PEAKLIFE

The latest Q by Aston Martin creation pays homage to RAF’s Red Arrows aerobatic unit.

Breath-taking British aviation skills are the inspiration for Aston Martin’s latest Q by Aston Martin creation – the Vanquish S Red Arrows edition.

The limited edition is the third Q by Aston Martin – Commission from Aston Martin Cambridge, following on from the success of last year’s V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 Edition, marking 80 years of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight, and the earlier Vantage S Blades Edition, developed in collaboration with the Blades Aerobatic Display Team.

The car is finished in a shimmering Eclat Red, mirroring the instantly familiar livery of the Hawks and referencing the word ‘Eclat,’ the Red Arrows’ motto. A host of subtle details enhance the bodywork and interior, from white and blue carbon livery detailing to the white ‘smoke trail’ feature on the side strake. An exposed carbon fibre roof panel includes an inlaid ‘charge’ pattern mimicking the canopy design of a fast jet, while Union Jack enamel wing badges and a titanium exhaust complete the exterior package.

Inside, the signature Red Arrows emblem of nine aircraft in classic ‘diamond’ formation is embroidered on the seat backs, along with unique sill and engine inspection plaques. The latter will be signed, 1 through 10, by the equivalent number ‘Red’ pilot in the squadron. The One-77-derived steering wheel is paired with a bespoke centre rotary toggle switch inspired by aviation instrumentation and switchgear, including black/yellow hatched design pattering on seat fold and door pulls.

Just ten examples of the Red Arrows inspired cars are being commissioned by Aston Martin Cambridge, each with special design features, hand-crafted interiors and graphic elements that draw on the visual ques of aviation, as well as the skill and agility of the RAF’s globally acclaimed official aerobatic unit, the Red Arrows.

Each Q by Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows owner will receive truly bespoke accessories that could include racing helmets, racing suits, bespoke embroidered bomber jackets and a Vanquish S bespoke luggage set, together with a highly-detailed die-cast 1:18 model of their car and the Hawk aircraft. Fittingly, nine Vanquish S models mirrors the nine-aircraft formation made famous by the Red Arrows. The tenth car will be gifted to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the charity established to provide support to former servicemen and women and their families.