In the storied history of automotive design, few names command the same reverence as Gruppo Bertone. From the wedge-shaped revolutionary Marcello Gandini designs to the elegant grand tourers that defined the mid-century, the Italian design house was a crucible of creativity. Now, collectors have the rare opportunity to acquire a piece of that history: the very last concept car ever produced by the legendary house of Bertone.
The vehicle in question, the Aston Martin Bertone Jet 2+2, is scheduled to cross the auction block with Dore & Rees on March 29. This shooting-brake masterpiece is more than just a car; it is a monument to the final years of an Italian icon and a poignant reminder of a collaboration that spanned over six decades.
A Legacy in Steel and Glass: The Genesis of the Jet 2+2
Unveiled with great fanfare at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Jet 2+2 was conceived as a celebration of two distinct milestones: the centenary of Aston Martin and the 60th anniversary of the partnership between the British luxury marque and the Italian design powerhouse. Commissioned by dedicated Aston Martin collector Barry Weir, the project was intended to push the boundaries of what a four-door grand tourer could be.
The design team at Bertone took the elegant lines of the Aston Martin Rapide and extended them into a graceful "shooting brake" profile. This silhouette offered not only a more aggressive, utilitarian aesthetic but also significantly improved practicality for the rear-seat passengers and cargo. It was a fusion of British engineering tradition and Italian avant-garde flair—a hallmark of the best Bertone-Aston collaborations.
Chronology of a Design Dynasty
To understand the significance of the Jet 2+2, one must look back at the lineage of the "Jet" series. This project was not an isolated experiment but part of a long-standing dialogue between Turin and Gaydon.
1961: The Foundation
The lineage began in 1961 with the original Bertone Jet, a concept based on the classic Aston Martin DB4. This car established the design language of the "Jet" series, characterized by sweeping lines and a fastback-inspired rear end that suggested speed even while standing still.
2004: The Evolution
Over four decades later, in 2004, Bertone revisited the concept with the Jet 2. Based on the first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish, the Jet 2 was a more modern interpretation of the shooting-brake theme. It was so highly regarded that it remained in the Bertone collection, serving as a flagship for the design house’s capabilities.
2013: The Grand Finale
The 2013 Geneva show was a watershed moment. Bertone dusted off the original 2004 Jet 2, giving it a light restoration to display it alongside the all-new Jet 2+2. It was a visual history lesson, showcasing the evolution of the shooting-brake from the 1960s through the 2010s. At the time, the air was filled with optimism; there were formal plans to move the Jet 2+2 into a limited production run, with Aston Martin and Bertone intending to hand-build 10 customer-commissioned vehicles.
2014: The End of an Era
The dream of production was tragically short-lived. In 2014, the automotive world was shocked when Bertone—an institution that had survived world wars and changing market tides—filed for bankruptcy. The sudden collapse halted all ongoing projects, including the production run of the Jet 2+2. The concept, which was supposed to be the first of a series, became an orphan—a singular, irreplaceable artifact.
Engineering and Performance: More Than a Museum Piece
Unlike many "show queens" that hide delicate electronics or non-functional drivetrains, the Jet 2+2 is a fully functional, road-legal automobile. According to the auction listing from Dore & Rees, the car currently shows 24,169 miles on the odometer—a testament to the fact that this vehicle was meant to be driven, not just admired.
Under the hood, the Jet 2+2 retains the mechanical heart of the production Rapide. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 engine, producing 476 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a sophisticated transmission that allows the heavy grand tourer to sprint from 0-62 mph in an estimated 5.3 seconds.
The driving experience, while rooted in the standard Rapide, is enhanced by the bespoke coachwork. The weight distribution and aerodynamics, tweaked by the maestros at Bertone, provide a unique character that differentiates it from the standard production model. It is a rare marriage of high-performance grand touring and artisanal luxury.
The Implications of the Sale
The sale of the Jet 2+2 carries significant weight within the collector car community. As the final concept car produced by Bertone before its dissolution, it is effectively a "closing statement" for one of the most influential design firms in history.
The Rarity Factor
Because the planned 10-unit production run was never realized, this car is, and will remain, entirely one-of-a-kind. In the world of high-end automotive collecting, provenance is everything. A car that represents the "final project" of a legendary house is a blue-chip asset. It is not merely a car; it is a historical document of Italian design.
The Revival of the Bertone Name
It is worth noting that the Bertone brand has experienced a form of resurrection. In 2022, the name was revived for the GB110 supercar project, a vehicle designed to run on fuel synthesized from plastic waste. While this new iteration of Bertone aims to modernize the brand for the electric and sustainable age, it is distinct from the historic house that created the Jet 2+2. The Jet 2+2 belongs to the original, classic lineage of Bertone, adding another layer of value for historians and enthusiasts alike.
Supporting Data: Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | 2013 Aston Martin Bertone Jet 2+2 |
| Engine | 6.0L naturally aspirated V-12 |
| Horsepower | 476 hp |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-62 mph | ~5.3 seconds |
| Body Style | Shooting Brake |
| Status | Unique Prototype (1 of 1) |
| Provenance | Commissioned for Aston Martin’s Centenary |
The Human Element: The Passion Behind the Project
The story of the Jet 2+2 is incomplete without acknowledging the role of the enthusiast. Barry Weir, the collector who commissioned the car, was not merely buying a vehicle; he was collaborating with a legend. The fact that the car was driven over 24,000 miles indicates that it was a beloved companion, not just a static investment.
When the gavel falls on March 29, the successful bidder will be assuming the mantle of a custodian. They will own the physical manifestation of 60 years of collaboration between the refined British marque and the daring Italian studio.
Conclusion: A Final Farewell to an Italian Icon
The Aston Martin Bertone Jet 2+2 serves as a beautiful, melancholic full stop to the Bertone story. It is a vehicle that embodies the ambition, the elegance, and the eventual tragedy of a design house that shaped the look of the 20th and early 21st centuries. As it finds a new home, the Jet 2+2 will continue to represent the pinnacle of coachbuilding—a craft that, while increasingly rare in the age of mass production, remains the beating heart of automotive art.
For those watching the auction, the event will be more than just a sale; it will be a tribute. It is the final opportunity for the public to witness the culmination of a vision that began in 1961, evolved in 2004, and reached its zenith in 2013. The Jet 2+2 stands ready to enter the next chapter of its life, forever secure in its position as the last, greatest, and most exclusive creation of the House of Bertone.
