To celebrate two iconic British marques, Aston Martin Cambridge recently commissioned a limited edition model: the Aston Martin ‘Vanquish S Red Arrows’ – a unique tribute to the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team, The Red Arrows.
The model was designed to emulate the experience of piloting a Red Arrows Hawk jet. Approved by the Ministry of Defence and the RAF, this is one of the most exclusive Aston Martin cars ever built with customised details in evidence throughout to reflect both brands.
The edition numbers ten cars and each car is unique in being designed after a particular Red Arrows jet. The jet’s formation number, for example, matches a particular car.
Painted in the Red Arrows signature special Éclat red pearlescent colour with gold flakes the car is finished with white ‘flash’ side-strake edges leading into the doors. Along with the trademark Red Arrows blue and white ‘smoke trails’ on the side skirts into the rear diffuser and exhaust, also incorporated is the unique Red Arrows Union Jack tail-fin motif. An individual engine plaque with the Red Arrows logo is signed by a team member.
The interiors of the Vanquish S Red Arrows boast some specially designed features too including: ‘Diamond Nine’ embroidery on the headrests; obsidian black with olive green inserts to match the Martin Baker ejection seat fabric colours in the Red Arrows Hawk; an audio on/off system switch made from recycled Hawk parts; a Red Arrows Hawk serial number embroidered on the passenger airbag to match a particular aircraft; the squadron’s crest lacquered into the screen veneer in a monochrome finish.
All ten cars were handed over at a special ceremony at RAF Scampton by the pilot of the corresponding jet. ‘Red 1’ was presented to Mr Martin Pointon by Red Arrows Squadron Leader, David Montenegro. ‘Red 10’ was gifted to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to celebrate and honour those who have served their country. With more than 70,000 tickets sold by raffle over £1.5 million was raised for the charity.
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Car displayed from Monday 13 August to Bank Holiday Monday 27 August courtesy of Club member Mr Martin Pointon.