Fantasy Junction

Description

2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition
s/n SCFEBBCF5BGS00573
Carbon Black Metallic with Obsidian Black Leather Interior

Aston Martin launched their all-new Vantage in 2005, delivering to an enthusiastic public what has become one of the most praised and desirable modern GT designs. Following the DB9, the Vantage was the second car to use Aston’s all-new VH platform, a brilliant aluminum chassis that could be scaled to meet different demands and would underpin virtually every Aston model for 15 years, including the Rapide sedan. It was Aston’s first truly modern chassis. The Vantage was the smallest car to use the platform and unequivocally the most sporting. Where the DB9 was a comfortable-high speed tourer that was often cross-shopped with the Bentley Continental, the Vantage was directly aimed at the Porsche 911. The decision to use a 6-speed transaxle signaled Aston’s intent with the Vantage. This layout provided excellent weight distribution by placing the gearbox at the rear of the car which allowed the engine to be moved back in the chassis, while a hatch-type rear opening added an element of practicality too. Classical front-engined sports car proportions rendered in some of the most beautiful and timeless bodywork of modern times rounded out the Vantage package.

The naturally aspirated V8 was a sonorous high-revving dry sump unit with a relatively high torque peak, and contemporary road tests noted that the magnificent balanced chassis could easily handle more power. Aston Martin were all too happy to oblige, taking a page from the classic sports car playbook by combining their most powerful engine and their smallest car. The result was the V12 Vantage, which employed formidable naturally aspirated 510hp V12 from the DBS and a suitably upgraded Vantage chassis, creating an aggressive but sophisticated, and above all, slightly bonkers car that made car enthusiasts thankful to be alive. Initially available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the car also received a more aggressive body and upgraded interior, and the resulting car has an urgency and visceral character that had not been seen in an Aston Martin product in decades.

For owners seeking even more individuality and exclusivity, Aston produced the Carbon Black Edition. Available only with carbon black metallic point, these cars were further differentiated by their carbon fiber exterior trim, piano black and alcantara interior trim, and standard fitment of equipment that was typically optional such as the 700W stereo system and parking sensors. Aston Martin reported that just one example would be provided to each dealer and the cars were available for an additional $16,000, brining the total MSRP to $181,000 in 2011.

This well-maintained Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage is a two-owner car that has covered less than 4,300 miles from new. Its current owner is a longtime Aston Martin Owners Club member who has owned several show-winning vintage Aston Martins over the decades. Originally sold in the Atlanta area, the car remained there until August of 2017, when it was relocated to the northeast. The included Carfax shows the gradual accumulation of mileage to the car’s current reading. Also included with the car is a dealer service printout showing the performance of recalls in 2015 and 2017, as well as routine servicing throughout the car’s life.

The deep and lustrous Carbon Black metallic paint of this car is accented by unique carbon fiber trim on the hood and side venting, carbon fiber front air dam, and unique 19” 10 spoke forged wheels painted gloss black, then diamond turned. The interior is beautifully finished in soft Obsidian Black Leather accented by silver stitching, with matching Piano Black center console and interior door handles. The satin aluminum 6 speed gear selector is unique to the V12 models and has a substantial mechanical feel that suits the character of the car. The electronically adjustable sport seats are also covered in Obsidian Leather with alcantara inserts. Further accents in the interior include semi-aniline leather roof lining, carbon fiber door sill inserts, Aston Martin 700 watt sound system, built in navigation system, and automatic climate control. The Carbon Black logo is laser etched in a plaque on the door sill to announce the unique character of this car. Carbon ceramic brakes further differentiate this example.

This stunning Aston Martin has been exceptionally cared for since new, with every cosmetic and service detail thoughtfully carried out to the highest level possible with services and inspections performed annually using experts specializing in exotic cars. The paint is in near new condition, with with beautiful gloss and deep luster, showing the unforgiving black metallic surface to be of very high quality and finish, both on the outside of the car and in the door jams and inner surfaces. There are a few small chips on the front bumper from road use. The unique wheels are in excellent condition with no curb rash, showing excellent finish, shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Lenses, glass and lighting are all in near new condition throughout, as are the emblems, script lettering, and other exterior details.

The interior is elegantly finished and looks, smells, and feels as though it were new, showing no marks or wear to the premium leather luxury seating surfaces, center console. There is a small area of shrinkage to the leather at the corner of the dashboard near the windscreen. The instruments are beautifully milled from billet including counter-sweeping tachometer. The condition of the carpeting, unique carbon fiber doorsills, gloss surfaces, and other soft interior surfaces is excellent throughout.

Under the hood, the beautiful V12 engine is clean and unmodified from new, highlighted by elegant and purposeful cast intake plenum and manifolds displaying 6.0 V12 insignias, all nestled in an extremely clean engine compartment. The car is a pleasure to drive, with a sporting urgency that is unique among modern Aston Martins. In gear acceleration makes the 4.1 second 0-60 time for this car entirely believable, and it is delivered with linearity and brio that is intoxicating. The well-weighted shifter is a pleasure to use, an increasingly rare treat as the manual transmission becomes increasingly rare. The chassis feels exceptionally stiff: as though hewn from a solid piece rather than being a collection of parts that have been assembled. The chassis is also incredibly balanced, thanks in part to the transaxle layout. The car changes direction with lithe enthusiasm that is completely different from a front-engined V12 Ferrari of the same period. By the same token, the car is civilized and well-mannered when the driver wants and is very much an example of remarkable duality that modern cars can achieve between excitement and ease of use. A complete factory owner’s packet, original window sticker, two key fobs, service paperwork, and Carfax are included with the car.

The V12 Vantage is a modern take on the classic sports car formula. With a front-mounted naturally-aspirated V12 backed by a manual transaxle and the proportions to match, the V12 Vantage is the last car ever built to feature this iconic layout. Coupled with a sophisticated aluminum chassis and beautiful bodywork, the V12 Vantage is an exceptionally compelling car, one of less than 1500 built. For these reasons, it has all the ingredients to become a collectable car, and none more so than a rare and desirable Carbon Black Edition with just 4,300 miles from new.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608