A one-of-a-kind Aston Martin Cygnet with a monstrous 430HP V8 engine has surfaced for sale, turning heads once again. Originally built by Aston Martin for a passionate customer, this pocket-sized powerhouse can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a thrilling 170 mph!
From City Car to Track Beast
Back in the late 2000s, Aston Martin’s CEO at the time, Uli Betz, approved a bold project—rebranding the compact Toyota iQ as a luxury microcar. However, one customer had an even crazier idea: stuff a V8 engine into it. Thus, the Super Cygnet was born.
Debuting at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this compact yet ferocious car roared its way up the famous Goodwood Hill, leaving spectators in awe. Now, this ultra-rare factory-built V8 Cygnet is up for grabs through Nicholas Mee & Co.
Aston Martin’s Ultimate Transformation
Transforming the humble Cygnet into a V8-powered machine wasn’t a simple engine swap. The Aston Martin engineering team spent 10 months reworking the entire car:
- Engine Swap: The original 1.33L, 97HP Toyota engine was replaced with a 4.7L, 430HP V8 from the Vantage S.
- Drivetrain Overhaul: Since the Cygnet was front-wheel drive, Aston had to install the Vantage’s front and rear subframes, converting it to rear-wheel drive.
- Enhanced Interior: A roll cage, Recaro bucket seats, and a carbon-fiber dashboard with Vantage gauges made their way inside.
- Wider Stance & Aerodynamics: The modifications resulted in a significantly wider track, making the tiny hatchback more stable at high speeds.
Aston Martin Super Cygnet Performance
This Super Cygnet isn’t just for show—it’s a serious performance machine. With 430HP under the hood and a 7-speed Sport Shift transmission, the car rockets from 0-62 mph in just 4.2 seconds. If you dare, it can push to 170 mph (274 km/h)—an astonishing speed for a car of its size.
Its short 79.5-inch wheelbase makes it a thrilling (and slightly twitchy) ride, as seen in its 2018 Goodwood Hill Climb run. Despite its compact dimensions, this V8-powered mutant demands respect on the road.
Aston Martin Cygnet Rare & Pricey
This one-off masterpiece has only 2,900 miles (4,700 km) on the odometer. Given its uniqueness, it's no surprise that it's listed with a Price on Application (POA). However, Nicholas Mee & Co. has hinted at a staggering £450,000 ($566,000) price tag.
For comparison:
- A regular Aston Martin Cygnet sells for around £28,000 ($35,000).
- A standard Toyota iQ can be found for just £4,000 ($5,000).
- With £450,000, you could buy a brand-new Aston Martin Vantage—but it won’t be as outrageous as this V8-powered city car!
Aston Martin Cygnet Specifications
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Conclusion
This Aston Martin Super Cygnet is a dream come true for enthusiasts who appreciate quirky, high-performance vehicles. It’s a car that defies logic—a city runabout turned into a track weapon. While the price is sky-high, there’s no denying its collector’s appeal.
Would you buy this tiny monster if you had the cash? 🔥ðŸ’