Pure Class – Aston Martin V8 Vantage

Words by Maurício Porto

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is referred to by some as the ‘baby’ Aston, it marked the start of a full pronged attack at the Porsche 911. Build numbers were optimistically targeted at launch and Aston Martin had a long initial waiting list when it was released in 2006, which was a great achievement. Assembled in the Gaydon factory, the Vantage has proved popular across the world with over 70% being sold outside of the UK. The V8 Vantage has introduced Aston Martin ownership to many new customers of the marque.

To be honest, I would never have spent this amount of money on another brand of car. I’m aware that most people would consider a Porsche 911 Carrera S, the SLS AMG, the Audi R8 or, most recently, the Jaguar F-Type. These are all incredible cars, but I know they wouldn’t rock my boat as much as the Aston. In my opinion, they don’t have the sense of uniqueness that you would experience with any Aston Martin.

Everybody seems to love an Aston Martin. Maybe because they are rare, maybe because they are an escape from the obvious, I really do not know why. They are slightly ostentatious, just like any other sportscar, however they do have some kind of magic that most of the time will work in their favor.

Since I acquired the AMV8 I’ve became an Aston-nerd. I have bought polo shirts, paperweights, leather card holders and even a zippo lighter, even though I do not smoke cigarettes! I have also became part of the Aston Martin’s Owners Club, even though residing outside of the UK stops me from being able to attend most of the regular events.

In the long term – if you give it enough time to become a classic – Aston’s tend to appreciate and remain desirable. I once read that more than seventy percent of all Aston’s ever produced today are still on the road, I see it as an indicator that Astons are special. Full owners experience can be found in the magazine.

Why buy one?

★Timeless design that still looks stunning to this day, there have only been minor updates to the styling over the last eight years.
★Extremely well built and useable sportscar.
★The sound of the V8 – in any guise – is spine tingling.

Full list of reasons to buy can be found in the magazine.

Model History

Full production history of the car can be found in the magazine.

Ideal Specification

Full analysis and advice of the ideal specification can be found in the magazine.

Buying one

Prices start at around £30,000 and go up to £80,000 depending on
age, mileage and condition. Early 4.3 litre cars will be at the lower end of the price range. 4.7 litre cars start at around £45,000. Full valuation details and examples on the market found in the magazine.

Parts Analysis

The prices for parts are quite high compared to the Ferrari F355 we featured in Issue One, despite similar car values. Full breakdown of prices can be found in the magazine.

Buying Checkpoints

The normally aspirated V8 in both 4.3 and 4.7 litre guise is a rev happy engine once fully up to temperature. Any knocking or unsteady idling should be approached with extreme caution and the issues investigated. The engine is extremely durable if warmed through before pressing on and withstands high mileage too. Full breakdown of buyers checkpoints for engine, clutch, gearbox, steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, tyres and servicing schedule can be found in the magazine.

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