Lot details
Registration No: K11 AML
Chassis No: SCFDAM2SVBR70197
Mot Expiry: July 2007

Last of the 'old school' Aston Martins, the Vantage was unveiled at the 1992 Birmingham Motor Show. Utilising the same basic platform architecture, doors and roof as the 'base' model Virage, it was visually distinguished by a wider track, flared wheelarches and jutting front air dam. Punctuated by six headlights and four 'grapefruit' taillights, its revised sheetmetal was the work of John Hepperman and Ken Greenley. Among the most powerful front-engined GT cars ever to torture tarmac, the Vantage extracted some 550bhp and 549lbft of torque from its 5340cc DOHC 32-valve V8 engine via the addition of twin belt-driven Eaton superchargers (complete with air-to-air intercoolers). Fitted with independent double-wishbone front suspension, a Watts linkage located de Dion back axle, six-speed ZF manual transmission and high geared power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering (2.87 turns lock-to-lock) as standard, it also benefited from ABS-backed vented disc brakes. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, 0-100mph in 10.1 seconds and 186mph, the 2+2 super coupe was rechristened the V8 Vantage during 1996. Only in production between 1993 and 1999, just 239 'standard' Vantage / V8 Vantage cars are thought to have been made.
Finished in Rolls-Royce Midnight Blue with grey leather upholstery (piped in blue), this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" order with regard to its engine, manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis and bodywork (while, he considers the wheels / tyres to be "very good"). Apparently supplied new on June 15th 1998 to Sir Ralph Halpern, former Burton Group chairman, the Vantage was acquired by its second keeper some two years later before entering the current (third) ownership in July 2002 (albeit initially as a company registered vehicle). Purchased from the renowned Stratton Motor Company (Norfolk) with a warranted mileage of 14,000, its odometer presently shows just 18,308 miles. Said to "have been maintained by the Aston Martin factory" and to "come with full service history", we understand that 'K11 AML' made its last trip to Newport Pagnell on June 22nd 2005 "when the mileage was 17,729". Reportedly in "excellent condition in every way" excluding "a small amount of stonechip induced blistering under the headlamps" and "a small paint blister on the boot lid", its generous specification encompasses a red Le Mans starter button, red brake callipers bearing the Aston Martin script and an alarm / immobiliser. Representing a substantial saving over 'book' price, this Great British Bruiser is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 30th 2007 and road tax until July 30th 2006.