2014 Aston Martin Vantage

Highlights

• 4.7-litre Vantage V8

• Sought-after China Grey

• Good service history

• Rare and prized six-speed manual gearbox

• 10-spoke diamond cut alloys and black leather trim

Overview

The DB9 marked a huge turning point for Aston Martin, but it was the slightly later Vantage that really moved things along in volume terms – and today, it’s one of the most breathtaking and most affordable Aston Martins you can buy. 

Developed from the ground upward with Ford money, conceived from scratch at the Gaydon development facility in Warwickshire and with the kind of budget that Aston Martin could only have dreamt of in the past, the 2005-on Vantage is both desirable and robust.

To succeed, it needed to be affordable to build, not prohibitively expensive to buy and be built to such tolerances that it could compete against well-engineered German high-performance models; a brief it fulfilled more convincingly than any Aston before it.  

As well as being solidly made, it was also a masterpiece of styling – created by Danish-American designer (and later entrepreneur) Henrik Fisker. It was an absolute stunner back then and it still looks sensational over two decades on. 

Yep, as hard as it is to believe, the Vantage design is now 20 years old, and that means you can now get your hands on this most British of bruisers for a price that’s insanely tempting.

This one has a number of things that make it especially appealing. First, it has the later 4.7-litre engine with 420bhp, 40bhp more than the earlier 4.3-litre incarnation. Second, it’s finished in China Grey – a solid hue that is actively sought-after, not least because it was ahead of its time. After all, how many primer grey new cars do you see on the road these days? Third, it’s a manual. The three-pedal Vantages have a dedicated following, and for a very good reason – it’s the most visceral driving experience you can get from the model. 

That’s before you factor in the fact that it’s a well-maintained and low mileage car in lovely condition throughout. There’s an awful lot here to like…

History and documentation

• First registered on 27 November 2014

• MOT until 15 November 2025; no advisory notes

• UK registration document in the name of the private vendor

• Service invoices as follows: 4,792 miles (2015 – main dealer), 8,326 (2016 – main dealer), 11,479 miles (2017 – main dealer), 15,505 miles (2018 – main dealer), 18,479 miles (2019 – main dealer), 23,142 miles (2022 – specialist), 30,017 miles (2024 – specialist)  

• Two keys 

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather sports seats in good order, with grey stitching to match the exterior

• Heated and electrically adjustable sports seats, with a very small amount of wear to driver’s seat shoulder

• Cruise control

• Climate control

• All dials, switches and controls work as intended

• Smart luggage area

• Parking sensors

• Original head unit with pop-up display and sat nav 

• Build plaques on kick plates

Exterior

• Lovely China Grey paint with no evidence of dents, structural corrosion or previous accident damage

• 10-spoke diamond cut 19-inch factory alloys in superb condition, with good Michelin tyres on the rear and Continentals upfront

• Appears sound underneath in all visible areas with no past MOT advisories for corrosion

• Some minor chips to front bumper

• Minor alloy reaction/corrosion next to one door handle

• The buyer should expect minor marks and defects commensurate with age and mileage, but there is nothing of any great note

Mechanical

• 4.7-litre V8

• 420bhp

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• 0-60mph in 4.8 secs

• New brake discs and pads fitted in April 2024

• Described by the vendor as in excellent mechanical order with no known faults and a verified low mileage

Summary

With the later, torquier, 4.7-litre engine and a striking, deeply desirable colour scheme, there’s rather a lot about this Vantage that appeals to us – it looks gorgeous, sounds fantastic and has clearly been well looked-after. 

Then, there’s the fact it has a manual gearbox. Many Vantages didn’t, with the Sportshift clutchless transmission proving popular, but for many committed and enthusiastic drivers, only a traditional manual will do – and that means this Vantage will be even more sought-after. Demand for manual models on the pre-owned market tends to exceed supply, but here’s an opportunity to grab one in a truly fantastic specification.

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 Shrewsbury, Shropshire.