Description
For Aston Martin, the 4. 3 and later 4. 7 litre V8 Vantages became the company's most sold car, with sales of these models eclipsing the DB7 and DB9. The new bonded VH platform and 2 seater layout proved a massive hit and the styling carried on AML's reputation for designing striking cars. And with a new 6 speed manual gearbox, roads would never feel the same again. For around 14 years, the V8 Vantage in all its evolutions defined an era of change for Aston Martin. However, it all started with this car, the 4. 3 litre manual coupe.
- The Car -
Initially sold through main dealer Lancaster of Cambridge in April 2006, this V8 Vantage was specified in Tungsten Silver with a Phantom Grey leather interior, offset with Alloy veneers. It was built with a good set of options including a high specification alarm, heated front screen, powerfold mirrors, heated front seats, satellite navigation and the 19? 7 spoke alloy wheels. Of course, it's the Graziano 6 speed manual gearbox that makes this car a proper driver's car. In this day of computer controlled everything, the manual V8 Vantages continued the old school tradition of driving, not being driven.
At 40, 177 miles, the car is not concours and it does show some signs of light wear and tear, such as some light stone chipping on the nose, but this is reflected in the price. Overall, the car presents in very good condition and is ready to go.
- Its History -
With only three owners since new, the car was first serviced through main dealers Lancaster of Cambridge and HWM in Walton-on-Thames until early 2009. From April 2010 it was entrusted to Aston Martin specialist Nicholas Mee & Co until June 2015 after which it was placed into long term dry storage until fully recommissioned by Aston Martin specialist Chicane in October 2020.
Since then, Chicane have continued to service and maintain this V8 Vantage. And in May 2023, the interior received some attention from Benchmark Leather Renovation to freshen the look of the seats.
- On the Road -
There's no doubting this car's sporting pedigree and it is very much a sports car, not a supercar. Acceleration is certainly brisk but not neck snapping, the handling is firm and precise, though not jarring, with the steering highly responsive and the brakes are strong but won't throw you out of the window at the slightest touch. Bringing all this together is the 6 speed manual gearbox which is reassuringly firm through all the gears. The low, body hugging seats place you right at the heart of the car with great all-round visibility and the aural soundtrack is pure Aston Martin V8.
Yes, this is no supercar but a real sports car. Of course, never to be outdone, Aston Martin later produced the V12 Vantage which clearly is in the supercar leagues. Maybe something to aspire to, but this V8 Vantage is in a league of its own - a test drive is all you need to understand that the days of the traditional sports car still live on in this era of computerised control for everything.
- Conclusion -
This is an opportunity to own a very good V8 Vantage at an entry level price into the world of Aston Martin ownership. This Aston Martin V8 Vantage is now available for viewing and demonstration by appointment at our Hampshire facility and will come with 12 months MOT and a year's warranty.
