The last piece of automotive artistry from the renowned Italian design house Bertone is now seeking a new home. This remarkable creation, the Aston Martin Bertone Jet 2+2, is set to be auctioned off by Dore & Rees on March 29. The Jet 2+2 made its grand debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, where it was initially meant to be mass-produced. However, the unexpected bankruptcy of Bertone the following year abruptly halted those aspirations, turning this one-of-a-kind masterpiece into a rare gem for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
With its sleek lines and stunning craftsmanship, the Jet 2+2 stands as a shooting-brake version of the iconic Aston Martin Rapide. Commissioned by the passionate Aston collector Barry Weir to celebrate 100 years of the brand and to honor 60 years of collaboration with Bertone, this vehicle embodies a rich tapestry of automotive history. The Jet 2+2 didn’t simply emerge from nowhere; it drew inspiration from the Bertone Jet 2 concept introduced in 2004, which itself was founded on the first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish. After touring various auto shows, Bertone retained the original Jet 2, revamping it to accompany the Jet 2+2 during its showcase at the 2013 Geneva show. It’s fascinating that each iteration is connected to past designs, harkening back to the 1961 Geneva Auto Show where the Bertone Jet concept, based on the Aston Martin DB4, made its own mark.
As you gaze at this stunning vehicle, you might be curious not just about its looks but about its performance. The Jet 2+2 is a fully drivable treasure, with 24,169 miles under its belt, making it not just a showpiece, but a machine that captures the essence of luxury driving. Under the hood, it shares the same impressive mechanics as a standard Rapide, sporting a robust 6.0-liter V-12 engine that churns out a staggering 476 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. With that power, it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in a swift estimated 5.3 seconds, delivering not just style, but substance as well.
Originally, Aston Martin envisioned producing a limited run of 10 customer cars, adding to the allure of this unique vehicle. However, following Bertone’s abrupt closure, those plans were dashed, ensuring that the Jet 2+2 remains a one-of-a-kind masterpiece—a true collector’s dream. Interestingly, the Bertone legacy didn’t completely fade away; it was revived in 2022 with the announcement of the GB110 supercar project, which aims to produce 33 vehicles designed to run on fuel made from waste plastic. This resurgence shows the enduring influence of Bertone’s innovative spirit, blending classic design with modern sustainability.
In an industry often filled with mass production and automation, the Jet 2+2 stands as a testament to the passion and artistry that define true automotive craftsmanship. For car lovers and collectors, this isn’t just about owning a beautiful car; it’s about becoming part of a story, a legacy, and an experience that few will ever know. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an admirer of fine design, the opportunity to own such a distinctive piece of automotive history is one that undoubtedly resonates deeply.
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