Automakers and their most famous models are constantly celebrating one anniversary or another, and they celebrate in different ways. But this year has seen an unprecedented array of special-edition supercars, specifically crafted to celebrate a milestone anniversary. Past examples have included the Ferrari F40 and the iconic 25th Anniversary Lamborghini Countach. But those are in the history books by now. These five are fresh, and there are few things we wouldn't give to own any one of them.
We start with the oldest automaker on this list and the vehicle it unveiled to celebrate its centenary. That automaker is Aston Martin, and the vehicle is the CC100 concept. Evoking the spirit of the classic 1959 DBR1 with a windowless speedster form similar to the Pininfarina Sergio or Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, the CC100 packs telltale design traits that show what Aston has in store for its second century. While the CC100 is strictly a concept, Aston did roll out a Vanquish Centenary edition, limited to 100 examples and distinguished by a black and silver motif. Similar specials are planned for the V8 Vantage, DB9 and Rapide.
An hour and a half up the M40 from Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwicksire, McLaren is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Woking, Surrey. And to mark the occasion, the racing team turned automaker has launched a special edition of its MP4-12C. Decked out by McLaren Special Operations, the 12C features carbon-fiber air vents all around, special alloys, carbon-ceramic brakes fitted as standard, and of course all the requisite special badging inside and out. Only 50 examples will be made of each the 12C coupe and 12C Spider, accompanied by a special key, car cover and art print.
Lamborghini wasn't about to let its 50th anniversary go unnoticed. In Shanghai, it revealed a special-edition Aventador decked out in yellow and black with revised aerodynamics and an increased output of 720 horsepower. A month later, Lamborghini held a cross-country rally that took 350 owners from Milan to Rome and on to the factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, where they were susprised by to reveal of the Egoista concept. Inspired by fighter jets, the Egoista is characterized by its single-seat canopy cockpit. As with the Aston Martin CC100, the Egoista is too radical to ever reach production, so the Aventador LP720-4 will just have to do.
Also celebrating its 50th anniversary isn't Porsche itself, but its iconic 911. Based on the Carrera S, the 50 Years Edition 911 takes the place previously occupied by the Sport Classic with retro touches like two-tone Fuchs-style wheels, chrome details and woven leather seats. It also gets the Carrera 4's wider bodywork and a 30-horse upgrade for a 3.8-second 0-60 time (with the dual-clutch transmission) and 186-mph top speed. Available in black, dark grey or light grey, the 911 50 Years Edition will be available in a strictly limited run of 1963 examples, representing the year in which the original 911 debuted.
We end off with the youngest company here and the model which it built to celebrate its 25th anniversary. That would be Wiesmann, which unveiled the GT MF4-CS at the Geneva Auto Show. Based on the German automaker's retro coupe, the Clubsport model is designed specifically for the track. Weight has been trimmed down to 1,350 kg with a spartan interior equipped with a roll cage and fire extinguisher but no air-con, radio or door handles. The BMW M3's 4.0-liter V8 sends 414 hp to the rear wheels for a 4.4-second 0-62 time, kept on the straight and narrow by 19" wheels inside flared arches and a carbon-fiber rear wing. Only 25 examples will be made.
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