Aston Martin Tempest classic cars for sale

History of the Aston Martin Tempest

The Aston Martin Tempest story is rooted in the tradition of the British manufacturer’s attention to personalisation and detail, a legacy dating back to 1913. As the pursuit of exclusivity intensified over the decades, Aston Martin carved out a niche for curated palettes, each one designed to fit the character and seasonality its clientele demanded. The Tempest specification emerged from this culture—a colour, not just a model, representing a distinct approach to customisation. Teams obsessed over chemistry and application, handcrafting paint with a dedication unrivalled elsewhere.

Model history

While not defined by its mechanical evolution, the Tempest designation highlights a particular period of Aston Martin’s emphasis on bespoke finishes. Rather than naming a sequence of sporting models as predecessors or successors, Tempest denotes a trim or specification offered across multiple model lines—each brought to life through the highly sought-after Tempest Blue. Its presence in the range was a response to client demand for truly individual vehicles and set a benchmark for future colour innovation at Aston Martin.

Highlights of the Aston Martin Tempest

What sets the Tempest apart is the artisanal paint process: each car specified with Tempest Blue receives nine coats of paint, hand-applied by a dedicated team of fifty, resulting in a finish unique under different lighting. This bespoke treatment enhances sharp character lines and sophisticated bodywork, increasing recognition and value among connoisseurs. The hue itself—a blend of midnight blue, grey, and black—was engineered to deliver a shifting, luminous effect.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Tempest is itself a special edition—a hand-finished, limited-availability colour offering within the Aston Martin line-up. No further known mechanical or trim variants of Tempest exist; its collectability stems directly from the exceptional paint process and the limited number of vehicles produced in this shade.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Data on mechanical weak spots specific to the Tempest models is limited, as the unique element pertains to paintwork. However, those considering acquisition should pay extra attention to the finish: due to the multi-layer hand-applied process, even minor repair work to the body may require specialist hands and original materials to preserve integrity and value. It is recommended to seek vehicles with comprehensive documentation on the painting process and with certified repairs when necessary.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

As the Tempest specification was offered across different Aston Martin models, performance characteristics depend on the underlying chassis. Enthusiasts will find V8 and V12 engines typical of the era, with tailored suspensions and transmissions delivering the blend of Gran Turismo comfort and sporting composure for which the marque is renowned. The unique selling point remains the interplay between the car’s dynamics and the arresting visual depth provided by the Tempest finish. Popular base models ordered with Tempest included contemporary Vantage and DB line vehicles, each combining advanced engineering with the distinguished Tempest aesthetic.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The focal point of the Tempest specification is the unique exterior colour—Tempest Blue—applied in a process involving nine layers and fifty specialists. The paint’s reflective qualities give the car a chameleon-like presence, switching from dark, almost black, to subtle blue depending on the light. Interiors on these bespoke vehicles often followed suit, with custom material choices and trimming available on request, further enhancing exclusivity. Special accessories and badging may denote the Tempest’s unique nature on certain models, reinforcing its individuality.

Other relevant features

Potential buyers should note that official certification or documentation regarding the original Tempest finish enhances provenance; buyers and sellers alike should include this information in any transaction. The Tempest’s hand-applied finish makes each car one-of-a-kind even within its series.

Summary

The Aston Martin Tempest specification exemplifies the marque’s dedication to individuality and detail, with an artisan paint process expertly finished by hand. Offered across select models, its exclusivity is defined not by numbers but by the skill and imagination invested in every example. For enthusiasts interested in design, bespoke finishing, and market rarity, the Tempest remains among Aston Martin’s most distinctive achievements.