The original “Nebula” internal codename for what would eventually become the Valkyrie was entirely fitting. Aerospace-grade engineering runs awash throughout this fully carbon fibre, road-legal hypercar that is capable of single-seater racer levels of performance. The letters in “Nebula” also denoted the key stakeholders involved: multiple Formula 1 World Championship-winning car designer Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing, and Aston Martin.

A seven-year gestation period for the Valkyrie (the name derived from Norse mythology) reflected the project’s immense complexity. Elegant bodywork, featuring the trademark Aston Martin grille shape, does without unsightly aerodynamic devices. An emphasis was placed instead on the open underfloor that employs Venturi tunnels running either side of the teardrop-shaped cockpit to feed an enormous diffuser. For this attempt at creating a Grand Prix car for the streets, extreme management of the airflow allows the Valkyrie to achieve over 3.5-G through high-speed corners, approximately three times that of a conventional sports car. All told, it can generate a genuinely tyre-bursting two tonnes of downforce.

Under the skin, there’s no steel to be found in the structure of the car. To achieve the best power-to-weight ratio, carbon fibre dominates the chassis, of which the engine is a fully stressed member. Rather than conventional mounts that dampen the experience, the 65-degree, naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V-12 is attached directly to the monocoque with four bolts. Created by Cosworth, who started on the project by developing a straight-three unit, the engine has a screaming red line of some 11,100 rpm. Fitted with an electric motor and a battery pack supplied by Rimac, the Valkyrie develops a total of 1,160 horsepower. This is sent to the rear wheels only via a Ricardo-manufactured seven-speed sequential gearbox.

Underlining the engineering boundaries being pushed throughout, Aston Martin says the rear brake light is the smallest and brightest ever fitted to a production car. What’s more, there are a reported 15,187 adjustable parameters across the Valkyrie. This led to the fitment of a hydraulics system with 17 different actuators borrowed from a Boeing Apache helicopter to keep pace with the active aerodynamics, double-wishbone suspension, and damping.

Then there’s the single windscreen wiper. While it was initially thought that the model might do without, the potential for a Valkyrie to one day be caught at a set of red lights in a downpour led Aston Martin to find a company that could provide a sleek unit that would not spoil the silhouette but would still clean the curved windscreen. As a result, after a year of investigation into the wiper alone, the car uses the same supplier as the Space Shuttle programme.

ASTON MARTIN AT ITS ZENITH

From the limited-production run of 150 road-going Valkyrie Coupés, the example offered here was built for the Asia-Pacific region in left-hand-drive form ahead of delivery to the consigning owner in Japan. The vendor’s extensive and beautiful configuration added almost £235,000 to the original list price of £2.5 million plus taxes. Unsurprisingly, chassis number 70098 formed part of the “Ultimate Personalisation” programme and is awash with Q by Aston Martin bespoke details.

Headlining the tasteful specification, the primary exterior colour is Zenith White. Further to covering the upper bodywork, this hue envelops the engine air intake and forms the pinstripe outlines for the side sills, front splitter, and rear diffuser. Providing an elegant contrast is the Blue exposed satin carbon fibre twill for the lower aerodynamic surfaces. This is complemented by the Midnight Blue Gloss side swage line and Q by Aston Martin Blue-tinted exposed gloss carbon fibre for the clam veins, cantrail, plus roof, and wiper mount. Combining the two prominent colourways, the engine air intake is appropriately inspired by Mount Fuji and graduates from Midnight Blue Gloss carbon fibre into Zenith White.

With great attention paid to every element of the Valkyrie, the upper suspension shrouds present in Gloss Midnight Blue and the Aston Martin winged badge is in Black Ultrafine. The engine plenum was configured in Gloss-lacquered carbon fibre, a Satin finish was applied to the headlamp scoops, and Zircotec Black selected for the exhaust tailpipes and muffler. Offering peace of mind, the entire exterior benefits from the factory installation of paint-protection film.

Completing the exquisite exterior package, Matte Black Magnesium Performance wheels were optioned at a £40,000 premium alone. They are accompanied by Satin Blue contrasting centre graphics and sit ahead of Alcon Black brake callipers machined from billet aluminium.

No less time was taken to appoint the ultra-focused interior. The upper dashboard, lower cockpit, and steering wheel rim are upholstered in Dark Knight Alcantara. Meanwhile, the large-size driver and passenger tub seat pads, arm rest, and door pocket are trimmed in Bespoke Blue Alcantara. The seat pads are enhanced by contrast stitching further to the Aston Martin wings logo embroidered into the headrests in Silver thread. Additional noteworthy optional extras include the exposed carbon fibre twill interior hardware pack and the machined titanium steering wheel toggle switches.

Under the care of the sole, commissioning owner, this obsessively configured Valkyrie has been sparingly driven. The car displayed—per the odometer located on the screen of the F1-inspired steering wheel—a mere 300 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. It is supplied with its owner’s guide folio, accessories case, and charging cables.

In December 2024, the vendor purchased a three-year service plan. The corresponding invoice is available to view on file. For more information, please speak to an RM Sotheby’s Specialist.

For its awe-inspiring incorporation of F1-honed technology, mesmeric performance, and outrageous design, the Valkyrie marks a seminal moment in hypercar history. This beautifully specified, single-owner example will be a star attraction wherever it is driven or displayed. A surefire headline addition to any collection the world over, the opportunity to acquire this incredibly tastefully configured car is not to be missed.