Aston Martin Rapide

S - 1 of 8 'Britain is Great' by Q

--- Price for export €79.500 if eligible for Dutch BPM (tax) refund, contact us for possibilities and requirements ---

Aston Martin Rapide S –'Britain is Great' Edition. One of Just Eight Worldwide: A Future Classic?
There are grand tourers, and then there are Aston Martins. For over a century, this iconic British marque has built cars where beauty meets performance, and heritage meets craftsmanship. Yet even by Aston Martin standards, the Rapide S stands apart, not just for what it is, but for what it represents.


An exceptionally rare opportunity presents itself: a 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S, one of only eight ‘Britain is Great’ special editions hand-finished by the Q division. With just 49,000 km on the odometer and in superb condition, this example blends timeless design with real-world usability and exclusivity most sports saloons can only dream of.
Let us tell you why this V12 grand tourer is more than a car; it is a statement.

A Brief History: The Rapide’s Role in Aston Martin’s Modern Era
By the late 2000s, Aston Martin’s renaissance was well underway. The DB9, Vantage, and DBS had re-established the brand’s reputation for combining sporting dynamics with elegance. But Aston needed something different; a way to tempt customers who loved their design but needed practicality. The Rapide was their answer.
Launched in 2010, the Rapide was Aston Martin’s first true production four-door since the Lagonda of the 1970s and 80s. Built initially in Austria (the later S models were built in Gaydon UK), the car shared its core architecture with the DB9: the bonded aluminium VH platform and a front-mid-mounted 6.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. But where the DB9 seated two in comfort, the Rapide extended the experience to four without sacrificing style.
Unlike rivals such as the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin refused to compromise its design for practicality. The Rapide’s silhouette remained pure GT coupe: sleek, flowing, and unmistakably Aston Martin.
When the Rapide S arrived in 2013, it brought more power, sharper handling, and greater refinement. In 2017, this car, the Rapide S, was at its peak: 552 hp, 8-speed Touchtronic III automatic transmission, and adaptive damping to deliver true Grand Tourer comfort with sports car engagement.
Yet despite its beauty, the Rapide remained a rare sight. Production was always limited, but actual build numbers are lower than many enthusiasts realise. Across all variants, fewer than 7,000 Rapides were built globally, around a third of DB9 production numbers.
This particular car, a ‘Britain is Great’ special edition, is even more exclusive: one of just eight units worldwide, commissioned by Aston Martin’s Q division to celebrate British craftsmanship and design.


The 6.0-Litre V12: A Dying Breed
At the heart of this Rapide S beats something increasingly rare: a naturally aspirated, 6.0-litre V12 engine. Producing 552 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque, this hand-built powerplant delivers performance that is as refined as it is potent. Power delivery is smooth and linear, accompanied by a soundtrack that is pure Aston Martin: deep, resonant, and unmistakably authentic. In a world moving toward turbocharging and hybridisation, the purity of a naturally aspirated V12 is something enthusiasts are beginning to cherish and seek.
Unlike its turbocharged rivals, power arrives progressively, making every journey an experience, not just an exercise in acceleration. The Rapide S’s 8-speed automatic gearbox provides swift, smooth shifts, while adaptive suspension balances comfort with poise. It is a true grand tourer: stable at high speeds, supple over long distances, yet agile enough to enjoy twisting roads.
In comparison, the Maserati Quattroporte offers style but lacks the engineering finesse of the Aston, while the Porsche Panamera, although fast and capable, cannot match the emotional appeal or exclusivity of the Rapide S. This is a car that trades sterile efficiency for character, without sacrificing capability.


Luxury for Four (Almost)
Inside, the Rapide S is every inch the Aston Martin GT. Hand-stitched leather, machined aluminium, and exquisite craftsmanship create an interior that feels bespoke, not mass-produced. Unlike the DB9 or Vanquish, the Rapide allows you to share the experience, with three passengers instead of one. While the rear seats are best suited to smaller adults or teenagers, they are real seats, not token efforts, and offer sufficient comfort for journeys of reasonable length. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a grand touring adventure, the Rapide S offers something few other sports GTs can: practicality without aesthetic compromise.

A Rare Opportunity: Investment Potential
With fewer than 7,000 Rapides built worldwide and just eight examples of the ‘Britain is Great’ edition, this car is not just rare; it is poised to become a future collectible.
We are witnessing the end of the naturally aspirated V12 in mainstream production. Regulations and electrification are reshaping the industry, pushing iconic powertrains like Aston’s 6.0-litre V12 into history. The Rapide S, particularly in such a unique specification, represents the last of an era.
Prices of hand-built, low-volume, naturally aspirated cars are already showing signs of stabilisation after early depreciation. Special editions like this one tend to fare better over time, attracting collectors who value both rarity and authenticity.
Could this Rapide S appreciate in value? History suggests yes, especially given its provenance, exclusivity, and the brand’s enduring cachet. But perhaps more important: it is a car you can enjoy while it matures.

Your Invitation
This 2017 Aston Martin Rapide S ‘Britain is Great’ edition offers a unique blend of craftsmanship, performance, and exclusivity. It is more than a car; it is a celebration of British engineering and design at its best.
With only 49,000 km, meticulously maintained, and presented in superb condition, this is an opportunity for the discerning enthusiast or investor to acquire a genuine modern classic.
Ready to experience the rarest four-door Aston Martin of its generation? Contact us today to arrange your private viewing, or to simply discuss what makes this exceptional vehicle so special.