Description
The Introduction
The idea of shoehorning a relatively large engine into a relatively small car has always been an appealing prospect, sadly not many manufacturers seemed to have indulged in such silliness since the American muscle car era.
However, this all changed in 2009 when Aston Martin decided to wedge their biggest and most powerful production engine into their lightest and smallest production car. If that wasn’t enough they also bestowed their new baby Aston with a 6 speed manual gearbox, carbon ceramic brakes and more carbon fibre than you can shake a stick at. The end result was the legend that is the V12 Vantage.
The Car
Registered in July 2009, our V12 Vantage is finished in Stratus White with Obsidian Black leather / alcantara interior and has the very desirable carbon fixed back Recaro seats. it is showing 68151 miles recorded and comes with a comprehensive service history.
The Service History
Our car has been meticulously maintained throughout its life and had a new engine fitted by Stratstone Aston Martin in 2013 at 32120 miles. It also had a new clutch in 2016 at 52138 miles. As well as these major works, regular servicing has been carried at the following intervals…..
18/ 03/ 2011 @ 5056 Miles
16/ 03/ 2012 @ 15902 Miles
14/ 02/ 2013 @ 25794 Miles
05/ 11/ 2013 @ 32122 Miles
18/ 11/ 2014 @ 41928 Miles
14/ 01/ 2016 @ 49983 Miles
10/ 01/ 2017 @ 53956 Miles
18/ 05/ 2018 @ 59296 Miles
17/ 06/ 2019 @ 63543 Miles
17/ 09/ 2020 @ 65550 Miles
10/ 08/ 2021 @ 66558 Miles
04/ 03/ 2023 @ 67539 Miles
The first 8 services were carried out by Aston Martin with the last 4 being done by Fisher Performance Cars, a very reputable Aston specialist.
The Exterior
Unashamedly aggressive and purposeful the Vantage looks simply fantastic. The Stratus white paintwork perfectly showcases the carbon front and rear splitters, grille and those super distinctive bonnet louvres. The paint work itself has an even and deep shine to it with only the most minor of imperfections, namely a small blister in the edge of the bonnet and one on the edge of the roof.
The bodywork is untroubled by any dinks, dents, depressions, ripples, folds or creases and the shut-lines and panel gaps are all tight and consistent.
The chrome work, carbon-fibre inserts, badging and all other external fixtures and fittings are in fine fettle. The 19” double spoke wheels are virtually unmarked as are the gloss black callipers and finishing off the rolling stock are a matching set of Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, all in very good condition.
The Interior
The good news continues on the inside, where the black and grey leather / alcantara upholstery is in top order. The seats and the trim have yet to earn a discernible patina or evidence of significant wear. The cabin features an alcantara-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and it comes with carbon fixed back Recaro seats which were an Aston option at a cost of £11, 782!
The carpets and mats are in excellent order, so too is the dashboard, roof lining and various bits of carbon-fibre, including the optional carbon sill covers. All buttons, knobs, dials, levers, switches, toggles and stalks do precisely what they’re supposed to do and the air conditioning is ice cold.
The Paperwork & Accessories
The Vantage comes with a box folder full of paperwork including over 40 invoices covering everything from the replacement engine, scheduled servicing right down to replacement wiper blades. The original owners guide is present which includes the stamped service section and of course it comes with its current V5.
It also comes with 2 crystal keys (Emotional Control Units in Aston Martin speak!) and its valet key, its battery conditioner and a soft indoor car cover.
The Conclusion
When we think of the qualities a car needs to guarantee future classic status, we think of things like, is it a good brand? Is it exciting to drive? Is it rare? Is it beautiful? Does it have a competition pedigree? Usually a couple of these boxes ticked is enough to pique our interest, the V12 Vantage ticks every single one of them.
Our particular example is presented in impressive overall condition with an enviable service file and would make a superb addition to a collection or an exceptionally rewarding daily driver.
As with all our classic, retro and future classic cars, we have described the Aston honestly and with transparency, drawing attention to the good points and the imperfections equally, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Viewing is highly recommended and can be done at our Tewkesbury HQ, Monday to Saturday by appointment.
