This is an Aston Martin Martin Vantage GT12, perhaps the ultimate Vantage. Only 100 were produced with just 11 of those sold by authorised dealers in Japan. This Speedway White, left-hand drive example has covered just 2,209km. The starting price will be ¥22.5 million JPY and all proceeds (excluding commission) will be used to support the reconstruction of the Tanga Market in Kitakyushu city, which has suffered two major fires this year. This auction was made possible thanks to Mr. Yukihisa Jōkō, a company director in Kitakyushu.

The GT12 is the closest thing to an actual GT3 race car, it’s the ultimate Vantage and was developed with Aston Martin’s extensive experience and success racing the GT3 Vantage around the world. The naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 produces 600hp but more importantly it weighs 100kg less than the V12 Vantage S it’s based on. Along with additional power and weight reduction many changes were made to improve lap times. The car is lower and wider than standard Vantages with wider front and rear track. Dampers and springs were upgraded and the aero changes are immediately evident. The aggressive carbon front splitter and massive rear wing really give the impression that little compromises were made to make it as close to a GT3 as possible. Extended carbon wheel arches give it a really aggressive look and the carbon diffuser, bonnet, and the optional carbon roof and polycarbonate rear windows help reduce weight further down to 1,565kg.

Inside there were also significant changes over standard V12S. The door inserts and center console are completely made of carbon, the seats are full carbon buckets and the rest of the interior is covered in alcantara.

The overpowering feature of this car is its engine, Aston Martin V12s always produce stunning sound and in the case of the GT12 it’s more aggressive thanks to magnesium inlet manifolds and a full titanium exhaust system with centre exits. Top speed is 298kph, lower than the standard car due to increased drag from aero devices, 0 to 100 is done in 3.5s. The gearbox is a seven-speed automated manual and to stop the car are Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

The GT12 is an extreme car for the road, the noise, the aero and overall road presence give it a unique aura. It’s a rare car that has a naturally aspirated V12 that will become a real collectors car.