Geneva 2013: the Bertone Jet 2+2

At the Geneva Motorshow today, Bertone revealed their one-off shooting brake based on the Aston Martin Rapide: the Bertone Jet 2+2. Based on the Rapide? Yes indeed, this roomy 4-seater is based on the “old” Rapide, not the Rapide S. But it does have a big mouth similar to Aston Martin’s new S model of the Rapide. If you look closely, you can spot styling elements based on other Astons, like the “gills” at the front and rear lights, both reminding of the One-77.

Vanquish Volante now testing in the UK

In the past weeks, we’ve already seen the upcoming Vanquish Volante almost without camouflage, first while testing in the snow, then more close-up photos, both times taken in Sweden. So it’s strange to see these new photos, taken in the UK, where the Vanquish Volante is driving around in full camouflage again.

Another Aston barn find: a 1949 DB1

Remember the DB5 barn find a few weeks ago? Well, something even rarer has been found in a barn now: A 1949 Aston Martin Two-Litre Sports. This is the car that later became known as the DB1 (as it was the first model made after David Brown bought the company). Only 15 of these have ever been made!

The Astons at next week’s Geneva show

I am going to the Geneva Motor Show next week! My dealer has arranged a press-ticket for me, so I’ll be visiting the show on Tuesday, during the press-days. Looking forward to see these two Rapide versions in real live: Aston Martin’s own Rapide S and Bertone’s Jet 2+2. (and of course the Ferrari F150, McLaren P1, the Porsche 911 GT3, the Rolls-Royce Wraith, the Alfa Romeo 4C, etc…)

Look what I found in my Inbox…

Remember my post from a few days ago, debunking the fake Aston Martin ad that is currently going viral on Facebook and Twitter? Well, it looks like Aston Martin Lagonda doesn’t appreciate my help…. Just found this in my inbox, an email from Lewis Silkin LLP, apparently acting as Aston Martin Lagonda’s trademark and copyright lawyers: Subject: Aston Martin – Intellectual Property Rights Dear Sirs URGENT – IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED We act for Aston Martin Lagonda Limited (‘AML’), the world famous car maker. AML is the copyright owner of the famous Aston Martin ‘wings’ device which can be seen throughout the Aston Martin website (see http://www.astonmartin.com/) and on its vehicles. AML is also the proprietor of various trade marks for ‘ASTON MARTIN’ and the ‘wings’ device (for example, the wings logo is a registered European Community trade mark EU008367823 and the Aston Martin name is a registered European Community trade mark EU008367815). AML is also the operator of the website www.used-astonmartin.com. AN unauthorised copy of the Aston Martin ‘wings’ device appears in the bottom left hand corner of the image found at http://www.aston-martin.com/2013/02/24/ad-for-used-aston-martins-fake-or-real/. The image also uses without authorisation AML’s trade marks for the wings device and ASTON MARTIN (in the phrase ‘Aston Martin pre-owned’ and in the domain name www.used-astonmartin.com). The image appears to be an advertisement for Aston Martin pre-owned cars but has not been authorised or approved by AML. For the avoidance of doubt, AML has never consented to the use of its name or ‘wings’ device or domain name in this image. Accordingly, the reproduction of the ‘wings’ device in the image constitutes copyright infringement; and the use of the ASTON MARTIN name and ‘wings’ device trademarks constitute trade mark infringement; and the image itself brings the Aston Martin brand into disrepute and is defamatory of AML. Given the seriousness of this matter we ask that you take down the infringing image immediately, both at the URL referred to above and anywhere else that it may appear on www.aston-martin.com. Yours faithfully LEWIS SILKIN LLP

V12 Vantage Roadster #001 / 101 appears in South Africa!

Just found this interesting V12 Roadster article on a South African car site. Daytona cars in South Africa apparently received #001 of the 101 V12 Vantage Roadsters. Here’s a quote from Daytona Group general manager Rens Rademeyer: “Whenever there is a limited-edition model you always hope you get one with a really low number – and secretly dream of getting the first one off the line. So you can imagine our excitement when we received our limited-edition model V12 Vantage Roadster and found it was No.1 of 101!”