If the series-production V12-powered Aston Martin models are too ordinary for you, a coachbuilder might have the solution. We are talking about the UK-based BAE (British Automotive Engineering) which offers the Vantare – a reverse restomod based on the Aston Martin DB9 with styling reminiscent of the iconic DB5. The first example from a planned production run of 10 units, is currently up for grabs in London for an undisclosed price.
According to the listing on DD Classics, this BAE Vantare is the launch and press car from the model’s unveiling back in 2021, which explains the no.001 serial number. The coachbuilder’s website is currently undergoing “scheduled maintenance” so we don’t have information on the status of the project, but a visit to BAE’s official Facebook page suggests that this is the only example of the Vantare in existence. The company was founded by Bradley Walsh who according to Wikipedia is an English actor, comedian, singer, television presenter, and former professional footballer.
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The significant exterior modifications of the BAE Vantare make it really hard to identify the Aston Martin DB9 that is hiding underneath. In fact, only the roof and greenhouse are carried over, with the rest of the bodywork being bespoke. The company suggests they used “hybrid modern materials” for the handbuilt vehicle, including carbon fiber composite panels.
The styling references to the classic DB5 are more than evident, although the proportions of the DB9 donor car are quite different, forcing the coachbuilder to make some pretty obvious adjustments. The long front overhang inevitably sends some Mitsuoka vibes, while the higher-than-usual belt line in combination with the aerodynamic greenhouse of the DB9 makes it look like a chop-top. Still, DB5-inspired features like the oval headlights, bonnet scoop, chrome grille, extended side gills, and pill-shaped taillights create a clear reverse restomod effect. Other features include the front splitter, large-diameter alloy wheels with a wire design, and the body-colored diffuser housing dual exhaust tailpipes.
While most coachbuilt specials are sharing the interior with the donor cars, the BAE Vantare has a lot of bespoke features inside the cabin. There is a redesigned dashboard with Mercedes-sourced round climate vents, a new three-spoke steering wheel with aluminum accents, a revised center console with an aftermarket 9-inch infotainment, black leather upholstery, and a few carbon-fiber bits.
Under the bonnet lies the naturally-aspirated 5.9-liter V12, producing 450 hp (335 kW / 456 PS) of power and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque as in the original DB9. BAE suggested that they would offer tuning options for the V12 but this one at least remains in stock condition. Power is transmitted to the rear axle through a six-speed automatic gearbox.
We don’t know the price of this used and most likely unique BAE Vantare, however back in 2021 the advertised price for the model was £275,000 ($330,026). While this is a lot cheaper compared to other one-off and few-offs from more established companies, it is a hefty price for a DB9-based model as a similar amount of money could buy you a new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Note that the BAE Vantare is not the first coachbuilt special based on the Aston Martin DB9, as it follows the 2013 DB9 Spyder Zagato Centennial and the 2016 Kahn Vengeance.