Shmee150's Rare 440-hp Aston Martin Vantage GT8

Tim Burton (a.k.a. Shmee150) arriving at and leaving "Prebble", a Pre-Monterey (Pre-Pebble Beach) gathering at HyperSociety, in his rare 2017 Aston Martin Vantage GT8, which was shipped to the U.S. to attend Monterey Car Week. Introduced in 2016, the GT8 is a limited-edition track-focused version of the V8 Vantage inspired by the Vantage GTE race car. It features aerodynamic bodywork with widened fenders and carbon fiber front splitter, bumpers, side sills, rear diffuser, and rear wing and is powered by the Vantage's 4.7-liter V8 engine modified to produce 440 horsepower. This example, finished in Cobalt Blue with orange accent pack, is one of 150 Vantage GT8s built, none of which were sold in the U.S.

Shmee is no stranger to making pilgrimages to California to attend Monterey Car Week. And after having previously wowed American crowds in none other than his bright purple Zenvo TSR-S, he decided to change things up a bit this year by bringing a car that's far less wild and flashy but certainly no less rare on this side of the pond. First-generation Vantages are now not particularly rare or expensive, and from a distance some may assume this is just another suped-up example with aero upgrades, a big wing, and a flashy color. But since Shmee had already announced to his gazillion social media followers that he would be bringing this car Stateside, I assume most people at this event recognized it - and him - from far away. Sure, some fans may have hoped that he would bring something a with a bit more wow factor. But the fact is, for most of us here in the states, this may be the only time we ever cross paths with a GT8.

If you were Shmee, would you have chosen this car to bring to the States for Monterey Car Week? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!