CC100 Speedster – Marks 100 years with Aston Martin

Aston Martin’s CC100 Speedster is a striking blend of past and future, encapsulating the brand’s rich motorsport legacy while offering a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.

Launched in 2013 as a one-off concept to celebrate Aston Martin’s 100th anniversary, this roadster stands out not just for its aesthetic nod to the classic DBR1 but also for its sheer performance and innovation.

And while the CC100’s exterior may look a little old school, rest assured that under that lengthy carbon hood is a traditionally-modern big V12 engine…

CC100 Speedster – A Homage to Motorsport History

The design of the CC100 takes heavy inspiration from Aston Martin’s 1959 DBR1, a car synonymous with the golden age of motorsport.

The DBR1 clinched victories at both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Nürburgring 1000km in the same year, a feat that the CC100 proudly reflects.

Designed by Miles Nurnberger and Sam Holgate, the CC100 embraces the spirit of the past, boasting cutaway doors, an open cockpit, and rear buttresses — a nod to the classic speedsters of yore.

However, it’s not just about looks. Underneath the carbon fiber bodywork lies a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, capable of producing exhilarating speeds.

The doors are the merest of meagre apertures – the car seats two and there’s not a windscreen in sight – while the rear-end is as racy – all diffusers and carbon – as the front is snaky.

One of the most notable aspects of the CC100 is its swan doors — a sophisticated and dramatic touch that makes entry as exciting as the drive itself.

The lack of a roof and windshield serves as a bold reminder that the CC100 is a true speedster concept, evoking a raw and visceral driving experience.

With a limited top speed of 180 mph and a 0-62 mph time of just over four seconds, this car is as much about performance as it is about design.

Design and Performance

Aston Martin wanted the CC100 to be more than just a museum piece. In fact, the CC100 was meticulously designed and constructed within six months, demonstrating the flexibility and prowess of Aston Martin’s design team.

The car’s architecture is based on the VH (Vertical Horizontal) platform, which Aston Martin has used for several of its recent models.

The use of carbon fiber not only gives the car an aggressive and sleek look but also ensures a lightweight build, further enhancing performance.

the The CC100 interior is classy, including Aston Martin’s trademark hand-crafted tan leather bucket seats, lavished in Alcantara.

With a full carbon body and interior, a quite stripped cockpit, the smallest of doors and zero roof, the CC100 must be as light any Aston as you can’t buy.

Engineering Marvel

The heart of the CC100 is the 6.0-liter V12 engine, an iteration of Aston Martin’s AM11 unit. With over 510 horsepower, the car provides a thrilling ride, with power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission

Though some have noted the absence of modern dual-clutch technology, the sequential gearbox delivers a more traditional and engaging driving experience. This choice seems fitting for a concept vehicle that is so heavily rooted in Aston Martin’s racing past.

The CC100’s powertrain enables drivers to hit 62 mph from a standstill in just over four seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 180 mph.

This speedster concept is designed not just for the track, but also for an exhilarating open-road experience, which is what Aston Martin’s legacy is all about. 

DBR1 inspiration from the late 50s

One of the highlights of the CC100’s performance is its light weight, made possible by its carbon fiber construction.

The absence of a roof and windshield further reduce the car’s mass, allowing for a more responsive and agile ride.

This, combined with its powerful V12 engine, makes the CC100 a thrilling vehicle to drive, offering an unfiltered connection between the driver and the road.

CC100 Speedster Specifications at a Glance

• Engine: 6.0L AM11 V12
• Power: 510+ hp
• Transmission: 6-speed automated sequential manual
• 0-62 mph: 4.0 seconds (approx.)
• Top Speed: 180 mph (limited)
• Weight: Lightweight carbon fiber construction
• Body Style: Open-cockpit speedster
• Chassis: Aston Martin VH platform​
  
  

Exclusive Rarity

Only two CC100 Speedsters were produced, making them among the rarest vehicles in Aston Martin’s storied history. Both were sold to loyal customers, with one being kept in a private collection while the other was rumored to be undergoing road-legal modifications.

This level of exclusivity has made the CC100 a highly coveted collector’s item, a fitting status for a car that was created to mark such a significant milestone in Aston Martin’s history.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy Continued

Beyond its rarity, the CC100 has had a lasting impact on Aston Martin’s design language and future models.

The open-cockpit concept has been carried forward into production vehicles like the V12 Speedster, which was introduced in 2020 as part of the brand’s continued exploration of raw, performance-oriented vehicles.

The V12 Speedster, much like the CC100, forgoes modern conveniences such as a roof and windshield to provide an unfiltered driving experience​ (Aston Martin CC100 ).

The Aston Martin Valkyrie draws from CC100’s inspirational design

The CC100 Speedster’s influence can be clearly seen in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, a hypercar that also pushes the boundaries of lightweight design and performance.

While the Valkyrie is far more advanced in terms of technology and engineering, the spirit of innovation that was first explored in the CC100 clearly lives on.

Modern-Day Connections and Cultural Impact

Since its debut, the Aston Martin CC100 has remained a touchstone for the brand’s design philosophy, blending traditional aesthetics with modern performance.

Its unveiling at the 2013 ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring was a memorable moment in Aston Martin’s centenary celebrations, with the car paraded alongside the DBR1. Driven by Sir Stirling Moss, the event was a poignant tribute to Aston Martin’s racing heritage​.

Even though the CC100 is a concept car and not a production model, it continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Its influence is visible not only in Aston Martin’s current lineup but also in the broader automotive world, where retro-inspired designs with modern technology have become increasingly popular.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Automotive Art

The Aston Martin CC100 is a unique creation that blends the best of the brand’s racing history with cutting-edge design and engineering. It serves as a testament to Aston Martin’s ability to innovate while remaining true to its roots.

Whether admired for its design, its performance, or its rarity, the CC100 remains an iconic vehicle that showcases what the British marque does best: combining beauty, power, and exclusivity.

While Aston Martin continues to evolve, producing cars like the DB12 and Valkyrie, the CC100 will always hold a special place in the brand’s history—a pure celebration of what makes Aston Martin a true legend in the automotive world.

By Dan Anslow

This article was updated on 26 September 2024

For those intrigued by Aston Martin’s performance lineage, don’t miss Smart Motoring’s in-depth look at the 2024 Aston Martin Vantage—a V8-powered marvel.