Aston Martin-One-77: The Most Expensive Car In The World

The Bugatti Veyron just lost its claim to fame. Having been dethroned as the fastest car on the planet, the $1.4 million Veyron (http://www.bugatti.com/en/veyron-16.4.html ) is no longer the world's most expensive ride. That title now rests with the One-77 (photos above), the $2.3 million hand-made coupe Aston Martin will sell this year.

Aston Martin isn't saying much about the One-77, a code name for the as-yet-unnamed coupe, but the project started about 15 months ago. The hand-hammered aluminum bodywork retains the general profile of the gorgeous DB9 but is more muscular. It covers a carbon fiber chassis and a 7.0-liter V12 engine said to produce 650 horsepower. Top speed is estimated at 220 mph and 0-60 mph arrives in 3.5 seconds.

Paying $2.3 million for a car is beyond excessive, but then, those few who get a One-77 aren't buying a car. They are, according to Aston Martin, buying An Experience. It’s been said that buyers will be invited to the factory in Gaydon, UK, where they'll meet with designers and engineers to develop the car to their exact specifications.

So who's on the buyer’s list? The bookies at William Hill Casinos have opened betting and David Beckham is their 9-4 favorite to be first in line. Singer Jay Kay of Jamiroquai is second at 3-1, while the odds on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich stand at 7-2.

As for Aston Martin's decision to build just 77, it's said to have stemmed from Urlich Bez's (Aston Martin CEO) belief that seven is a lucky number. It certainly is for those fortunate enough to get one!