Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content
1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Special Series II

1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Special Series II

1998 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Special Series II

Following three retro Series Is, the Series II was a custom built series of cars built for the Sultan of Brunei and his brother Prince Jeffri. The first Series was a modern interpretation of the classic 1961 DB4 Zagato, and transformed the V8 Vantage V600 into a two seat supercar. As a fitting continuation, the second series kept the four seat arrangement, but fit the car with a thoroughly modern Zagato body and custom-built interior.

Most likely the body was sketched up by Zagato and executed at the Projects Group in Newport Pagnell. The design retains the classic Aston Martin grill and surrounds it with a muscular lines that make the old 1992 V8 Vantage look dated by comparison. A unique design feature was included around the front and rear taillights from which a crease line extended into the fender. This trademark Zagato cue was later included on the much more official DB7 Zagato.

The cars were built on the V600 platform which was a after market upgrade available to any Aston Martin customers. This increased the power of engine to 600 bhp, upgraded the suspension and added huge brakes with AP Racing 6-piston calipers.

Only three Series II Astons were built and all went directly to Brunei. Our forum member, Basman007 thinks that the chassis for these models are: #70508, #70509 and #70510. A third series was planned which would have been the most dramatic of all, but just after the bodies were made, the Sultan and his brother pulled out of the deal, and the project was scrapped.

In Detail

engine Aluminum Alloy V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Twin Superchargers
valvetrain DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Bosch Mulit-Point Injection
displacement 5340 cc / 325.9 in³
bore 100 mm / 3.94 in
stroke 85 mm / 3.35 in
compression 8.2:1
power 447.4 kw / 600.0 bhp @ 6200 rpm
specific output 112.36 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 314.96 bhp per tonne
torque 813.49 nm / 600.0 ft lbs @ 4400 rpm
body / frame Aluminum Body over Steel Structure
driven wheels RWD w/LSD
wheel type Dymag Magnesium Alloy
front tires 285/45 ZR 18 Goodyear Eagle GS-D
rear tires 285/45 ZR 18 Goodyear Eagle GS-D
front brakes Discs w/6-Piston AP Racing Calipers
rear brakes Discs w/6-Piston AP Racing Calipers
front wheels F 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18 x 10 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 25.4 cm / 18 x 10 in
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Upgraded Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension DeDio-Type Axle w/Watts Linkage, Upgraded Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1905 kg / 4200 lbs
length 4745 mm / 186.8 in
width 1944 mm / 76.5 in
height 1320 mm / 52.0 in
transmission ZF 5-Speed Manual
top speed ~329.9 kph / 205 mph
0 – 60 mph ~4.4 seconds