In a glittering tribute to Aston Martin’s enduring legacy of power, prestige and pedigree, Collecting Cars returns with Silver Bullets: Part II – a finely curated showcase of four rare, silver-finished Aston Martins, each bearing hallmarks of exceptional provenance. Following the success of the original Silver Bullets campaign, this new collection celebrates over four decades of British design and engineering with four of the most collectible models to ever wear the iconic wings.
Bidding opens globally on 22 June and remains live until 29 June on collectingcars.com.
Headlining the Collection: A Factory-Built Prototype with Motorsport DNA
Leading this meticulously assembled quartet is the 1985 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ‘DP 2035’, a rare factory development prototype used to test and refine the coveted ‘X-Pack’ upgrades that would define the final evolution of the V8 Vantage series. Delivered new to Stratton Motor Company as a demonstrator, it was soon repurposed by the factory and officially purchased to serve as one of only two development cars for the high-performance ‘V580X’ programme.
Designated ‘DP 2035’, this car is not just a prototype – it’s a touchstone of Aston Martin’s commitment to pushing its Vantage to the limit. Extensively maintained and sympathetically restored by specialists including RS Williams and The Light Car Company, it arrives with bespoke luggage, its original wheels, and over £25,000 in recent works. Road-ready, steeped in significance, and finished in an iconic silver hue – it’s a landmark piece of Aston Martin history.
Centenary Elegance: The 2012 Vanquish Centenary Edition
The modern era is represented with the 2012 Vanquish Centenary Edition, number 82 of a commemorative run intended to mark 100 years of Aston Martin craftsmanship. Only around 85 of these cars were ultimately produced, making this a genuine rarity even among collectors of contemporary Astons.
Distinguished by a ‘graduated’ two-tone silver paint finish that requires 18 additional hours of artisanal work – from fine-spray application to meticulous hand-polishing – this Centenary Edition also features a One-77-derived steering wheel, carbon fibre detailing, and deep-soft Obsidian Black leather trim. It’s a rolling sculpture that merges Aston Martin’s past, present and future in one striking silhouette.
Zagato Flair: The Sunshine-Soaked DB AR1
Perhaps the boldest expression in this collection is the 2004 Aston Martin DB AR1, a roofless roadster born from the marque’s enduring partnership with Italian coachbuilder Zagato. Limited to just 99 units and developed exclusively for the American market, the ‘American Roadster 1’ ditches the roof entirely for an unfiltered driving experience unlike anything else in the brand’s portfolio.
This particular example – again, car number 82 – is finished in Silver Birch over charcoal hide, powered by a GT-spec V12 paired to a rare six-speed manual transmission. Unapologetically extroverted and theatrically styled, the DB AR1 is pure Riviera glamour with a V12 growl – and this example comes with its original accessories, including the numbered car cover and branded umbrellas.
A Manual Marvel: The Skyfall Silver Vanquish S
Rounding off the set is a 2006 Vanquish S, elevated by the most coveted upgrade for the model – a full manual gearbox conversion carried out by Aston Martin Works. Originally delivered in black and now resprayed in Skyfall Silver (an unmistakable nod to Bond), this example redefines the Vanquish S as a more analogue and engaging grand tourer.
As the last truly hand-built Aston Martin, the Vanquish S stands as a bridge between old-world craftsmanship and modern muscle. With its new manual transmission, it becomes an even rarer proposition – both for collectors and drivers seeking the elusive blend of tactile feedback and timeless elegance.
The Legacy Continues: An Auction with Purpose and Pedigree
Speaking on the release of Silver Bullets: Part II, Edward Lovett, Founder of Collecting Cars, said:
“Every one of these cars has a story – they’re four very different machines with four very different pasts. Whether it’s a development prototype, a centenary special, or a rare roadster, they all capture something essential about Aston Martin – style, exclusivity and the thrill of driving. And of course, they all share that unmistakably iconic Aston Martin finish – because let’s be honest, nothing says ‘Aston’ quite like silver. It’s a colour with a bit of cinematic pedigree.”
All four vehicles are UK-registered and offered via Collecting Cars’ trusted platform, which provides transparent, commission-free bidding for buyers. The auction begins on Sunday 22 June and closes on Sunday 29 June.
A Seamless Experience Across Passions
As part of its evolution, The Collecting Group has launched a unified login across its platforms – Collecting Cars and Watch Collecting – allowing enthusiasts to navigate between prized mechanical watches and precision automobiles with ease. Whether you’re chasing Daytona chronographs or DB-era grand tourers, the experience is now elegantly consolidated.
