The Centenary Rapide S has been limited, as fitting for the occasion to just 100 cars, each finished to an exacting specification. One of the most striking feature of the Centennial Edition Rapide S is the use of unique ‘gradiated’ 2-tone paint scheme of Skyfall Silver with inner Meteorite Silver contrast on the bonnet of the car. The unique gradiated paint scheme is achieved by a meticulous process that adds an additional 18 man hours to the painting of the car. The darker inner colour is applied to the panels with a special “mini–jet” spray gun and once applied, the panel is then sanded using a very fine abrasive pad and a fresh coat of lacquer is applied. The panel is then finally sanded and polished to ensure that the line between the light and dark colours is totally smooth to even the lightest touch.
All the Centenary Editions receive bespoke sterling silver AM wings badges, to a new design featuring additional rays within the wings visible through the transparent enamel. Numbered sill plaques, individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark and also of sterling silver are fitted.
The interior is finished in Deep-soft Obsidian Black Leather, previously only available of the One-77. It is similar to semi-aniline hide but goes through a more labour-intensive and exclusive process and dried naturally compared to normal semi-aniline that is forced dried. This makes the leather much softer and richer in its feel.
Detailed specification of the Rapide Centenary Edition is as follows:-
- ‘Gradiated’ 2-tone paint scheme of Skyfall Silver with Meteorite Silver contrast along the bonnet and roof
- Rear diffuser in contrast Meteorite Silver
- Also available as single tone Skyfall Silver or single tone Meteorite Silver
- 10-spoke Silver Diamond Turned Wheels
- Silver Brake Calipers
- Deep-soft Obsidian Black Leather and welt with silver stitching
- Silver thread embroidery of Aston Martin wings in the headrests
- Tailor Grey Blend Alcantara Headlining
- Obsidian Black Carpet and Binding
- Piano Black pack
- Black steering wheel
- Obsidian Black Parcel Shelf
- Obsidian Black Parcel Shelf Strap
- 1000W B&O BeoSound system
- Customer Presentation Box with gifts
The Chinese market versions of the Centenary Edition cars differ from much of the rest of the world as they have a unique ‘gradiated’ 2-tone paint scheme of Dana Point White primary / Lightning Silver contrast. This has been contrasted with an interior of Chancellor Red Semi-aniline leather with silver stitching and silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the headrests. It will also be possible for customers to specify either Dana Point White or Lightning Silver as single tone paint.
Perhaps the most successful of the 2013 special editions, 49 examples Rapide S Centenary Editon were built. Although extremely rare in Europe, they were popular in the North American and Chinese markets.
Images supplied with the kind assitance of Aston Martin Lagonda
