Aston Martin “Arcadia” Tokyo 2023: A thrilling three-day spectacle comes to a close

ASTON MARTIN "ARCADIA" TOKYO 2023 CONCOURS (Tokyo - Asakusa Temple) 

The Aston Martin Concours d'Elegance took place on November 17th and 18th with over 70 very special Aston Martin models from the past century gathered at the prestigious Senso-ji Temple - the first time any automotive manufacturer has been given this kind of permission. As part of the breathtaking display, DB12 Volante made its regional debut, along with the Aston Martin Valour - the ultra-exclusive front-engine V12 sports car with manual transmission; a car that truly represents the ultimate in undiluted and visceral driving experiences. 

An esteemed panel of industry experts judged the cars in eight categories, including a hypercar class and classic cars pre-dating 1940. The iconic Aston Martin Cygnet also had a dedicated class, with 20 examples residing here in Japan. The Concours d'Elegance 'Best in Show' was unanimously awarded to "Aston Martin Speed Model Type C LMF385 " by the judging panel, praised for its rarity, elegance, and impeccable condition. 'Public Favorite'  was awarded to " Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato" by the public vote. 

Upon completion of the awards ceremony, the largest Aston Martin owners' parade ever seen in the APAC region then took place, with 50 cars starting from the Senso-ji Temple. Garnering huge crowds of attention in Japan's capital, the parade brought drama and intensity to the streets of Tokyo, and concluded the Concours in spectacular fashion. 

After the parade in Tokyo, the Arcadia continued at the foot of Mount Fuji, welcoming Aston Martin owners to a spectacular Gala dinner and charity auction at the Fuji Speedway Hotel.  With the support of Aston Martin partners such as NOT A HOTEL, QUINTESSENTIALLY, POMMERY, AUTOGLYM, and GINORI 1735, Bowers & Wilkins, J. Laverack, and VIBROA the evening raised a total of 35.4 million Yen. Following an exciting bidding war, the hammer fell on the final auction item, a 2024 Formula 1® replica car at an outstanding bid of 29 million Yen.  All proceeds from the auction, will be donated in full to the Japanese Red Cross. 

Each owner will be invited to Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon where a full fitting will take place with the founders of J.Laverack, providing limitless opportunity to customise their uniquely personal .1R. Customers can select the exact same colour palettes and trim choices available on Aston Martin's cars, providing the opportunity to pair car and bike, should they wish to.

Meanwhile, everyone will be able to specify their dream version of a .1R courtesy of the integration of the road bicycle into Aston Martin's multi-award-winning online configurator. As well as the saddle and handlebar tape, this digital tool allows users to individually specify the colour of the tubes, lugs, forks, stem, seat post and handlebar drops.

If desired, the carbon fibre can of course be left bare in order to show off the beauty of the material. Accents such as the bottom bracket cups, brake calipers, and the brake disc centres have a special ceramic coating that can be picked out in bronze or muted in black.

When a customer then takes delivery of their custom J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R, they will notice that each bike and its components such as hubs, cranks and frame are numbered, forever linking them as part of a whole. The bicycle will also be supplied with its own case, either in aluminium or carbon, which will double as both a travel solution and somewhere to display the .1R appropriately. Each .1R travel case will also include a track pump that matches the bike, featuring Alcantara or leather covered handles, and sits securely inside the protective cases.

ASTON MARTIN TRACK DAY (Fuji Speedway)

On Sunday, November 19th, the largest gathering of Aston Martin cars and owners in APAC history was held at the Fuji Speedway - 110 cars in total. During the opening ceremony, guests were allowed to access the track and walk the Aston Martin ARCADIA Gallery; a selection of unique models manufactured by the marque displayed on the home straight, including the first mid-engine hybrid Valhalla, the 2023 Formula One® replica, the thrilling open cockpit DBR22, the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation, and Valour. 

Once the track went live, owners were given the opportunity to explore the full potential of their Aston Martins on the circuit during four dedicated sessions: Heritage Run, Family Run, Special Racing Run, and a Finale Parade Run. Hot Laps in DBX707, the world's most powerful ultra-luxury SUV were also on offer, showcasing the truly exceptional performance of the marque's acclaimed SUV. The Airbus ACH130 Aston Martin Edition also made a special appearance at Fuji Speedway, flying in from Australia especially for ARCADIA. 

Guests were also hosted trackside in Paddock hospitality, where guests could also experience the new Aston Martin Valhalla VR Experience, created to provide an incredible specification environment for owners of the sensational Aston Martin Valhalla, the brand's first hybrid supercar.