Aston Martin AM3

Vehicle Overview

The Aston Martin AM3, crafted by Scott A. Barras at Pininfarina Studi e Ricerchi in 1995, emerged from the core of an Aston Martin Vantage 600 chassis. It arose from a special request by the Sultan of Brunei, leading the carrozzeria to engage AML with a collaborative endeavor. AML provided complete rolling and running chassis to coachbuilders, Coggiola near Turin, for unique coachwork draped in bespoke interiors envisioned by Pininfarina. Distinctive and peculiar, the AM3 boasts a composite nose cone incorporating lights and grille, evoking imagery akin to rubber-bumpered MGB GTs or American sports cars donning ‘black bra’ coverings. Rear lights lie concealed behind a smoked black panel shaped to mimic the AM grille, granting the car a captivating presence as if poised on a perpetual turntable. Although never formally unveiled to the public, AM3 was immortalized in 1/43 scale by Ban Seng. Pininfarina presented five potential designs to the client, labeled AM1 to AM5, yet only design numbers 3 and 4 transitioned into production. The renditions of AM1, AM2, and AM5 remain shrouded in secrecy, unlikely to surface publicly. Contrary to the muscular curves of its sibling, the Aston Martin AM4, reminiscent of older DB5-6 models, the AM3 embodies a sleeker, modern silhouette. Its design, characterized by contrasting extremities inspired by Aston Martin’s classic grill shape, marks a departure towards contemporary elegance.