Very Rare, Genuine Aston Martin Key Ring (1999)
In 1999, in honour of the 40th anniversary of Aston Martin’s 1959 victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 40 exclusive supercharged versions of their V8 Vantage were built. It was unveiled next to the race-winning DBR1/2 at the 1999 Geneva Motor show, and dubbed the Vantage Le Mans V600.
With each car, a sterling silver key ring was given to its first owner, which could make this key ring one of only 40 existing ones. What's more, as you'll read below, this key ring is extremely rare due to its dating and additional marks. To top it off, this key ring in particular clearly shows evidence of use, testifying to it having been put to use. This additional layer of authenticity, completing the Aston Martin experience, confirms that this key ring has been held in the people's hands, not just seen through the glass of a display case.
For us, this key ring is symbolic for what we do: keeping Astons on the road to be enjoyed.
Why is this key ring so rare?
Maker or sponsor's mark
Maker or sponsor's mark
Maker or sponsor's mark
The first icon shows (in this case) two letters of the sponsor's name, Aston Martin, within a shield (or various shape).
Quality
Maker or sponsor's mark
Maker or sponsor's mark
The second (mandatory) icon designates the precious metal content of the object. 925 refers to Sterling Silver.
Assay Office Mark
Maker or sponsor's mark
Assay Office Mark
The anchor (third icon) is indicative of the location at which the article was tested and marked, in this case in Birmingham.
Date
Commemorative mark
Assay Office Mark
In order to date the mark, the fourth icon indicates the year. Different fonts and shapes have been used to cycle through the alphabet, with this particular letter Z indicating 1999.
Voluntary mark
Commemorative mark
Commemorative mark
This fifth mark is called a "lion passant" or ' a lion walking, with the right forepaw raised and all other paws on the ground'. Since the 14th century, English standard silver was designated with the use of the "lion passant" mark which dictates that the (sterling) silver is 11 ounces and two pennyweights in the Troy pound (925 parts in 1000). This mark is no longer mandatory (replaced by 925), which shows that the maker considered this item special, wishing to add additional value to
Commemorative mark
Commemorative mark
Commemorative mark
It is this last icon, a cross with the numbers 2000 (clockwise) that makes this key ring so special. While silver assayed in 2000 usually bore the millennium mark or the letter a (signifying a new cycle of the alphabet), this key ring was made in 1999, suggesting it belonged of the very first owners of the Vantage Le Mans.
these commemorative key rings are also seen in...
Tyrrell's Classic Workshop
In his video, he describes some of the history of the V600, and shows off some of its stunning features.
Bonhams Cars Auction Website
As part of the 2018 sale of number 19 out of 40, this type key ring is featured in one of its images, showing it along side the owners guide ans some other collector's items.