An Aston Martin dealer in the United Kingdom commissioned a bespoke 2021 Vantage Roadster to celebrate a milestone. The car is called the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster A3, a 500-horsepower tribute to Aston Martin’s third-ever sports car from 1921 – the A3. In addition, the 1921 A3 is the oldest surviving Aston Martin in existence. It was the third car in a series of five prototypes built before production. According to Aston Martin, the A3 was driven extensively by Lionel Martin. At the dawn of the roaring 20s, the A3 used a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce a hell-raising 11-hp, which was good enough to lap the Brooklands circuit in 1923 at 84.5 mph, among several light-car speed records. Now, 100 years later, its great-great-grandson continues to carry the family name – at even faster speeds.
The 2021 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster A3 flexes a 4.0-liter V8, producing 503-hp with an eight-speed automatic. The beauty is in the details as this modern Vantage wears styling cues from the 1920s. For example, the front grille is dressed in black mesh with a bright aluminum border for a retro-inspired look. These bespoke features include bronze brake calipers and detailing with unique A3 badging. The car is painted black like its original predecessor and rides on 20-inch lightweight forged gloss black wheels.
The 2021 Aston Martin A3’s interior is an eclipse of Obsidian black upholstery with Chestnut Tan leather stitching and brass finish instrument dials. In addition, the rear cubby lid features an embroidered heritage Aston Martin script identical to the one used in the 1921 A3. The entire car was designed and built by Aston Martin’s Q division, and while the one shown is currently the only example, a total of three Vantage A3s will be built.
Aston Martin does more than cars. Check out the Aston Martin and Sir David Adjaye’s 130 William High Rise Tower in Manhattan.
