Cars
The Astonishing Journey of the V8-Powered Miniature Marvel
2025-02-28
The Aston Martin Cygnet began as a modest city car collaboration between British luxury automaker Aston Martin and Toyota. Initially introduced in 2011, it was envisioned to enhance Aston Martin’s environmental footprint by offering a compact, fuel-efficient vehicle. However, its brief production run and limited sales led to its discontinuation. Fast forward to 2018, an extraordinary transformation emerged when a one-off V8-powered Cygnet debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This unique supercar, now available for purchase, has captivated enthusiasts with its powerful engine and bespoke craftsmanship.

Discover the World's Smallest Supercar: A Masterpiece Reborn

Origins of a Unique Collaboration

The story begins in 2011 when Aston Martin partnered with Toyota to introduce the Cygnet, a downsized version of Toyota’s iQ city car. Despite retaining the original iQ’s diminutive size and modest 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the Cygnet received an upscale makeover. Aston Martin infused it with signature design elements, luxurious leather interiors, and a premium price tag. The goal was to reduce the brand’s overall emissions by offsetting the larger engines found in other Aston Martin models. However, the Cygnet struggled to find a market, leading to its cancellation after just two years.

A One-Off Marvel Emerges

In 2018, the Cygnet made headlines once again, this time as a one-of-a-kind creation. A special customer commissioned Aston Martin to transform the tiny city car into a powerhouse. The result was nothing short of spectacular. Equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine from the Vantage S sports car, the modified Cygnet boasted a staggering 430 horsepower. Its performance metrics were equally impressive, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, surpassing even the Vantage that shared its engine. Aston Martin factory driver Darren Turner tested the vehicle, reaching speeds up to 155 mph on the runway.

The Legacy Lives On

Today, this remarkable creation, known as the Super Cygnet, is available for sale through Nicholas Mee & Company, a renowned British Aston Martin specialist. Painted in a striking Buckinghamshire Green, the car features a bespoke interior with black Alcantara suede and carbon fiber accents. It includes climate control, a carbon dashboard with Vantage instruments, Recaro racing bucket seats, and a full roll cage. Having covered only 2,900 miles since its transformation, the Super Cygnet has been meticulously maintained and professionally stored throughout its life. Originally rumored to have cost between £250,000 and £500,000, it remains a highly sought-after piece of automotive history.
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