Aston Martin Launches New Wings Series
Wings Series pulls all of Aston Martin’s aviation projects under one umbrella, inspired by 2017 Vanquish S Red Arrows edition.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind upon seeing an Aston Martin? Perhaps it’s the shape of its grille, a feature first found on the 1948 2-Litre Sports. Maybe it’s the wondrous sounds coming from the English automaker’s long line of V8s and V12s. Or it could be the slippery, sporty looks and gorgeous paint colors which catch your eye.
Or is it the winged Aston Martin logo which draws your attention? For nearly as long as the company has existed, it has always had ties to the skies. From using former Royal Air Force bases as manufacturing facilities, to building special editions in tribute to those who defend the Crown from above, Aston Martin and aviation have been two peas in a pod. And now, the ties that bind are tighter than ever, with the introduction of the Aston Martin Wings Series.
“Aston Martin will always be synonymous with aviation,” said Aston Martin president and CEO Andy Palmer, “from our wings logo to the heritage of our manufacturing sites across the U.K. The Vanquish S Red Arrows edition was a great success for everyone concerned and I look forward to seeing our future aviation-related special editions.â€
The aforementioned Vanquish S Red Arrows Edition was the basis for the Wings Series, which will use the Q by Aston Martin bespoke service to build and deliver aviation-themed cars over the coming years. The Red Arrows — named for the aerobatics team of the RAF — transformed the landing gear of a BAE Systems Hawk T1 — the plane currently used by the team — into switchgear for the special Vanquish S cars. Only 10 were built, with the last auctioned off in 2017 for $1.88 million ($1.97 million in 2019 dollars), with all proceeds going to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Other aviation-themed Aston Martins over the years prior to the Wings Series consolidation include the V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 — built to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the famed WWII plane’s first flight — and the Vantage S Blades Edition — named in honor of the British civilian aerobatics team founded in 2005 by a former Red Arrows leader. We can’t wait to see what cool limited-edition rides the new Aston Martin series will deliver in the years to come.
Photos: Aston Martin
Join the Team Speed forums now!
