For so many driving enthusiasts, the dream configuration would have to be a V12 engine mated to a manual gearbox, all wrapped up in a stylish, yet hugely engaging sports car that should hopefully look cooler than just about anything on the road. We say dream, because us excitable few who dream of such cars are usually left disappointed, but Aston Martin are the ones to have made this one come true, and they’ve done it in style with their just-launched Valour.
Celebrating the company’s 110th anniversary, this ultra-exclusive V12-engined, manual transmission special edition monster was built to honour the marque’s long tradition of pioneering front-engined sports cars, all while delighting driving purists who long for that undiluted experience when on the open road. It make look somewhat familiar, too, as Aston Martin showcased the Victor back in 2022, a one-of-one throwback to the Vantage, with styling that's very similar to the Valour. Aston Martin have hinted at an end-of-an-era specification with the Valour, mating a 715PS and 753Nm twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 to a bespoke six-speed manual transmission for the very first time, something it’s unlikely we’ll ever seen Aston Martin create again, as the brand pushes towards its goal of electrification and further inclusion of hybrid technology.
It’s almost impossible to ignore the obvious nods to Aston Martin’s past when looking at the exterior design of the Valour. Fusing classic character with contemporary execution, inspired by the original V8 Vantage, as well as the Vantage-based RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer from 1980. Aston Martin use the term ‘unbridled brawn’ to describe it, something we couldn’t agree more with, harking back to their craziest creations that also somehow embodied beauty and charm, the twin supercharged V600 Vantage immediately springs to mind.
All of this power and presence will come with exclusivity, though, with just 110 examples worldwide being produced, meaning that getting your hands on one is going to be somewhat tricky to say the least. For us mere mortals who can only spend hours speccing their dream machine, we can confirm it is still an incredibly enjoyable experience. We’ve naturally opted for a theme relating to our Classic Driver colour scheme, donning Q’s Buckinghamshire Green on the exterior, with body-coloured accents adding to the smoothness of its design. Gloss Silver wheels with black brake calipers add to the classiness, with an interior made up of Q’s Titanium Grey leather inserts mounted to those bonkers carbon fibre performance seats.
Sometimes cars come along that really do stop us in our tracks, and that is exactly what the Valour has done, offering the perfect blend of awareness of the past, but also a reminder of what is capable in these innovative times. Now, how do we get ourselves on that exclusive waiting list?!
