Unveiled in GT2 guise in 2008, the Aston Martin Vantage underwent a significant revamp for 2012, with the outgoing model replaced by two new derivatives: the V-8-powered Vantage GTE and the V12 Vantage GT3. However, despite external similarities, the two new models contrasted starkly in their philosophy and mechanical makeup. The former was conceived as a factory-built, factory-supported racecar, its primary aim being to attain class honors in the new World Endurance Championship and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. By contrast, the V12 Vantage GT3 was aimed primarily at privateer teams wishing to contest national and select international events, including the European Le Mans Series, British GT Championship, ADAC GT Masters, and Japanese Super GT Series, as well as other standalone races, such as the Spa and Nürburgring 24 Hours.

As with all Vantage-series competition cars, the V12 Vantage GT3 employed Aston Martin’s tried-and-tested bonded aluminum VH platform. The production V12 Vantage’s 6.0-liter engine was equipped with dry-sump lubrication and optimized to produce over 600 horsepower, while a six-speed, semi-automatic Xtrac gearbox transmitted power to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber driveshaft.

Significantly, the V12 Vantage GT3 incorporated learnings from both the DBR9 and Vantage GTE programs, with the engine lowered and moved rearward in the chassis to improve weight distribution and handling. Two-way adjustable dampers front and rear supplemented the conventional double-wishbone suspension, while substantial, six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston rear calipers augmented the braking system. Race-developed anti-lock braking and traction control systems were fitted, while extensive wind tunnel testing maximized the V12 Vantage GT3’s aerodynamic efficiency, the latter improved by an array of appendages, cut-outs, and an adjustable full-width rear wing.

The car’s impressive specification translated into immediate success on the racetrack, with some 18 wins, 30 podium finishes, and two championship titles in its maiden season. Thereafter, the V12 Vantage GT3 would proceed to win the British GT Championship four times over the next six years.

Commissioned by the consigning owner and completed in 2021 as part of a trio of factory-built Vantage racecars, this spectacular example was constructed by Aston Martin Racing from an unraced V12 Vantage GT3 chassis—the last of 47 created—and new, AMR-sourced ancillary components. Since completion it has covered just five laps of shakedown testing at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and remains an ideal candidate for a return to the racetrack in historic series such as the Masters GT Trophy and MRL GT3 Legends.