For the interior the N420 has the Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, thicker rimed leather or Alcantara® sports steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats with N420 embroidery and ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Of course in the US, the car comes with standard sports seats. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque’s racing heritage. All of the company’s successful N24 Vantage racers are celebrated, with ‘Rose’ yellow, ‘Kermit’ green and ‘Elwood’ blue all featuring in the collection along with traditional Aston Martin Racing green. The white and black car shown in the accompanying images wears the equally striking ‘Asia Cup’ livery. Other options are Modena Black and GT2 Concept Blue. After seeing a car in Elwood Blue, I was hugely impressed by the quality of the two colour finish; the edges between the two colours are imperceptible to the touch.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 began in July 2010, with deliveries soon afterwards with a UK price starting from £96,995. There will be no more than 420 of each bodystyle produced.

Photographs copyright and with the kind permission of Aston Martin