RM Sotheby’s has announced that the 1989 Aston Martin AMR1 Group C car will be up for auction at the 2017 Monterey event. There were only four AMR1 chassis ever constructed. This example is one of only two lightweight models.

Aston Martin began construction of its AMR1 Group C racer in mid-1987. Designed by Canadian Max Boxstrom of Dymag Wheels with funding from automotive magnate Peter Livanos, Aston Martin aimed to defeat the corporate-designed racers from Jaguar, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. To achieve this goal, Boxstrom created the car to take maximum advantage of the ground-effects technology at that time. After several prototypes had been developed and tested, the AMR1 in final race form was assembled in mid-1989, weighing in at just 920 kilograms to qualify for the Lightweight designation.

The AMR1 debuted at the 1989 Brands Hatch 480 Km race piloted by Brian Redman and David Leslie, finishing an outstanding 4th overall. It then took part in the Nürburgring 1000, the Donington 480 KM, and Spa Group C rounds. After eight results in 10 starts, the AMR1 team ranked 6th overall in the 1989 World Championship.

There were plans for developing a new AMR2 in between 1989 and 1990, but various setbacks undermined the program’s continuity. Sadly, Aston Martin scrapped the plans in March 1990 terminating further development for the AMR1 and AMR2.

This car, chassis number AMR1/04 is in the most original condition and will be sold at this year’s Monterey auction on 18-19 August.