Aston Martin introduced the long-awaited Vantage version of their successful DB7 in 1999. Sporting a Cosworth-designed, 5.9-litre V12 producing 420bhp, the car was super-quick and was electronically limited to 185mph. The V12 had a serious appetite for air compared to its six-cylinder predecessor, demanding a larger intake and other modifications to the frontal airflow were made to aid cooling. Other changes included chassis and braking upgrades to cope with the increased performance, and Ian Callum enlarged the grille, added fog lamps, and restyled the valances to give the car a more purposeful look.

It may be a contentious statement, but few cars of the same era command the presence by engine note of a Ferrari, the subtle design of a Porsche and the interior refinement of a Rolls-Royce in the same way as the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage does. It is also an industry quirk that any V12-engined grand tourer is best suited to coachwork resplendent in darker colours and a lighter interior, with British cars appointed naturally in the finest of leather and wood. All of which are beautifully represented by this 2001 Aston Martin Vantage which was delivered new on 27th January 2001 in Mendip Blue with Pacific Parchment hide by Grange Aston Martin, to the first of just two keepers, as confirmed by the accompanying V5C. The cherished registration 'X2 AML' was issued at the same time and remains with the car, in continuation of the car’s history. Before we get to the car’s exceptional service history we note that records show the car‘s next, and current, keeper is recorded on the 6th September 2014.

The service history has a recorded 19 stamps, with notations of the mileage at each service and the last 13 services were carried out by noted Aston Martin specialists, Chiltern Aston Centre Ltd of Hemel Hempstead. The most recent of these was recorded on the 17th July 2021 at 18,394 miles when a new ignition coil and fuel pumps were fitted. The car was entered into the 2018 Aston Martin Owners Club Spring Concours at Englefield House, Reading and won the Bloxham Medal for Best In Class, the medal naturally accompanies the car, and it is our proud duty to report that not only was the score an impressive 96.5 out of 100, but among the top three awarded scores issued that day to any Aston Martin taking part in the Concours. The history file accompanying the car confirms receipted maintenance and official representation of mileage and corresponding services by the well stamped service book, whilst the MOT is valid until July 2023.

In our opinion, this motor car is unmatched in terms of luxury, heritage and performance by any contemporary model for sale today. It is eminently suitable for mature enthusiasts, first time owner-drivers or a collector, all of whom will appreciate the condition, low mileage and AMOC-winning pedigree of a modern classic that is as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at.