DBS 59 edition Superleggeras celebrate Aston Martin’s Le Mans legacy
Aston Martin has released photos of the first of 24 limited ‘DBS 59’ editions of the DBS Superleggera, commissioned by its dealer in Cambridge, UK, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Aston Martin DBR1’s one-two finish at the 1959 Le Mans race. You may have heard of one of the winning drivers, Carroll Shelby, who shared the podium with Roy Salvadori.
Using “Q by Aston Martin”, the marque’s unique bespoke personalization program, Aston Martin Cambridge has worked with the Gaydon factory’s design team to make the special editions, one for each hour of the 24-hour race. All will be in right-hand drive.
The exterior is finished in a modern take on the DBR1’s Aston Martin Racing Green, set off with a glossy carbon fiber roof. The bronze switches and dial surrounds of the Le Mans winner inspired several bronze-colored accents, including the grille, brake calipers, Superleggera lettering on the hood, and 21-inch forged aluminum two-tone satin wheels. A Q badge and individually numbered roundel is mounted on the front fender. The Aeroblade spoiler has a bronze inlay with the profile, chassis number, and engine number of the Shelby/Salvadori DBR1 and those graphics are reproduced in embroidery on the driver’s sun visor, along with the date of the race and number of laps completed, 323.
Inside, the Q by Aston Martin team recreated the weave of the DBR1’s upholstery on the DBS 59’s seat backs and door panels. More bronze can be found on the shift paddles and “59 Edition” logo embroidered on the seatbacks. The route of the 1959 Le Mans course is embroidered on the rear speaker cover.
Accessories include replicas of Carroll Shelby’s leather racing gloves, period correct blue racing suits, and a replica racing helmet with its own leather case, also embroidered with the 59 Edition logo.
Mechanically, the DBS 59 is unchanged from the DBS Superleggera. It is powered by a 5.2-liter V-12 engine, making it the most powerful and fastest production car Aston Martin has ever produced, with a top speed of 211 mph.
The DBS 59 will be exclusively available at Aston Martin Cambridge, a dealer in the UK.
