A browse through the classifieds for the old Aston V8 Vantage came about after driving the
N430
recently. Everything about that car felt slightly old fashioned in the nicest way possible; the gearbox needed a firm hand, the engine needed revs and the whole car needed some compromise compared to its newer rivals. I loved it.
Exhaust pipe/car size mismatch
Of course comparing the old V8 Vantage with a new one dynamically would be stupid. But there's so much else to the classic Aston experience that appeals. Sat ensconced in all that wood and leather as a huge mountain of torque powers you along, cruising with that huge V8 registering hardly any revs and actually enjoying corners far more than expected in a car so large. It promises to be memorable. Too often driving just becomes about reaching a destination and there's little danger of forgetting the journey in a V8 Vantage.
Moreover, this is something of a hero car from my youth. Yes, the Diablos and F1 and F50s were on the wall but there was something so exciting about the old Aston. I was amazed that something so gigantic and luxurious could be so fast (0-100mph in about 10.5 seconds if I remember correctly. Doesn't really seems that notable anymore, does it?) and I loved how it looked. Not conventionally pretty but so imposing and unlike anything else. Some elements of the Vantages design actually look quite awkward (see how high the rear sits and those comically undersized exhaust pipes) but it exudes confidence and aggression. It's in stark contrast to the very pretty cars that followed but no less captivating.
It would have been nice to find a V600 but their exceptional rarity means they are seldom offered. This V550, in green with Parchment/Forest Green is probably one of the nicest you'll find though, with lots recently spent on it, low miles and a lovely colour combo. Surely Aston Martin Works can up it to V600 spec if asked nicely enough too.
At £140K the Vantage is not a cheap way into a classic Aston when a plain old Virage is £100K less. But the Vantage is so much better, and it seems unlikely that it will hit the ridiculous prices of early DB cars. It's still quicker than a new V8 too. Cool car.
ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE
Engine: 5,340cc twin-supercharged V8
Gearbox: Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 558@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 550@4,000rpm
MPG: Few
CO2: You're kidding
Year registered: 1997
Recorded mileage: 19,245
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £139,995
See the original advert here.