2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage – Royal Limited Edition
Imagine a sports car so exclusive that it was literally commissioned by kings. The 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage offered here is one of only 7 examples specially built for the Saudi royal family – a fact that instantly elevates it into the automotive stratosphere. Cloaked in bespoke British luxury, it represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s craftsmanship: hand-stitched hides, jewel-like controls, and an intoxicating blend of wood, glass, and aluminium that whispers Savile Row on wheels. Beneath its sculpted bonnet lies a hand-built 4.7-litre V8 that delivers a cultured growl, marrying gentlemanly refinement with furious performance.
On Australian roads dominated by capable but commonplace sports cars, this rare V8 Vantage commands a league of its own. It’s not merely the James Bond cachet or the race-bred engineering; it’s the heritage of a marque that has long defined British automotive elegance. With only 600 km on the clock from new, this Aston is essentially a time capsule – the closest one can come to buying a brand-new 2010 Vantage today. Every kilometre carries the pedigree of royal approval; every drive feels like an event fit for a gala.
What makes this V8 Vantage a royal automotive masterpiece?
This car’s provenance is exceptional. Commissioned exclusively for the Saudi royal family, this is not a variant ever advertised to the public. Built by Aston Martin’s bespoke “Q Division”, this V8 Vantage formed part of a discreet, ultra-limited collection dubbed the “007 Race Edition” – each example finished in a unique configuration and subtly badged to reflect its royal origin.
Unlike standard production models, the Royal Edition showcases a level of customisation that borders on coachbuilding. From specially embroidered sill plates to rare trim materials and colour schemes never offered to the public, it exemplifies the discreet opulence favoured by the world’s wealthiest clients. This is British craftsmanship at its peak – quietly confident, effortlessly elegant, and profoundly rare.
How does it drive?
Beneath the understated exterior is a hand-built 4.7L V8 engine producing around 313kW and 470Nm of torque – offering acceleration from 0–100 km/h in under 5 seconds and a top speed close to 290 km/h. The drive is a sublime balance between everyday civility and purposeful aggression. When driven gently, it is refined and composed. But when provoked, it howls with a raw, naturally aspirated soundtrack that has become all too rare in the modern era of turbocharged engines.
The steering is precise, the chassis balanced, and the ride surprisingly compliant for a car of such capability. It’s not just a machine for weekend blasts – it’s one that encourages long, indulgent drives through open country or a stylish cruise through the city.
Why is this car so rare in Australia?
Australian roads are no strangers to performance vehicles, but this V8 Vantage is in a different class altogether. It is likely the only one of the seven Royal Editions on Australian soil – and possibly in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Unlike more commonly imported exotics, this vehicle wasn’t just rare in its homeland – it was never meant to leave the private collection for which it was built.
Its left-hand-drive configuration adds to its mystique, standing out instantly in a right-hand-drive country. But the real distinction lies in the backstory – most car collectors have seen a Ferrari or Porsche; how many can say they own a vehicle built for royalty, hand-delivered to Australia, and preserved as-new?
Is this a sound investment?
In the world of high-end collectible cars, the value lies in the intersection of rarity, condition, provenance, and desirability. This Aston Martin V8 Vantage checks all the boxes. Only 7 were built. This example has travelled fewer than 600 kilometres. Its royal commission makes it one of the most documented and prestigious examples of its kind.
Australia’s collector car market has seen notable growth over recent years, particularly in vehicles with exceptional provenance. As modern classics with naturally aspirated engines become increasingly scarce – due to emissions regulations and electrification – collectors are turning to examples like this that combine emotional engagement with investment appeal.
Recent market reports show that investment-grade classic and prestige vehicles in Australia saw value increases of up to 40% over the past few years. Cars with royal, celebrity, or manufacturer provenance are considered “blue-chip” in collector circles – and the appreciation potential for such rare specimens remains strong.
Who should consider owning this car?
For discerning collectors, this isn’t just another V8 sports coupe – it’s a conversation starter, a statement of taste, and a rolling asset that will only grow in significance. Whether it takes pride of place in a climate-controlled garage or appears at concours events as a centrepiece, this car is an heirloom.
It is perfect for someone who appreciates the intersection of engineering, design, heritage, and narrative. It’s not about chasing speed records or track times. It’s about owning something no one else can. It’s about provenance that reads like a royal decree. It’s about curating a collection, not just parking a car.
Why now?
With the global shift towards electrification and the diminishing availability of new combustion-engine performance cars, we are witnessing the twilight of a golden era. Cars like this 2010 V8 Vantage represent not only what Aston Martin once was – but what collectors will revere in the decades to come.
Opportunities to acquire something this exclusive, in this condition, and with this level of provenance rarely arise. For the right buyer, this is more than a purchase. It is an acquisition. A future classic. A modern relic of royalty, waiting to be crowned again.
References
- Aston Martin: About the Brand
- Unique Cars Magazine – V8 Vantage Review
- Drive.com.au – Used Car Review: Aston Martin V8 Vantage
- Carsales.com.au – Collector Car Trends
- ABC News – Classic Car Boom in Australia
- Australian Financial Review – The Next Collectible Car Boom
- Shannons Insurance – Why Provenance Matters in Classic Cars
FAQs
1: Is the V8 Vantage Royal Edition eligible for Australian registration?
Left-hand-drive vehicles under 25 years old can be registered under specific exemption schemes. It’s important to consult state-specific regulations or specialist compliance providers.
2: How does this differ from a standard 2010 V8 Vantage?
In addition to its royal provenance, this car includes exclusive finishes, bespoke trim, and a unique build history not available on standard production models.
3: What service history or documentation is included?
As a collector vehicle, this car is accompanied by comprehensive provenance documentation, including original delivery details and Aston Martin identifiers.
4: Can this car be driven regularly?
While mechanically capable of daily driving, its value and rarity suggest it is best enjoyed sparingly to preserve its pristine condition and investment potential.
5: Are there other Aston Martin models with royal history?
While Aston Martin has a history of royal patronage, very few individual vehicles are documented with specific royal ownership or custom commission, making this car extraordinarily unique.
6: Is financing or insurance available for this car?
Specialist financing and collector insurance may be available through niche brokers who cater to high-value and rare vehicles.
