Aston Martin One-77 (2009) : first official pictures

These are the first official photographs of the new Aston Martin One-77 – the most expensive supercar ever built by Aston. Predictably in this internet age, these pictures of the One-77 have leaked online ahead of Aston's planned debut. This is the first full view of the £1.2 million special after a string of carefully silhouetted and covered-up teaser shots.

More official details will be announced soon, but we know that this most exclusive of Astons will be powered by a 7.3-litre V12 producing some 700bhp. Black polo-necked marketing types talk of the One-77 as a 'work of art' and they vow that customers will be able to tailor the car to their exact whim.

Fancy exquisitely tailored seats in the back? Certainly, sir. An extra large luggage rack in lieu of rear pews? Why, of course. Paint colours, trims, equipment – you name it, and Aston will personalise your One-77 for you.

Aston Martin One-77: finally a different Aston design!

Yes, it is about time that we saw a fresh design direction from Aston Martin. While we can hardly criticise some of the most beautiful cars ever built, the current Aston V8 Vantage, DB9 and DBS do share a tad too much dress sense for CAR's liking.

The One-77 introduces a fresher, more muscular look – although the racy scoops, scallops and ducts won't be to all tastes. It uses a carbon chassis to keep weight down, although this hypercar is hardly svelte at 1500kg.

Official sales won't begin until 2009, but Aston Martin claims to have already taken around 100 'firm expressions of interest' in the One-77. Which means – despite the financial woe gripping the world's economy – the One-77 has sold out, as Gaydon plans to build just 77.

Wealthy punters have had to place a £200k deposit to secure their place in the line. Who said the credit crisis affected firms like Aston?