Property of a deceased's estate
2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupé
Registration no. V12 AAU
Chassis no. SCFEABCF6DGS01298

In early 2008, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez confirmed that production of the V12 Vantage would commence in mid-2009, though with the 510bhp engine shared with Aston Martin's other 12-cylinder models rather than the Vantage RS prototype's 580bhp dry-sump racing unit.

The classic hot-rodding technique of shoehorning a big engine into a small car is a well-trodden route to increased performance, and so it was with the V12-engined Vantage RS prototype, which combined Aston Martin's largest engine with its most compact model. Built in just four months by Aston Martin's Special Vehicle Operations department, the first prototype was unveiled by Dr Bez at the official opening of the British manufacturer's new design studio at Gaydon, Warwickshire on 11th December 2007. Dr Bez promised that a production version would be considered should there be sufficient demand; the result was a deluge of enquiries from enthusiasts eager to get their hands on what promised to be Aston Martin's fastest-ever road car.

Based on the V8 Vantage Coupé, the production V12 Vantage is powered by Aston Martin's familiar 6.0-litre V12 as found in the V12 Vanquish, DB9, and DBS models. Getting the V12 to fit the V8 Vantage chassis involved grafting on the engine cradle from the DB9, while the resulting weight increase and more forward weight distribution was accommodated by revised suspension settings. Boasting a kerb weight of 1,695kg (3,737lb), the V12 Vantage accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h).

Previously registered 'RX13 ETD', this rare V12 Vantage was delivered new to its first owner, a Mr K Bird of Somerset in May 2013 (purchase invoice on file). It is one of only seven made in 2013 out of some 1,200-1,300 sold worldwide between 2009 and 2013. The car had covered only 5,872 miles when it was sold by Aston Martin Works to the late owner in September 2014 (sales invoice on file).

The factory-supplied specification describes the Vantage's colour scheme as Ceramic Grey with Obsidian Black (Fast Track) interior, and lists installed options that include the following: brake callipers black; Piano Black fascia with matching trim; front parking sensors; Aston Martin 700W Premium Audio; carbon fibre lightweight seats; and 10-spoke Graphite wheels. The history file also contains a current MoT certificate, a V5C Registration Certificate, and numerous service invoices issued by Aston Martin dealers and Aston Martin Works. A wonderful opportunity to own a little used and well maintained example of this sensational Aston Martin supercar.