Background

Only the second model to be given the name Vantage in its own right rather than being an upgrade of an existing model, the Aston Martin Vantage had a production run from April 1995 to June 1999.

First impressions show the Virage influence but careful examination reveals many differences. The only Virage panels are the door and roof skins. From the front there were more obvious differences- two groups of three headlamps, each behind a single heated lens while the upper grille had an egg box appearance. The lower grille opening was larger and set within a large air dam. The bonnet opening panel did not reach the front edge and had two openings at the rear edge protected by a mesh. Huge 18 inch wheels fill the wheel arches just to the rear of which, on the front wings, are small openings. The silhouette of the car was lower than the Virage and the rear lamps rounded. Performance was the focus of the Aston Martin Vantage - when the bonnet is opened, the space either side of the 5.3 engine is dominated by two huge Eaton, Roots type, superchargers. Each driven by a wide belt the compressed air they produced received fuel via a Bosch sequential injection system and was fired by a distributorless electronic ignition system. All controlled by a Ford produced EEC lV management unit, this potent combination fired the engine power from the standard 330bhp to a phenomenal 550bhp.

In performance terms, this produced acceleration of 0 - 60 mph in 4.6 seconds while it took just 10 seconds for 100 mph - Jeremy Clarkson in a contemporary road test termed the Aston Martin Vantage "the most wonderful car in the world". The quoted top speed of the car is an even 300 kilometres per hour - that is 186 miles per hour!

But performance did not mean Aston Martin expected their customers to sacrifice luxury. Ten Connolly hides were needed for each luxurious interior and Burr Walnut was used for the fascia panel, centre console and door cappings, and Wilton carpet for the floor covering. There were a minimum of twelve separate coats of paint applied to each body. Each engine carries the name of the individual craftsman who was personally responsible for its build and extended dynamometer test. There is power assistance for the adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats. A sophisticated climate control system is provided together with a stereo, radio, cassette and CD player. For the final touch of luxury, cruise control was fitted for long distance touring.

Vehicle History:

A copy of the original Car Record Card from Aston Martin shows that the car, in its original (and current) specification left the factory and was registered to the supplying dealer, Murray Motors on 25th October 1996. The car was then registered to a new owner, R F Saywell of Goring by Sea in Sussex on 26th October 1996, just one day later. Correspondence from the current owner with the supplying dealer and others is on file and it is suggested that the supplying dealer was able to claim a demonstrator allowance on the car and, given the geography, it would indicate the buyer did a good deal, buying the car from Scotland!

The current owner acquired the car in November 2001 from the Aston Martin main dealer, HWM. HWM have maintained the car in the intervening period and, together with the MOT history, establishes that the car is a very genuine proposition for any buyer.

Summary:

At a time when the definition of a Supercar was something Italian that was impossible to see out of and carried only two in consummate discomfort, Aston Martin produced the Vantage Supercharged – Supercar performance from the 550 bhp twin supercharged engine but with comfortable seats for four. An exceptional performance car which is both challenging and rewarding to drive. Balance it between throttle and steering through a slow speed corner so you just kiss the apex then, as the road straightens, punch the accelerator and feel the kick of the twin Eaton Roots Superchargers winding up and hear the howl of its exhaust, from inside it's fabulous - from the outside outrageous and you are only in second gear with four more to come!

This is an outstanding example with a good service / ownership history and in a very appealing colour. A great car to buy for any enthusiast or any collection.