"All 70 of these fantastic cars were ‘Vantage-engined’ and to the highest state of tune - ‘SVC’. They represent a special place in Aston Martin history as they were the last six cylinder cars with a heritage stemming from the greatest era of the firm’s racing history and the last to be fitted with wire wheels. They also marked a return to the traditionally shaped front that was first introduced in the DB3S in the early ‘fifties, continued throughout the ‘DB’ series of 4, 5, and 6 and was later adopted for all Aston Martins from the current decade – the DB9, the Vanquish, the V8 Vantage, and the DBS. The model benefitted from many improvements developed and implemented throughout the five years of DBS production, including many mechanical and cosmetic changes. Of most significance and, like the last fifty examples of the DBS, the car used the same later ‘dog leg’ ZF five speed gearbox as used in the DBSV8. It is notable that, though the V8-engined model with the same body style was introduced in 1970, demand for the six cylinder AM Vantage continued through 1973 until the factory no longer offered the alternative. Though the V8-engined cars are very fine in their own right, this affection and appreciation for the six cylinder cars has had a direct bearing on demand and they now command a premium in the market significantly higher than their V8 counterpart.This fabulous and rare Vantage was first registered on 10th August 1973 and, we are informed, was the last six cylinder Aston Martin registered. Sitting on attractive 72 spoke wire wheels, it is finished in lovely Royal Claret red with a contrasting tan hide interior. This example is supplied with a comprehensive history file containing invoices from Richard Stewart Williams Aston Martin in London dating back to 1980 and following through to works in 2010 with renowned specialists Nicholas Mee with whom a former vendor had spent over £25,000 on the car. This particularly rare factory Vantage model was originally delivered to Richard Ellis of 64 Cornhill, London and remained with him until 1976 whereupon it was purchased by its second keeper. In 1980 the car ended up in the hands of famed Aston specialist, RS Williams. From the history we can ascertain that in 2007, the engine and gearbox were rebuilt and in 1989 the car was fully retrimmed to a very high standard; not surprising that the car still looks fabulous today as the cost of the retrim was £4,370 – a pretty significant amount in 1989!Offered with an MoT test certificate until May 2020 together with a host of older MoT test certificates and a bluetooth vintage radio, this is a fabulous car and equally desirable for a collector or an Aston Martin enthusiast. This particular Vantage was only built for one year with merely 70 produced resulting in a very rare and sought-after model and, as with the earlier DB models, is fast becoming a very collectable and appreciating asset and even comes with desirable ejector seat button!."