Aston Martin reveals V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 limited edition

Aston Martin has announced it will celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the Spitfire World War II fighter plane with eight special editions based on its V12 Vantage S.

Marking 80 years since the first Spitfire first took flight, the special edition is the work of the British car-maker's Q personalisation service.

Featuring actual components supplied by the UK-based Aircraft Restoration Company, that keeps Spitfires flying, the Aston coupe gets exhaust tailpipes that are finished in the same 'rainbow bloom' as the actual Spitfire's exhaust.

Aluminium bracing in the cabin is also inspired by the Spitfire's cockpit rear strut brace.

Painted only in dark green, all cars come with contrasting yellow pinstripes along the side that are matched with painted bonnet louvres and brake callipers in the same hue.

On request, Spitfire customers can also have a Spitfire serial number lacquered into the side strakes that are mounted on the front wing.

The Aston Martin wing-badge, meanwhile, is made of sterling silver.

Inside, the Spitfire 80 theme continues with embroidered headrests and floor mats made of saddle leather and sheepskin - hinting at the flying jackets worn by WWII pilots.

Speaking of which, a special Aston Martin Spitfire 80 jacket, flying helmet and goggles are also available as an option with every car.

Finally, every Spitfire 80 V12 Vantage gets an aircraft identification code that's matched to one of the original aircraft.

Under the skin the 421kW/620Nm 5.9-litre V12 carries over unchanged, meaning it will still hit 100km/h in the same 3.9 seconds the regular car takes.

If you can find the right spot, it'll tops out at 330km/h.

It's not known if any of the eight cars will reach Australia, but in the UK the V12 S Spitfire 80 limited edition has gone on sale for £180,000 (around $315,000) - a hefty $69,000 more than the price Aston charges for the base car. But the car-maker says for every car sold Aston Martin Cambridge (the dealer all eight cars are available through) will make a donation to an RAF welfare charity.

All eight cars will also shun the usual dealer handover.

Instead, the Spitfire 80 owners will be invited to a special ceremony at the Imperial War Museum Duxford where a talk will be given by a Spitfire veteran before owners are invited to watch a demonstration display with the iconic aircraft that inspired the car.