Built at the height of the Cold War, the British were looking for a way to strategically deliver nuclear warheads to their target under the radar. Spurred by the Manhattan Project and the subsequent bombing of the two Japanese cities in 1945, the Vulcan was designed to carry a tactical payload of circa 4,500 kg with a cruising speed of 500 knots or 930 km/h. Sophisticated it was not, but an icon it sure was.
Aston Martin on the other hand has decided to christen its latest track munching monster after this iconic British delta-winged bomber. Now for the keener readers of Autobuzz, you’d be asking why we’re writing about the Vulcan once again after it made its debut at Goodwood a few months back. The answer is simple, as you will soon find out. And no, the Royal Air Force didn’t bring the Vulcan out of retirement for a day out in the fields.
Codenamed Vulcan XH558 – currently being operated by the charitable trust Vulcan To The Sky – is due to retire from ‘active service’ in October. Ahead of that final flight, the famous Cold War-era long range bomber was paired with the Aston Martin Vulcan – via a special fly-past at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire.
Uniquely for Aston Martin’s the new supercar track weapon –it’s limited to just 24 examples worldwide and for good reason. This McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX-K rival costs an unbelievable £1.5 million or RM9.96 million (at time of press). However, should you belong to the ultra-exclusive billionaire racing clubs and want an 800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin, then look no further. But for the rest of us blue-collared chaps, simply check out the gallery and video.
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