Description
This is lot number 129 in the Bonhams Bonmont Auction on June 30th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
• Chassis number '001'
• Built to Swiss specification
• Recently recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company
• Original Swiss cancelled duplicate title
"For on the one hand the Rapide plays the role of supremely refined, smooth-riding luxury car as well as anything in the class if left in its standard set-up. Press the Sport button, however, alongside another button that stiffens the suspension dramatically, and the Rapide suddenly becomes a quite different kind of car – one that feels very close to a full-blown sporting GT.... The most elegant four-door sports car in the world? You bet it is, and then some." – Autocar magazine.
First shown as the Rapide concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the Aston Martin Rapide was intended from the outset to be 'the world's most beautiful four-door sports car'. Built upon the company's highly acclaimed VH extruded aluminium architecture, the V12-powered Rapide was greeted with universal acclaim by the world's motoring (and design) media. Designed and engineered at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire and built at the Aston Martin Rapide Plant in Austria, the Rapide not only exceeded the original aesthetic intentions but was also a thoroughbred performance car, with dynamic abilities honed on the legendary Nürburgring in Germany (where a race-specification Rapide has successfully competed in the annual 24-hour race). Following its introduction in 2009 the Rapide has won numerous awards for its design, quality and dynamic ability.
With 470bhp developed by its hand-built 6. 0-litre V12 engine and delivered to the rear wheels courtesy of the Touchtronic 2 automatic gearbox, the Rapide delivered remarkable performance, the factory claiming a 0-100km/ h (0-62mph) time of 5. 2 seconds and a top speed of 295km/ h (183mph). Inside, four adults can be seated in luxurious comfort, with a driver-focused cabin that emphasises the road ahead without forgetting the comforts and conveniences close at hand. And as far as comforts and conveniences is concerned, this particular car has it all. Manufacture of the Rapide ended in 2020, by which time production had been re-established at Gaydon.
Chassis number '001', the Rapide offered here was commissioned from Aston Martin by the current owner, one of their VIP clients, and built to Swiss specifications. A semi automatic transmission model, the car is finished in Fire Red with Chancellor Red leather interior, the latter a post-production upgrade carried out at the factory at the owner's request, which included re-veneering the centre console in Tamo Ash. Camera and illuminated sill kits were installed at the same time. Forming part of the vendor's extensive private collection since its acquisition, the Aston, showing only 166 km on the odometer, has mostly been kept on static display and recently benefited from recommissioning in the UK by noted marque specialists Stratton Motor Company. The car comes with photocopies of the original sales invoice, manufacturer's specification sheets, E. C. Certificate of Conformity, and Aston Martin's invoice for re-trimming the interior and other upgrades; and an original Swiss duplicate cancelled title.
Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Car Tax, VAT and a Customs Administration Fee) will apply totalling roughly 13% of the Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss Car Tax at 4% shall be calculated on the total Purchase Price. Swiss VAT (8. 1%) will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium and Swiss Car Tax. There will equally be a charge for the customs clearance procedure. Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams|Cars Department or our recommended shippers.
