owner. For the astute Maserati collector, its offering represents a singular opportunity to acquire a very significant automobile – the first Ghibli Spyder."

RM Sotheby's Monterey sale will also lift the gavel on the original U.S.-specification Daytona Prototype, chassis 13361. Like the Maserati, this 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta also holds a special place in automotive history; it is the first example of the American-specification Daytona, which, most notably, featured the Perspex-covered headlamps as used in Europe. Completed at the Maranello factory in April 1970, 13361 was ordered new by William Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, then a principal importer of Ferraris in the western United States. In addition to being the prototype of the U.S.-version Daytona, this 365 GTB/4 also possesses a unique ownership provenance, as it is believed to have been retained by Mr. Harrah as a personal car, associating it with one of the most heralded names in the collector car niche. It's provenance is further bolstered by the fact that it was utilized in Road & Track's initial test-drive review of the Daytona model, which ran in the magazine's October 1970 issue. With a well-documented chain of ownership, 13361 is offered for auction following a recent, concours-quality restoration that saw the car return to its original Plexiglas headlight specification (Est. $900,000 - $1,200,000).

"From an aesthetic perspective, the Ferrari Daytona was an instant styling icon, combining the sharp edges of 1970s along with the curves of the 1960s. Under its hood, its massive V-12 engine rendered it the most powerful road going Ferrari of its time; as an exhilarating high-speed, high-performance car, it embodied everything about Ferrari that a driving enthusiast cherishes," says Shelby Myers, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby's. "Chassis 13361 is perhaps the most compelling of its breed. Not only is it the original U.S.-specification Daytona prototype, but it is freshly restored, matching numbers, and boasts a truly outstanding provenance that includes ownership by William Harrah, along with the prestige of being a Road & Track cover car."

Among additional exciting early entries for RM Sotheby's Monterey sale are:
- a beautifully restored 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 'Periscopio', chassis no. 1120172, striking in Blu Tahiti over a Tobacco colored interior and just two Canadian owners from new (Est. $1,500,000 - $2,000,000);
- a one-off 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Centennial Spyder Concept, built by Zagato to celebrate Aston Martin's 100th anniversary (Est. $380,000 - $450,000);
- a rare 1969 Lamborghini 400 GT Islero S, chassis 6531, the 54th of just 100 models built and fully restored by marque specialists (Est. $350,000 - $450,000); and,
- one of the most sought after Japanese nostalgic cars, the 1973 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R 'Kenmeri', chassis no. KPGC110-000127; powered by the race-derived S20, twin-cam, 24-value straight-six, this example is the rarest production Skyline GT-R with only 197 examples built and shows less than 23,000 original documented kilometers (Est. $125,000 - $175,000).

An institution spanning more than 25 years, RM Sotheby's flagship Monterey auction returns to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, August 14-15. The pinnacle of collector car sales, in 2014 the RM event set a new benchmark for a collector car auction, generating a remarkable $143.4 million to become the highest grossing collector car auction of all time. This year's event is set to continue the company's strong track record in California, lifting the gavel on a magnificent roster of 150 blue-chip automobiles.

For further information or to view a frequently updated list of entries, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.

For more News from RM Sotheby's
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About RM Sotheby's
RM Sotheby's (formerly RM Auctions) is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With 35 years' experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from private treaty sales and auctions to estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top ten all-time records for the most valuable motor cars sold at auction. In February 2015, RM formed a strategic partnership with Sotheby's, uniting the two companies for the full calendar of future automobile auctions. For further information, visit www.rmauctions.com.

All RM Sotheby's catalogues are available online at www.rmauctions.com. High res photography for RM's Monterey sale is available via the RM Sotheby's Media Center, or by contacting a member of the RM Sotheby's press department. If you are interested in attending an RM Sotheby's event as a member of the media, please visit www.rmauctions.com/credentials to register for media credentials.Featured Gallery2013 Aston Martin DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial

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UPDATED: Aston Martin preps 5-car Nurburgring N24 onslaught

We'll be on the ground with Aston works racers at the Green Hell this weekend

UPDATED 5/13/15: Additional information about Aston Martin private entries and car numbers added; N24 field size updated.

Though it doesn't get the global press its French cousin enjoys, the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race held at the Nurburgring offers Le Mans-style endurance-racing thrills and then some, thanks to a 15.5-mile circuit and more than 150 entries. Eight of those racers will be driving Aston Martin cars, five of which are officially sponsored by the company, including two V12 Vantage GT3s (#007 and 009) seeking a top SP9 class win for the brand's 10th year of N24 competition. 

“We’ve learned a lot here, and this year we come with two cars which are well proven and fantastically reliable and a strong driver lineup," said Aston team principal John Gaw. "The race win is the ultimate goal.”

Aston is also bringing a pair of race-ready Vantage GT12 cars to compete in the production-based SP8 class. Car number 048 and 050 are as close to production cars as possible, with safety features added and weight removed. 

The Aston Martin team at the 2014 Nurburgring 24 hour race

As for the fifth car, it'll be an SP10 (GT4) V8 Vantage run by the Aston Martin engineering team and driven in part by Aston chairman Dr. Ulrich Bez; this car, #049, will be painted in the yellow livery of the original Aston N24 car -- known affectionately as "Rose" -- from 2006.

Three other Aston V8 Vantage GT4 cars will also be racing in SP10, all entered by private teams.

Can Aston Martin maintain its 100 percent finishing record at the N24? Will the Vantage GT3 be competitive against strong competition from Benz, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, BMW and Nissan? Will it be awesome to watch this Opel Manta blasting around the 'Ring?

Stay tuned to our social media channels this weekend, where we'll bring you live updates, photos and videos from the N24 race: Follow Autoweek on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more and look for the hashtag #teamAMR for Aston Racing news.

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Full list of ADAC Zurich Nurburgring 24 race entries(85.46 KB)Click here to download PDF

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Aston Martin preps 5-car Nurburgring N24 onslaught

We'll be on the ground with Aston works racers at the Green Hell this weekend

Though it doesn't get the global press its French cousin enjoys, the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race held at the Nurburgring offers Le Mans-style endurance-racing thrills and then some, thanks to a 15.5-mile circuit and more than 200 entries. Five of those racers will be Aston Martin Racing works cars, including two V12 Vantage GT3s seeking a top SP9 class win for the brand's 10th year of N24 competition.

“We’ve learned a lot here, and this year we come with two cars which are well proven and fantastically reliable and a strong driver lineup," said Aston team principal John Gaw. "The race win is the ultimate goal.”

Aston is also bringing a pair of race-ready Vantage GT12 cars to compete in the production-based SP8 class. As cool as the all-out SP9 racers are, the SP8s may be the more impressive engineering feat -- they're basically production cars with safety features added and weight removed. 

The Aston Martin team at the 2014 Nurburgring 24 hour race

As for the fifth car, it'll be a Vantage V8 driven in part by Aston chairman Dr. Ulrich Bez and painted up in the yellow livery of the original Aston N24 car -- known affectionately as "Rose" -- from 2006.

Can Aston Martin maintain its 100 percent finishing record at the N24? Will the Vantage GT3 be competitive against strong competition from Benz, Porsche, Audi, Bentley, BMW and Nissan? Will it be awesome to watch this Opel Manta blasting around the 'Ring?

Stay tuned to our social media channels this weekend, where we'll bring you live updates, photos and videos from the N24 race: Follow Autoweek on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more and look for the hashtag #teamAMR for Aston Racing news.

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Full list of ADAC Zurich Nurburgring 24 race entries(85.46 KB)Click here to download PDF

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Kahn tackles Aston Martin with a Vengeance

Kahn tackles Aston Martin with a VengeanceImage Credit: Kahn DesignImage Credit: Kahn DesignImage Credit: Kahn DesignMore Photos2015 Aston Martin Owners Club Spring ConcoursBonhams 16th Annual Aston Martin SaleAston Martin DB11: Spy ShotsAston Martin On Ice 2015Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf: Geneva 2015Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Special Edition: Geneva 2015Noah Joseph

Though Aston Martin has been known to produce some pretty stunning designs all on its own, it's also no stranger to the efforts of independent coachbuilders. It's had a longstanding relationship with Zagato that has given birth to some of the most stunning automotive collaborations ever to roam the open road, but now it's time for another designer to step up to the plate with the creation previewed here.

It's called the Vengeance and it's the latest project from Kahn Design – a British firm perhaps better known for its (often wildly) customized Land Rovers, but with a history of enhancing Astons as well. Adopting a name that fits into traditional Aston nomenclature along nameplates like Vantage, Vanquish and Virage, the Vengeance is being built atop a DB9, but with highly modified coachwork.

As you can see from the preview renderings in the slideshow above, the design calls for features a a bulging hood, slotted grille, wide rear fenders, polished steel roof and window frames, and staggered alloys – 20 inches up front, 21 in the back – inspired by roulette wheels with diamond-cut rims and body-colored centers.

"The Vengeance underlines Kahn Design's expertise in design and coachbuilding," said Azfal Kahn in the statement below. "With a team of over 25 designers in house we're involved in all aspects of product design from automotive to timepieces, interiors, retail space, clothing and accessories."

Only a limited quantity of individually numbered examples will be hand-made in the British Midlands, with pricing and availability yet to be announced but promising what Kahn says will "represent extremely good value for a limited edition coachbuilt car."


Show full PR textKahn Design launches coach built 2 door retro classic coupe named the 'Vengeance'

Origins

The practice of automotive coachbuilding stretches back to the early 1900s, when discerning customers would employ the services of expert craftsmen to create a custom vehicle body on a pre-manufactured chassis.

Following in this tradition, renowned British designer Afzal Kahn has announced the launch of a new coachbuilt car codenamed the Vengeance.

Built on a new Aston Martin DB9 chassis, the Vengeance is a wide body two door coupe, with a muscular, aggressive design evoking the silhouette of a sabretooth on the prowl.

Design

A supercar owner and connoisseur since his late teens, Kahn has always sought to push the boundaries of car design, developing a distinctive, aggressive design language. Inspired by the Aston Martin designs of the 1980s and 90s, the Vengeance is the culmination of Kahn's lifelong pursuit to create the car he has always wanted to drive.

In a radical departure from contemporary design conventions, the Vengeance favours volume and flowing curves over angular surfaces. The result is a spectacular fusion of modern engineering and classic streamlined design.

Kahn's style and personality is evident in every curve of the Vengeance, the result of a painstaking design process, working and reworking each line and surface to the point of perfection.

The most arresting features are the widened rear wings, emphasised by lines projected from the signature bonnet bulge, through the roof and along the length of the car. These visual aids work in unison to promote a more poised, meaningful stance, sweeping rearwards from the unmistakable grille centrepiece.

The polished stainless steel roof halo and window trim reinforce this balance, curving to meet at the diminished rear windows, which enhance the coupe style of the Vengeance.

The visual mass of the rear is augmented by the staggered wheels, with a 16 spoke 20" wheel at the front on 225 tyres and an 18 spoke 21" wheel on 335 tyres to the rear. The multi spoke design and inner rim takes inspiration from the classic roulette wheel, with a two tone finish juxtaposing the central section in body colour with the diamond cut outer section.

Production

Production of a limited series of vehicles will begin in 2015, and the Vengeance will be manufactured in the Midlands, in a nod to the region's history as the heartland of the British automotive industry.

Each vehicle will be hand built by Kahn's chosen team of craftsmen and automotive experts, and will carry an engraved plaque in the boot bearing the names of every member of the British team who worked on the car – a guarantee of the quality craftsmanship invested in each vehicle.

The limited production run is aimed at discerning collectors and investors alike. Vengeance owners will be given unique previews of future coachbuilt projects, as well as advance invitations to purchase new vehicles.

With the price of handbuilt sports cars rising, the Vengeance is likely to prove a sound investment. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to represent extremely good value for a limited edition coachbuilt car.

Statement: Afzal Kahn

"Launching the Vengeance is the realisation of a dream I've had since childhood, to design and produce my own car. I've worked in the industry my whole career, and I want to leave a legacy which I can be proud of. The design has gone through several iterations over the years and I've taken my time in selecting the right partners to prototype and manufacture the car, ensuring it represents the pinnacle of quality and perfection."

"I've kept every aspect of the underlying car from the crash structures to airbags - mechanically it's unaltered - why change perfection? This is coachbuilding in its traditional sense - taking a tried and tested product and working solely on the aesthetic."

"The Vengeance underlines Kahn Design's expertise in design and coachbuilding. With a team of over 25 designers in house we're involved in all aspects of product design from automotive to timepieces, interiors, retail space, clothing and accessories."

"Aston Martin has always been an inspiration, in particular the early Vanquish and the V600 Vantage wide bodies, and I'm grateful for their agreement, and for wishing us success on this project. The Vengeance pays homage to those classic designs while using modern engineering to create something unique and original which reflects my own style."Featured GalleryAston Martin Vengeance by Kahn Design: Design Renderings

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