• Year of manufacture 
    2015
  • Mileage 
    372 mi / 599 km
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Chassis number 
    SCFEBBAL0FGC19677
  • Reference number 
    FJ2343
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Exterior brand colour 
    Alloro Green
  • Interior colour 
    Black
  • Interior type 
    Leather
  • Number of doors 
    2
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Green
  • Gearbox 
    Manual
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

The V8 Vantage represented a significant change in direction for Aston Martin. Following the David Brown years, Aston had encountered many financial troubles that often prevented them from devoting the resources to develop new models from the ground up. The V8 Vantage, together with the DB9, represented a completely new generation of Aston Martins with an innovative and all-new modular aluminum platform, superb dynamics, and of course striking aesthetics. The V8 Vantage is smaller and more nimble than the DB9, and appeared initially with a 380hp quad-cam alloy dry-sump naturally-aspirated 4.3 liter V8 and a rear-mounted 6-speed manual transaxle. Consequently, the weight distribution is 49% front and 51% rear, and the car’s compact dimensions and careful prototype testing (including much time circulating the Nurburgring) have made the car reportedly one of the best, if not the best, driving Aston Martin ever. The car was further improved for the 2009 model year, bore and stroke increases to raise displacement to 4.7 liters and power to 420hp. The valves were also enlarged torque increased 15%, the flywheel lightened, and stiffer springs fitted as well.

Aston continued to push the bar on the development of the Vantage, saving the purest and most dynamic variant for last. The V8 Vantage GT incorporated the most focused driveline and chassis, combined with a dynamic and athletic aesthetic treatment that distinguished the GT as the enthusiast’s pick of the model line. Available with conventional 6-speed manual (like this car) or an automated paddle shift manual, the model also employed sport suspension, sport exhaust (increasing power to 430hp), dark finish lightweight wheels, and the GT graphics package with contrasting grille surround, roof pillars, mirror caps, side stripes, and diffuser blade. Available in five unique colorways with contrasting accents, the GT acknowledges some of the most legendary racing Astons of time, including the Le Mans-winning DBR1. Inside, piano black and carbon fiber interior trim coupled with contrasting stitching further set the sporting tone of the GT.

This particular example is a one-owner California car which has covered just 400 miles from new. Sold new by Galpin Aston Martin in Van Nuys, the car remained in Southern California its entire life until being consigned with Fantasy Junction by its first owner. Finished in Alloro green with yellow accents inside and out, which recalls Aston’s traditional racing livery, the car is distinguished by the fitment of a conventional 6-speed manual transmission and optional full leather interior. This desirable and evocative configuration is ideal for the enthusiast who appreciates Aston’s heritage as well as the inimitable joy of driving a car with a proper manual gearbox.

Having been stored indoors and with fewer than 400 original miles, this Vantage GT is in like-new condition. The paint is unmarked, with no chips or scratches, even in vulnerable areas such as the door edges. The wheels are also free of damage, as is the front spoiler. The front undertray has one scratch but is otherwise devoid of scrapes or issues. All lights, lenses, and glass are equally nice.

The story is much the same inside, with excellent leather, carpets and dash. The seat bolsters are unmarked and the carpet heel pad has a few marks but it is otherwise basically impossible to distinguish the interior from new. The beautifully machined instruments are a pleasure to behold, while the black piano trim, contrasting yellow accents and alcantara binnacle trim add a sporting flair to the already handsome V8 Vantage interior. The engine compartment and trunk are similarly crisp, with no signs of wear or use. The engine is mounted well back in the chassis, which is permitted by the rear-mounted transmission and serves to provide nearly perfect weight distribution. The rear luggage area is conveniently accessed via the hatchback style rear lid which is hinged at the top of the rear windscreen. The presentation of the underside of the car is consistent with a fair-weather use only car with so few miles, with no appreciable signs of wear or aging other than the aforementioned small scrape on the front undertray.

The car is a pleasure to drive. The exhaust note from the sport exhaust is a symphony of muscular naturally-aspirated V8 sounds, from the first moment it is started. The clutch is progressive and easy to modulate, and the shifter has short positive throws which make the gearbox a pleasure to use. The chassis has a solid, nimble feel, with a tautness that distinguishes the Vantage from Aston’s larger cars such as the DB9.

In many ways, the V8 Vantage is the epitome of the traditional analogue sports car, rendered with all the brilliance of a modern high-performance car. With a naturally-aspirated front-mid mounted engine, conventional 6-speed transaxle, and rear wheel drive, the V8 Vantage has the layout of a traditional sports car, yet the extremely rigid aluminum chassis and extremely well-resolved brakes and suspension give the car a litheness and competence that vintage cars could only dream of. That all this performance is wrapped in what is arguably one of the most beautiful cars of the last two decades is further icing on the cake. This particular GT is a desirably equipped and configured example which is in basically as-new condition with just 400 miles.