Description
After unveiling the AMV8 Vantage Concept Car at the North American International Auto Show in 2003, Aston Martin introduced the production version known as the ‘V8 Vantage’ at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 for the 2006 model year. The new car was a two seat 2 door coupe with a bonded aluminium structure for lightness and a hatchback style tailgate for practicality with a large luggage shelf behind the seats. A convertible version labelled Vantage Roadster was introduced in 2006.
The Vantage featured a front mid-mounted 4. 3 litre quad-cam 32 valve V8 engine producing 380 bhp to achieve a 0-60 time of just 4. 8 seconds. The engine was mated to a rear mounted 6 speed manual transaxle giving a front/ rear weight distribution of a near perfect 49/ 51 resulting in superb driveability. An all new automated 6 speed manual transmission similar to those produced by Ferrari and Lamborghini known as ‘Sportshift’ was introduced in 2007. In May 2008 Aston Martin announced new technological updates which included changes to the engine, transmission, suspension and appearance. Engine capacity was increased to 4. 7 litres with a subsequent increase in power to 420 bhp and 0-60 time of just 4. 7 secs, the gearbox benefitted from a lightened flywheel, suspension was stiffened with Bilstein dampers and new wheels and an updated interior console similar to that from the DBS were introduced.
The V8 Vantage went on to win numerous accolades including being one of only two cars to be put in the ‘DB9 section’ mini fridge on BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ programme, a space reserved for cars too cool for the coolest ‘subzero’ category!
This Aston Martin V8 Vantage 4. 7 Roadster with ‘Sportshift’ Automatic gearbox comes in the sought after colour combination of Onyx Black with Obsidian leather, Piano Black trim and a Black convertible roof. It is in superb condition with just 45, 000 miles and a full Aston Martin/ Specialist service history and having had the benefit of just being fully serviced by Desmond J Smail ltd.
