The dragon symbol is well known in Chinese decorative art and features extensively on the special series of cars to be unveiled at the 23 April – 2 May 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The number ‘8’ is highly prized in China, being associated with good luck.
While all Dragon 88 Aston Martins feature bespoke detailing in some way or another, the most obvious is a headrest design based on the left-most dragon on the famous Nine-Dragon Wall in Beihai Park, Beijing. Four thread colours – Metallic Gold, Cream Truffle, Winter Wheat and Kestrel Tan – are used by the craftsmen at Gaydon to reproduce the fearsome design.
Three special colours have been chosen for the cars, all contrasting well with Piano Black trim and bright metalwork: Amethyst Red, Volcano Red and Champagne Gold. Inside, Aston’s Bridge of Weir leather (in Spicy Red, Deep Purple and Chancellor Red respectively) is contrast-stitched in Sahara Tan thread, a colour that complements the extensive use of gold-plating elsewhere on the car.
The winged bonnet and boot badges are first nickel plated then generously coated with 24-carat gold. Laser-etched sill plaques bear the number and designation of the limited-edition Dragon 88 cars.
In addition to a specification that includes ‘bright finish’ front grille, bonnet meshes and side strakes, these cars run on unique-to-the-model, silver-finish 10-spoke alloy wheels. The brake calipers are black.
Additionally, each owner will receive their own exclusive Presentation Box. Wrapped in the same leather as the interior of their car, and lined with Ivory Alcantara, the box lid bears both the famous Aston Martin winged badge and an embroidered dragon motif. Inside the lid is a replica sill plaque, and contained within the box are an Owner's Guide with gold detailing, two glass ECUs with leather pouches and a pair of customised Bang & Olufsen earphones. The latter are laser-etched with the Aston Martin wings and presented in a leather pouch (as standard, each Dragon 88 Aston Martin comes with a 1000W Bang & Olufsen audio system).
Photos: Aston Martin
