Aston Martin is as synonymous with British culture as the Royal family, a Black Cab or Big Ben. Yet over the years its products have often underperformed the strength of its identity, and the company has faced more than its share of challenges. In the late 2010s Aston was confronted with costly EU emission taxes. A range powered only by eight and twelve cylinder engines was never going to meet efficiency targets, so a smaller and more economical car was needed. Developing one from scratch would have been too expensive, so a partnership with Toyota was formed, using the IQ as a base. Aston then spent around 150 hours refining and retrimming the model into a true ultra luxury city car. The result was the Cygnet. Its Toyota roots are still visible, but Aston design touches stand out, including bespoke lighting, bumpers, trims and bonnet vents inspired by the V12 Vantage. This example sits on 16 inch, 16 spoke alloys with diamond cut faces. Inside, the transformation continues. Hard plastics from the IQ are wrapped in leather and Alcantara, with bright red and black seats. The instrument cluster carries Aston branding, though much of the functionality remains Toyota derived. Mechanically, the Cygnet is pure IQ, with a 1.3 litre engine producing 97 bhp and paired to a CVT automatic gearbox. True to Toyota form, it is reliable and durable. This car has covered only 416 miles from new, making it an extraordinary survivor. It has had just one owner and has been serviced annually despite the minimal mileage. The records list eight services, the most recent in June 2024 at 403 miles by Shelby Vehicle Services. The Cygnet was originally intended to sell in large numbers, both to loyal Aston customers and newcomers seeking a lower entry point. That plan failed, and production ended in 2013. Fewer than 800 were built in total, with only about 150 reaching the UKmaking it rarer than even a DB5. Today the Cygnet holds a unique niche, offering ultra luxury city driving without the compromises of an EV. With its exceptionally low mileage and careful upkeep, this example is as close as one could get to a brand new car. As with all our vehicles, a digital folder with images, walk around videos and service history scans is available. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.