When the name Aston Martin comes up, thoughts usually turn to sleek sports cars, luxury grand tourers, and V12 engines that define British performance. Yet, beyond the cars, Aston has taken bold steps into unexpected territory. One of the most surprising ventures was the creation of a luxury powerboat designed in partnership with Quintessence Yachts.
Known as the AM37, this 37-foot vessel blended automotive-inspired design with high-end marine engineering, offering a floating expression of the brand’s craftsmanship.
The Birth of the AM37
The AM37 made its public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2017. Unlike typical powerboats, it carried Aston’s design DNA with a sculpted profile, carbon fiber details, and a cockpit wrapped in premium leather. The cabin came fitted with comforts more familiar to luxury cars than boats: air-conditioning, ambient lighting, a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, and a compact restroom.
Aston’s goal was to deliver not only performance but also an indulgent experience on the water. The AM37 stood out for its mix of speed, elegance, and modern amenities, offering buyers the sensation of driving a sports car across the sea.
Price and Variants
The AM37 was never intended for the average buyer. With prices starting at around $1.64 million, it placed itself firmly in the world of ultra-exclusive toys for the wealthy. Two versions were made available:
The standard AM37, powered by either twin 370-horsepower diesel engines or twin 430-horsepower gasoline engines, capable of reaching speeds of 45 knots.
The AM37 S, a higher-performance model priced at roughly $2.1 million, offering twin Mercury gasoline engines that produced 520 horsepower and allowed for a top speed of 50 knots.
Both versions featured a carbon fiber dashboard, premium leather upholstery, polished metals, and a 15-inch touchscreen control system integrating navigation and entertainment. For those who wanted more, Aston offered personalization through its Q division. Options included underwater lights, champagne coolers, handcrafted cabinetry, and noise insulation to soften the roar of the engines.
Distinctive Features
What set the AM37 apart was its design and technology. A “double curvature” windscreen, crafted from a single sheet of sculpted glass, wrapped around the cockpit. The sliding deck cover operated at the push of a button, while a power-operated carbon Bimini top provided shade. A swim platform at the rear completed the mix of luxury and practicality.
These touches, paired with Aston’s attention to detail, placed the AM37 in a class of its own. Yet exclusivity came at a cost—not just financially, but in production as well.
Limited Production
The AM37 entered the market with ambitious expectations. Aston and Quintessence Yachts initially planned to produce between eight and ten units annually. Reality turned out differently. Only four AM37s were ever sold—two to private clients and two that later appeared at auction.
Several factors contributed to its short lifespan. Quintessence Yachts, Aston’s partner in the project, filed for insolvency in 2021, and by 2023, liquidation was finalized. The global economic downturn triggered by the pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions also dampened demand for ultra-luxury items. Combined with the AM37’s steep pricing, these challenges meant the boat never reached the scale its creators envisioned.
Where It Stands Today
Despite its commercial struggles, the AM37 holds a unique place in Aston’s history. Only four units were ever built, making it one of the rarest creations to wear the Aston badge. With so few in existence, it stands more as a collector’s piece than a production model, adding to its mystique in the luxury market.
The Aston Martin AM37 was more than a boat—it was an experiment in blending automotive artistry with marine engineering. With its striking design, advanced features, and exclusivity, it remains a reminder of Aston’s ambition to extend beyond cars.
While the project ended quietly, the AM37’s limited run ensures its place as one of the most distinctive and elusive products ever associated with the brand.