Aston Martin Twenty Twenty: The Concept Car That Broke the Rules and Left Britishness Behind

Designed in collaboration with Italdesign and powered by a 500-hp V12, this 2001 concept boldly imagined what Aston Martin could look like in the year 2020.

The least British Aston Martin ever built

When Aston Martin unveiled the Twenty Twenty Concept at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, it wasn’t just another design study — it was a clear break from tradition. Its name directly referenced the year 2020, projecting a bold, forward-thinking vision of the brand’s future. Most strikingly, it was developed in collaboration with Italdesign, the legendary Italian design house led by Giorgetto Giugiaro, making it arguably the most Italian-influenced Aston Martin ever created.

Radical design: exposed aluminium, carbon fibre and avant-garde styling

The Twenty Twenty stood out thanks to its visible aluminium spaceframe, used both as a structural and design element. Its body panels were made of carbon fibre and plastic, creating an aerodynamic form that featured a sharp front end and slim headlights, clearly anticipating the styling cues of Aston Martin’s modern lineup. Inside, a mix of classic materials like leather and wood blended seamlessly with futuristic elements, underlining the concept’s mission to merge tradition with innovation.

A real V12 engine, unfiltered and unapologetic

Despite its futuristic looks, the Twenty Twenty stayed true to performance. Under the hood was the naturally aspirated 5.9-litre V12 from the DB7 Vantage, tuned to produce 500 horsepower. It was paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, proving that this wasn’t just a static showpiece — it was a fully functional prototype built to be driven. The mid-engine layout and visible reinforced aluminium roll bar gave it the profile of a supercar rather than a grand tourer.

From Geneva to Goodwood: a concept with a story

Following its debut, the Twenty Twenty didn’t disappear into obscurity. It made an appearance at the 2005 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and was later showcased again during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Italdesign. These events cemented its status as a visionary creation and a rare example of a concept car that was both a design experiment and a functional vehicle.

A bridge between two worlds: British heritage with Italian soul

Today, the Aston Martin Twenty Twenty is remembered as one of the boldest concept cars of the early 2000s. It was a true statement piece, blending British GT passion with the stylistic precision of Italian design. Though it never reached production, its legacy endures — a shining example of how visionary design can shape a brand’s identity for years to come.