2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 4.3 Manual

Please note that the photographs were provided by the seller

Highlights

• 380bhp V8 mated to a six-speed manual gearbox

• Lesser-seen Ghillies Green paintwork

• Tan interior

• Advisory-free MOT until July 2026

• Glorious V8 exhaust note

Overview

You’d be forgiven for your jaw hitting the floor at the mention of the fact that this generation of Aston Martin Vantage is over 20 years old. Yes, really! We can barely believe it either…

Based upon a truncated DB9 platform and utilising a number of lightweight construction methods that managed to keep the kerb weight reasonable despite all of the refinement and comforts that you’d expect from an Aston Martin, the V8 Vantage was a hit from the outset. 

You can tell the styling department got it right from the get-go: in over 10 years of production, there were only some minor tweaks to the exterior as the facelifts went by - this is a car that you park up, lock and then look back over your shoulder at, time-and-time again.

Now, these V8 Vantages are looking like hot property in 2026 - a bona-fide Aston Martin GT car that you can genuinely use every day without compromise (it’s even ULEZ exempt!) means that we can find few arguments against the Vantage as a daily driver.

This particular example also has the rarely-seen specification of Ghilles Green bodywork over a Tan leather interior. Yes, Instagram car spotters, unite - it’s #greenovertan time! While it’s on the higher side for mileages, let’s not forget that these cars were developed under Ford’s ownership and durability testing regime which means that they wear better than one may expect of a hand-built British sports car.

Whilst we’d suggest that there are a few areas of cosmetic TLC required to bring this Vantage back to its best, it has an excellent MOT history sheet, no reported mechanical issues and, once again, THAT colour combination. As such it presents a great opportunity to enter the exclusive world of Aston Martin ownership.

History and documentation

• Delivered new by Stratton motor company of Norfolk

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Dec 2005 (PDI), Dec 2007 @ 10,068 miles, Feb 2010 @ 30,269 miles, May 2012 @ 55,734 miles, Aug 2013 @ 70,202 miles, Apr 2018 @ 93,161 miles, Apr 2020 @ 94,184 miles, Apr 2021 @ 95,043 miles

• The latest service was carried out in June 2024 @ 102,644 miles

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 11 Jul 2026

• Original handbook/manual

• Believed to be original and unmodified

• ULEZ charge exempt

Interior

• Striking tan leather interior in good overall condition for its age

• The outer bolsters of both seats are typically worn, particularly on the driver’s side

• On the whole, it would appear that the interior has stood the test of time well, with no obvious rips or tears visible in the leather

• Looking closer, we note some chips visible on both door arm rests, and some scuffs on the inner door jamb trims

• There is a small abrasion on the centre lower cushion of the passenger seat, along with a pair of indentations on the backrest cushion

• The rear luggage area (behind the seats) shows some minor wear, commensurate with the vehicle’s age and mileage

• The carpets and mats look to be clean and free of any staining

• Ahead of the driver, the early-style Vantage centre console is in very good condition, with the only note being that the joystick for the screen control is missing

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Striking and rare Ghillies Green paintwork

• The bodywork appears to be free of any impact damage, with no reported dents or dings from the seller

• The front end, lower front bumper and leading edge of the rear arches show some heavy gravel rash and stone chipping

• The lower edge of the front bumper also exhibits some scuffs and scratches

• Both headlights look to be free of any UV damage or fading

• The nearside front wheel is slightly kerbed, while the other three wheels show just a few minor marks

• The seller notes that the rear tyres are dated 2019, and states the fronts are newer but the code is on the inner face of the tyre

• The rear brake discs show a lip on both the inner and outer edges

• Overall, a well-specified example that looks the part, and has evidently been used as intended over the years

Mechanical

• 4.3-litre naturally aspirated AM05 V8 engine, producing 380bhp

• Six-speed manual gearbox 

• Rear-wheel drive

• No modifications from factory specification

• Under the bonnet, the engine looks to be tidy and presentable with no obvious faults

• The seller notes that the underside is also in excellent condition, which is backed up by a clean MOT certificate and no previous failures or advisories for any corrosion-related issues

• No reported faults or issues

Summary

These 2005-2017 V8 Vantages are enjoying a resurgence in popularity at the moment, and with good reason. They are wonderfully analogue in their driving characteristics but with all the comfort and refinement you’d expect from a high-end GT car.

This particular example may benefit from some TLC such as addressing the stone chips on the bodywork and a service, but the striking colour combination (very of-the-moment with #greenovertan being the Instagram specification of choice) and strong enthusiast support will no doubt mean that the next owner enjoys plenty of fun and stylish adventures in this gorgeous-sounding and  beautiful V8-powered coupe.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Battersea, London.