Aston Martin Honors Its Racing Roots With a Trio of DB12 S Models

Rosso Red. Speed Yellow. Ellwood Blue. These are the three accent colors that define a new collection of DB12 S Coupes from Aston Martin, presented for the 2026 Monterey Car Week. The three-of-a-kind series was created by the brand's bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance.

The event, held on California's Monterey Peninsula, is spotlighting early 1950s sports cars and the evolution of performance design. Aston Martin's contribution is a direct reference to its own racing history from that period.

A Nod to 1951

The inspiration comes from three specific cars. In 1951, the Aston Martin Racing Team campaigned a trio of DB2 race cars bearing the British registration letters 'VMF'. Each car featured a uniquely colored grille, a detail that provided the starting point for the new DB12 S Coupes.

The modern interpretations, built three quarters of a century after the originals raced, are finished in Carbon Black exterior paint. The grille vanes are painted to match their respective inspirations: VMF 63 (Rosso Red), VMF 64 (Speed Yellow), and VMF 65 (Ellwood Blue). Further details include a '75' fender roundel graphic, painted carbon fibre side strakes, and a painted carbon fibre Aeroblade. A subtle DB2 foil overlay at the rear completes the exterior revisions.

Inside, the Q by Aston Martin team added color-coordinated contrast stitching to the Aston Martin wings on the headrests. The front seatbacks feature DB2 silhouette embroidery, while the rear seatbacks gain '75' roundel graphics. The start/stop rotary and paddle shifter tips are also painted, and bespoke '75' sill plaques reference the DB2 inspiration.

“Being given the opportunity to create something bespoke for this incredibly special occasion has been a real honour for the team,” said Vittorio Gabba, Head of Q at Aston Martin. “I hope and believe these very special models are a fitting tribute to what has become one of the largest automotive occasions.”

Beyond the Concours

The DB12 S trio is just one part of the brand's presence in Monterey. Activities begin on Wednesday, 12 August, with Astons On The Avenue, an event on Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea organized with the Aston Martin Owners Club. The gathering showcases a range of the marque's sports cars and supports the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

For invited guests, the House of Aston Martin returns as an exclusive clubhouse. Located adjacent to the Poppy Hills Golf Course, the property serves as a retreat supported by partners including Bollinger, Bowers & Wilkins, Breitling, Glenfiddich, and Elemis. On display will be the Valhalla supercar and the recently launched Vantage S and DBX S models. A heritage DB2 will also be shown, connecting directly to the 'VMF' tribute cars.

Also making its debut is the Vanquish 25 Special Edition. This limited-production model from the Q team marks the 25th anniversary of the original V12 Vanquish, taking cues from its launch specification and detailing.

Andrea Baldi, Aston Martin's Chief Commercial Officer, noted the importance of the week. “The globally significant celebration of automotive excellence that is Monterey Car Week is the ideal background for the unveiling of our very special DB12 S 'VMF' cars,” he said. “But, beyond these carefully crafted tributes to the sporting roots of the event, we will of course be at the historic centre of the luxury automotive world which is the perfect place to celebrate our own heritage in the shape of the Vanquish 25 Special Edition, as well as looking to our exciting and dynamic future.”

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