Aston Martin first teased us with the Vantage at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, leading to a production launch two years later of a car that looked pretty much the same.
Not that it was a bad thing – the V8 Vantage was an astonishingly pretty car, penned by Danish-American designer Henrik Fisker and brought to production with barely a visual change.
It was launched with a new 4.3-litre V8 engine developing 385bhp, offering a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 180mph.
Today, they’re up and coming modern classics, with the convenience of feeling fresh and modern to drive, but with the classic cachet of the Aston Martin brand.
This one is a candidate for future collectability having had just one owner for the 14 years of its life so far. It has been fastidiously maintained by main dealers and specialists.front.jpg1.71 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Fully stamped service book
Main dealer until 2015, reputable specialist since
Inside, the Aston feels pretty special, with heated, electrically adjustable red and black leather sports seats and its original stereo and climate control console. Everything works as it should and the condition is superb, as you’d expect from a car that has been owned and loved by one owner from new.
Similarly, the boot is clean and well-presented and the original tools are present, while the car contains a plaque stating that it was hand-built in England and had its final inspection by Aston-Martin employee Mick Moten.
The vendor reports that the dash was partly retrimmed a few years ago due to sun damage and is now in perfect condition.interior.jpg823.23 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Obsidian Black
Superb order
19-inch alloys with Birdgestone Potenza tyres
Completely standard
Finished in the wonderful shade of Obsidian Black, the Vantage is very smartly presented and sits on a set of superb seven-spoke alloy wheels, offset by sporty red brake callipers.
There are no dents and only a couple of tiny, superficial scuffs, a scrape on the nearside front alloy and some minor marking to the canvas roof beneath the rear window.
The electric folding roof works perfectly and tucks itself away neatly in just a few moments.back.jpg2.19 MB
THE MECHANICS
4.3-litre V8
Six-speed manual
Recently serviced
Extremely quick and responsive
Under the bonnet is. 385bhp 4.3-litre V8 engine of Aston Martin’s own design. It’s devilishly quick and sounds amazing, while this one has the rarer manual transmission, making it ideal for the purist.
According to the vendor it drives incredibly well with no issues whatsoever, and is fast, responsive and quite refined at cruising speeds. The low mileage should add further peace of mind, especially as the car has always been maintained by Aston Martin main dealers or specialists. There are receipts in the service folder for some major expenditure including a new clutch, flywheel, rear shocks and a new set of wheels, after the originals were found to have hairline cracks.
If you’re in the market for a Vantage of this vintage then this one is very hard to ignore, as it’s a superb, low mileage example that has been properly cared for throughout its life. It’s a genuine car that has had just one caring owner, who is being forced to sell it due to health issues. He adores the car and is very keen for its next owner to get as much enjoyment from it as he has.
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