A Vantage engine in a compact car? The Cygnet V8 is a true anomaly in Aston Martin’s history!
Imagine a city car designed to be economical and discreet, then transformed into a pocket rocket with a roaring V8 under the hood. No, this isn’t a joke—the one and only Aston Martin Cygnet V8, a completely insane creation from the brand’s Q division, is now up for sale. With just a few thousand kilometers on the clock, this car blends absurdity with extreme performance and might just be the most improbable collector’s item in Aston Martin’s history.
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Aston Martin Cygnet: Turning a compact car into a monster
Originally, the Cygnet was Aston Martin’s attempt to meet European emissions regulations by offering a luxury version of the Toyota iQ. It was an unusual idea that resulted in a city car with luxury finishes but without the performance typically associated with the brand. But one wealthy customer had other plans. Through the Q by Aston Martin customization program, they commissioned a radical transformation—replacing the Cygnet’s small engine with the 4.7-liter V8 from the Vantage S. The result? 430 horsepower sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed Sportshift automated gearbox. With a curb weight of just 1,375 kg (3,031 lbs), this souped-up Cygnet boasts an insane power-to-weight ratio and rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 170 mph.
A technical sheet that defies logic
Turning a city car into a supercar isn’t something that happens overnight. Aston Martin had to start with a stripped-down shell, reinforce it with a roll cage, and modify the front and rear subframes from the Vantage to accommodate the much larger V8 engine. This 10-month-long project culminated in its debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it immediately captured the attention of enthusiasts. Of course, fitting such immense power into such a compact frame required serious braking power. Aston Martin equipped the car with ventilated brake discs, six-piston calipers up front, and four-piston calipers in the rear, paired with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
A unique car that won’t stay on the market for long
This V8-powered Cygnet is a completely one-of-a-kind piece in Aston Martin’s history, making it highly desirable for collectors. Since its initial registration in 2018, it has only covered 4,700 km (2,920 mi) and has been meticulously maintained by Aston Martin itself. The interior is the perfect blend of luxury and sportiness, featuring Alcantara-wrapped Recaro seats, a carbon fiber dashboard, and all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable drive—assuming you have the courage to handle a V8 in such a short-wheelbase car. Now listed for sale by British dealer Nicholas Mee, this Cygnet V8 comes with its one-of-a-kind user manual, a custom car cover, and complete documentation detailing its transformation.
A mechanical madness that could skyrocket in value
Some of the most bizarre cars often become the most valuable over time, and this Aston Martin Cygnet V8 checks every box for a future collector’s gem. A luxury city car turned track beast, a one-off build, and a story that borders on the absurd—its price might only increase in the coming years.
Check out the Aston Martin Cygnet V8 sale listing
This article explores the unique story of the Aston Martin Cygnet V8, a city car transformed into a high-performance monster thanks to a Vantage engine. With supercar-level performance and absolute exclusivity, it stands as a true anomaly in the automotive world and a rare opportunity for collectors.
Images: © Nicholas Mee
