1998 Aston Martin Vantage V600 Coupé
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. SCFDAM252XBL70211

'Brutal' was a word used more than once to described the Vantage, which was the fastest ever Aston Martin on its introduction in 1993. Although based on the superficially similar Virage, the Vantage boasted the kind of extensive re-engineering required to cope with the massive increase in performance. The latter was delivered courtesy of a blown version of Aston's 5,340cc V8, twin mechanically driven Eaton superchargers being preferred to turbo-charging on the grounds of superior throttle response. Quite apart from its stupendous maximum output of 550bhp, remarkable enough in itself, the Vantage engine is monstrously torquey, producing 550lb/ft at 4,000rpm, a figure that made even the mighty the Chrysler Viper V10's 450lb/ft seem puny by way of comparison.

For those in need of even greater performance, there was the 'V600' package of enhancements, developed by Works Service and first made available in 1998, which raised engine output to some 600 horsepower and included up-rated suspension, brakes, wheels, etc.

This particular Vantage was originally built to French market specification and left the factory finished in Antrim Blue with Parchment interior trim. Manufactured in left-hand drive configuration and equipped with automatic transmission, '70211' was sold new via Auto Performance in Paris to its first owner in Norway, and acquired from the latter by the immediately preceding owner in January 2007.

In 2006 the car had been despatched to Works Service for conversion to 'V600 Driving Dynamics' specification, in the course of which it was rebuilt in right-hand drive form and the 'km/h' speedometer (reading 10,226 kilometres at that time) replaced with an 'mph' unit. AMWS's detailed £85,000 invoice for the conversion is on file.

Since then AMWS carried out various services/inspections/repairs including a body strip-down, refurbishment and repaint in 2007 at a cost of £40,000. The car's most recent visit to Newport Pagnell was in November 2010 - prior to its sale via Bonhams - when it received a 30,000-mile service and was MoT'd. Accompanying AMWS invoices for this period total some £131,800.

The current owner purchased the Vantage at the Bonhams Aston Martin Works Service sale in May 2011 (Lot 322), since when it has been kept on static display. At time of acquisition the odometer was 7,779 miles, making the distance travelled from new approximately 14,130 miles (22,750 kilometres).

Finished in Blue metallic with matching dashboard and beige leather upholstery, this Vantage V600 is offered with a history file containing copies of bills; MoT certificates; Car Record Card; Car Warranty Acceptance; factory build details; old UK V5C document, etc. This fine example of a legendary model will naturally require recommissioning before being returned to the road.

Please note that if this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% on the hammer price. Import Duty will also be applicable at the standard rate of 10% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. This vehicle will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival). An additional fee of £250 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.