Despite what Star Trek fans may have originally thought, the Aston Martin Vulcan was not named after the U.S.S. Enterprise’s pointy-eared science officer. While Mr. Spock was primarily an agent of logical thinking and diplomacy, the inspiration for this particular supercar came from something altogether explosive and violent.
The Avro Vulcan was a strategic bomber used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1956 until 1984. Known for its advanced technology and powerful engines, the Vulcan was the backbone of the United Kingdom’s airborne nuclear deterrent force during the Cold War, often carrying devastating explosives such as the Blue Steel standoff missile. The Vulcan also used Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ as an RAF base in the past.
The aircraft was retired from active service long ago, and there only happens to be one airworthy example left. That very plane, a Vulcan XH558, is preparing for its final flight later this month, and Aston put together an amazing “Vulcan meets Vulcan” rendezvous to celebrate. Set at lvington Airfield in Yorkshire, England, the high-powered play date was a can’t-miss attraction, and you can see the evidence in the photos below.
The last remaining Vulcan XH558 is currently in the hands of a charitable trust called Vulcan To The Sky, the very same organization that will hold the jet’s final flight in the coming weeks. After it touches down for the final time, the plane will become the centerpiece of the educational Vulcan Aviation Academy & Heritage Center at England’s Robin Hood Airport.
As for the car itself, the track-only vehicle is nearly as potent as its air-going cousin, as it features a massive 7.0-liter V12 with more than 800 horsepower. All 24 planned models were built at a secret facility in the West Midlands, with each costing in the neighborhood of $2.3 million.
