2006-Aston Martin-V8 Vantage Coupe

Description

2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
VIN SCFBBO3BX6GC0163
Tungsten Silver with Phantom Grey Interior

Unveiled in 2005, 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 innovative new models from the ground up. The V8 Vantage, together with the DB9, represented a completely new generation of Aston Martins with superb dynamics, outstanding build quality, and of course striking aesthetics. The V8 Vantage is smaller and more nimble than the DB9, and also employs an aluminum frame. The V8 Vantage is powered by a 380hp quad-cam alloy dry-sump naturally-aspirated 4.3 liter V8, and is equipped with a rear-mounted 6-speed transaxle manual transmission. 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.

This particular car is a fastidiously maintained one-owner car, with records from new. The owner ordered this car in April of 2006 and received the car in June of 2006 at the Aston Martin dealer in Marin County, north of San Francisco. The car has always been kept in California and is nicely optioned with 19 inch wheels, red brake calipers, HID Xenon headlamps with washers and leveling, bright finish grille, personalized sill plaques, satellite navigation, high spec alarm, and premium audio system. The car was always serviced at the dealer, and comes with records from new. The car was fitted with new Bridgestone Potenza tires 800 miles ago, and the 30,000 mile service was performed 500 miles ago. Receipts for all other services are included as well, including 10,000 mile and 20,000 mile services, and replacement of wearing components such as brake pads.

The car is in excellent cosmetic condition. The front of the car has been repainted so it is free of wear associated with use and mileage, and it is protected with clear bra. The panels and other paintwork are excellent, as is the trim. The glass and lamps are also extremely nice, and the wheels are very nice overall, with light curb rash on the front wheels only.

The interior is in excellent shape, with only some light wear in the usual place on the driver’s seat bolster. The interior has a very special feel, with leather or metal covering almost every surface, from the door panels to the entire center console and dashboard. There is a small area in which the leather on the top of the dashboard is shrinking. The stitching is in contrasting silver and is very striking, while the headliner, A-pillars, and visors are trimmed in suede-like alcantara. The interior has excellent detailing and quality, particularly the instruments, which have a lovely milled appearance. The contra-rotating tachometer is a thoughtful nod to Aston Martin’s illustrious past.

The engine compartment is stock and very clean, as would be expected for a car of this mileage and age. The trunk is like new, and usefully shaped. Its practicality is further enhanced by the hatch back configuration of the lid, which permits easy access.

The driving experience of this car is unlike any other Aston Martin. It has a robust and solid feel, and also a nimbleness and compactness that is missing from larger Astons. The seating position is very sporting, and one feels completely enveloped by the car. The all round performance is impressive and the car makes great noise.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a properly looked after and well-equipped example of this striking car. It is fully up to date on service, has new tires, and is in excellent order, needing nothing but a new owner. It is available for a considerably less than its new price, which was over $120,000. While it is certainly photogenic, the images of the car do not adequately convey the car’s true presence. It truly stands out from the sea of largely unremarkable modern cars while also providing the trouble free operation and peace of mind of new cars.