2017 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE

2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S - Manual - AMR Performance Pack

"It’s fantastic. It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful” are the words of none other than Jeremy Clarkson when summing up the V12 Vantage, in what became one of Top Gear’s most memorable and passionate automotive videos ever created.

Since its launch in 2009, the V12 Vantage combined Aston Martin’s most powerful V12 engine with the lightest and smallest body in the range. In May 2013 Aston Martin introduced the V12 Vantage S. Lighter, more powerful, and more extreme, it became the most sporting series-production Aston Martin built at the time.

In 2013 the V12 Vantage S was the fastest series-production Aston Martin yet, reaching 205 mph with 0–60 mph achieved in 3.5 seconds. At launch, only the Sportshift III automated manual transmission was offered. In 2016, Aston Martin introduced a seven-speed manual with a dog-leg first gear. This gearbox positioned the most frequently used ratios in a double ‘H’ pattern, as in a conventional six-speed, while retaining a traditional dog-leg layout.

The manual also featured AMSHIFT, a driver-selectable system that uses clutch, gear position, and propshaft sensors, together with revised engine management, to simulate heel-and-toe downshifts by blipping the throttle during braking and gear changes. AMSHIFT also enabled full-throttle upshifts for uninterrupted acceleration.

Power came from the AM28 5.9-litre V12, rated at 565 bhp, 55 bhp more than the earlier V12 Vantage. Of more practical importance was the improved torque delivery: an additional 70 Nm was available from just 1000 rpm compared to the previous engine. This was managed by a new Bosch engine management system, unique to the V12 Vantage S. The car was fitted with Adaptive Damping with three stages (normal, sport, track). Aerodynamic efficiency was also improved, with a new carbon fibre front grille with vertical spars inspired by the CC100 Concept Car, designed to maximise cooling and balance.

AMR Performance Pack

The optional AMR Performance Pack fitted to this example lifted output by up to 30 bhp. The package included magnesium inlet manifolds and a titanium exhaust system derived from the GT12, saving almost 14 kg compared with the standard steel exhaust. The manifolds improved airflow through redesigned internal fencing that increased air speed by a Venturi effect, while evenly distributing flow across the cylinder heads. Replacing the standard aluminium manifolds with magnesium reduced weight by 1.6 kg. The pack also added a carbon fibre rear diffuser, whose vertical vanes managed airflow beneath the car and around the muffler, reducing turbulence and drag.

First registered in December 2017, this car is one of the last V12 Vantage S models built, and one of only 114 right-hand drive examples with the seven-speed manual gearbox and has covered a mere 7,700 miles from new. It is finished in the stunning Alloro Green with Pure Black Alcantara interior, yellow contrast stitching, and Obsidian Black carpets.

Other than the AMR Performance Pack, other options fitted to this car include the exterior carbon pack (mirror caps and side strakes), black side window surrounds, black headlamp bezels, lightweight carbon fibre seats, Aston Martin premium audio system, reversing camera, yellow brake callipers, Aston Martin wings embroidered in the headrests, carbon fibre bonnet louvres, front and rear parking sensors, matt black tailpipe finishers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, glass switches, piano black interior trim, carbon fibre front grille, and graphite lightweight 19-inch ten-spoke wheels. An additional ‘V12’ badge appears alongside the side repeater, a detail specific to the ‘S’.

This specification added nearly £36,000 to the list price when new. The car also benefits from Paint Protection Film fitted to vulnerable areas and retains a full Aston Martin service history.

This 2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S with the AMR Performance Pack stands as one of the very last and most desirable examples of the model. With the rare seven-speed manual gearbox, just 114 right-hand drive cars built, and one of the highest specifications ever ordered, it represents the final expression of analogue driving. Low mileage, exceptional condition, and full Aston Martin service history make it ready to enjoy, while its rarity and specification ensure strong long-term appeal. A thrilling and authentic driver’s car.