Aston Martin Vantage GT12 Roadster

What to do when a GT12 coupe isn't enough? Get Q Division to make a Roadster!

What would be the first thing you would do with an Aston Martin GT12? You might well reasonably argue nothing, but perhaps more power would be on the agenda, or a Works manual conversion if you were feeling bold. This GT12 customer has gone one step further, commissioning a one-off Roadster from Aston's Q Division.

Trim and colours bespoke

And, well, here it is! Said to combine the "hardcore ethos" with the "visceral thrill" of open-top driving, it uses the same 600hp V12 and Sportshift automated manual as the coupe. The most significant changes are in the new carbon panels, most notably the boot. Funny how much more subdued the GT12 is in grey as well... There's a unique suspension set up for the Roadster, the result apparently being "the same exceptional handling characteristics as the Coupe." Hopefully the fortunate owner can put both to the test...

The GT12 Roadster is significant in the history of Aston as the first time a customer has been able to bring in Aston design and engineering as part of a Q commission. Does this perhaps point towards more unique Astons in future, along the line of Ferrari's One-Off cars? The official line from Aston is that, as part of Q's expansion to include Aston Advanced Operations, "customers can now commission highly ambitious full-scale design and engineering projects." Intriguing.

The GT12 Roadster project has taken nine months from dream to realisation, with the car being shown for the first time at the Festival of Speed. Aston CEO Dr Andy Palmer added that it's "a hugely exciting project... because it vividly demonstrates the expanded capabilities of Q by Aston Martin." And no, of course the price hasn't been announced. Another one to see this weekend!