To arrange a visit please email sales@allastonmartin.com or to discuss, call Tim Foster on 07771 847290 or Philip Jones on 01737 244567.

Introduction

Aston Martin’s “Baby Vantage” set new standards of handling and performance when it launched and the AMR Coupe enhanced that even further – this car is the sixth to last V8 Vantage Coupe ever built. Presented in outstanding condition, carries the distinctive AMR livery and in Zaffre Blue is one of only six U.K. cars, so its rare and offers any buyer the very best of performance, handling and good looks.

Background

Background:

The development of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was conducted almost totally in public view – not for this car the disguised panels and secrecy normally reserved for new models. From Autocar’s introduction to a “Baby V8” to compare with a Porsche 911 through a concept car on display at the Detroit Motor Show in 2003 up to the unveiling of the V8 Vantage Concept Car at Geneva in 2005, the V8 Vantage was very much public property.

The engine was a return to roots as it took Aston Martin back to a V8 – most of its internal parts were unique to Aston Martin with the unit built alongside the V12 in the Cologne engine plant. Also returning to roots was the lubrication system for the new engine – back in 1928, Aston Martin had pioneered the “dry sump” system where the oil is carried in a separate tank rather than in the bottom section of the engine. As an aid to design, it reduced the overall height of the engine allowing it to sit lower bringing the centre of gravity down and improving the handling.

To allow the engine to be set as near to the middle of the car as possible, the six speed gearbox and the final drive to the back axle were included in a single casing at the rear of the car delivering virtually perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

The chassis platform of the car follows the V/H (Vertical/Horizontal) Platform Strategy and was made form an assembly of extruded and moulded aluminium alloy sections riveted together and further strengthened by use of composite materials. The body design by Aston Martin’s Design Director, Henrik Fisker, again took Aston Martin back to the days of the DB2 and DB2/4. By restricting the car to a 2-seater, the luggage area could be maximised and, like its predecessor, access was through an opening rear hatch.

The V8 engined AMR was fitted as standard with the Prodrive designed Sportshift II automated sequential manual paddle-shift transmissions but the six speed manual gearbox was also available as an option.

The V8 Vantage AMR was available in five distinctive AMR exterior schemes including Zaffre Blue with Red graphic

Each of the exterior schemes is matched to a different interior scheme with a combination of leather and Alcantara for the Coupe to compliment the exterior colours.

Lightweight carbon fibre seats were standard fit on the AMR and the car had many other carbon fibre features, including a lightweight front grille, side strakes, lamp infills and mirror caps on the outside, instrument surround, door tops and door grabs on the inside. The V8 Vantage AMR came with 5-spoke alloy wheels with a choice of three different finishes.

Mechanically, the V8 Vantage AMR was identical to the previous year V8 Vantage S with the same 430 bhp 4.7 litre engine.

Production of the V8 Vantage AMR Coupe and Roadster began in the final quarter of 2017 and was limited to just 200 examples. According to records held by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust the coupe version only accounted for 137 of the 200 AMR cars. The AMR was only available in the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and China but not North America. The 2018MY V8 Vantage was not homologated for sale in the US market.

Summary:

Aston Martin’s “Baby Vantage” set new standards of handling and performance when it launched and the AMR Coupe enhanced that even further – this car is the sixth to last V8 Vantage Coupe ever built. Presented in outstanding condition, carries the distinctive AMR livery and in Zaffre Blue is one of only six U.K. cars, so its rare and offers any buyer the very best of performance, handling and good looks.

Well maintained with a verified low mileage, she is one not to be missed.

Vehicle History

First registered in April 2018, the service record indicates that the car started its life in Yorkshire before moving with its second owner to Kent. The current, third owner, acquired the car in August of 2022 and the car moved to his base in Devon. On a personal recommendation, he has used the services of an independent Aston Martin specialist run by Will, an Aston Martin trained technician, who was the lead mechanic at Aston Martin Exeter before that dealership was closed.

With a burgeoning business built on service and quality, AJ Tech Ltd have maintained the car at peak performance for the past three years meaning that this low mileage example of this rare car comes in tip top condition.

In terms of the dynamics of the car, the current owner took the car to the Millbrook Proving ground near Milton Keynes for an Aston "Limit Handling” day, which involved guided driving on the Dynamics Pad, Alpine course and the straight mile.

It was a great way to get to fully appreciate what the car is capable of!