1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Special Series II
Following three retro Series Is, the Series II was a custom built series of cars built for the Sultan of Brunei and his brother Prince Jeffri. The first Series was a modern interpretation of the classic 1961 DB4 Zagato, and transformed the V8 Vantage V600 into a two seat supercar. As a fitting continuation, the second series kept the four seat arrangement, but fit the car with a thoroughly modern Zagato body and custom-built interior.
Most likely the body was sketched up by Zagato and executed at the Projects Group in Newport Pagnell. The design retains the classic Aston Martin grill and surrounds it with a muscular lines that make the old 1992 V8 Vantage look dated by comparison. A unique design feature was included around the front and rear taillights from which a crease line extended into the fender. This trademark Zagato cue was later included on the much more official DB7 Zagato.
The cars were built on the V600 platform which was a after market upgrade available to any Aston Martin customers. This increased the power of engine to 600 bhp, upgraded the suspension and added huge brakes with AP Racing 6-piston calipers.
Only three Series II Astons were built and all went directly to Brunei. Our forum member, Basman007 thinks that the chassis for these models are: #70508, #70509 and #70510. A third series was planned which would have been the most dramatic of all, but just after the bodies were made, the Sultan and his brother pulled out of the deal, and the project was scrapped.
In Detail
engine | Aluminum Alloy V8 |
position | Front Longitudinal |
aspiration | Twin Superchargers |
valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
fuel feed | Bosch Mulit-Point Injection |
displacement | 5340 cc / 325.9 in³ |
bore | 100 mm / 3.94 in |
stroke | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
compression | 8.2:1 |
power | 447.4 kw / 600.0 bhp @ 6200 rpm |
specific output | 112.36 bhp per litre |
bhp/weight | 314.96 bhp per tonne |
torque | 813.49 nm / 600.0 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm |
body / frame | Aluminum Body over Steel Structure |
driven wheels | RWD w/LSD |
wheel type | Dymag Magnesium Alloy |
front tires | 285/45 ZR 18 Goodyear Eagle GS-D |
rear tires | 285/45 ZR 18 Goodyear Eagle GS-D |
front brakes | Discs w/6-Piston AP Racing Calipers |
rear brakes | Discs w/6-Piston AP Racing Calipers |
front wheels | F 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18 x 10 in |
rear wheels | R 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18 x 10 in |
f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Upgraded Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
r suspension | DeDio-Type Axle w/Watts Linkage, Upgraded Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
curb weight | 1905 kg / 4200 lbs |
length | 4745 mm / 186.8 in |
width | 1944 mm / 76.5 in |
height | 1320 mm / 52.0 in |
transmission | ZF 5-Speed Manual |
top speed | ~329.9 kph / 205 mph |
0 – 60 mph | ~4.4 seconds |