The name Aston Martin is synonymous with quality and style, and so it is satisfying to note that Design by Dante has had a small part to play in the history of this prestigious British car company.
In 1996 the owner of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage commissioned Design by Dante to convert the sports car into an estate, or Shooting Brake, with sufficient space in the rear of the car for the family dog. The specification of the original V8 Vantage was such that the successful conclusion of the project would result in the creation of the world's fastest hatchback.
The car incorporated all of the elements associated with the Aston Martin brand, and so empathy of the quintessential British styling and decor was required to ensure that the beauty of the vehicle was retained, without diminishing the driving performance. Indeed, many hours were spent in the design studio before work on the conversion began.
Once the rear of the car had been carefully removed, the lengthy process of extending the body to include the new cabin commenced. The seamless addition of the new section was achieved by meticulously handcrafting the various metal panels into place, and welding them with precision to the chassis, an art in which Dante Rubli, the proprietor of Design by Dante, is expert, having had more than twenty years experience in the field of car restoration. The curvaceous lines of the original vehicle were captured with remarkable flair, and the addition of a metallic British Racing Green finish, with complimentary leather interior, enhanced the overall appearance. The finished vehicle was both aesthetically appealing and technically outstanding. The 5.3 litre engine developed more than 600 bhp, while the acceleration was a breathtaking 0-60 in less than four seconds. With a top speed of 185 mph, the converted car could justifiably claim to be the fastest hatchback in the world.
The subsequent acclamations of the V8 Vantage Shooting Brake, as the car was correctly termed, were such that it was sold to the former director of the UBS Bank, Marcel Ospel, who in-turn donated the vehicle to the Lucerne Museum of Transport. Here it can be viewed as part of the extensive collection, a visual testament to the creative ability of both the British car company, Aston Martin, and the Swiss artist, Dante Rubli.
To view a gallery of photographs showing the various stages of the conversion work, click here
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