2006 ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE

This 2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a well-maintained and unmolested example of one of the most handsome contemporary performance cars. It is powered by the 380bhp all-alloy 4.3-litre V8 engine, coupled to the six-speed manual transmission that features Aston Martin’s uprated AMR Performance Clutch. The odometer shows just 40,816 miles from new, which is fully supported by the comprehensive service history.

The V8 Vantage was the first car to use Aston Martin’s second-generation VH chassis architecture, featuring lightweight materials throughout much of the structure and body, as well as fully independent double wishbone suspension. Its elegant design went on to win several awards, and the Vantage was famously one of just two cars - along with the DB9 - to be placed in Top Gear’s mini fridge that was beyond the ‘sub-zero’ section of the ‘Cool Wall’.

Having been first registered in March 2006, the stamped history shows that this Aston Martin was serviced by a main dealer every year up until late 2011, when the mileage stood at 19,204 miles. Over the next two years, the car covered just a couple of hundred miles, and regular servicing then resumed in early 2014. The vendor has owned the car for just over a year, and has enjoyed some 5,000 miles behind the wheel.

The Meteorite Silver paintwork is original and is in impressive condition, with a smooth and even finish around the bodywork. There are light stone chips to the front bumper and the flanks ahead of the rear wheel arches, and the plastic trim around the offside wing mirror has been chipped, but otherwise the exterior presents very smartly indeed.

At the rear, the tail lights have been personalised with clear lenses. The Vantage sits on the original seven-spoke alloy wheels, which are in generally good order, though the front wheels would benefit from refurbishment in due course as they do have some kerb scuffs. All of the wheel bolts are in great shape.

The condition of the cabin does not disappoint. It is upholstered in full-grain Obsidian Black leather, with seat cushions that are still firm and supportive, and only light wear visible to the driver’s seat bolster. The headlining and roof pillars are trimmed in smart Alcantara suede. All of the switchgear works as it should, and the rest of the interior trim is also in superb order.

The seats are electrically-adjustable, and the cabin is also equipped with climate control, heated front and rear screens, and rear parking sensors. Its original radio and CD player stereo system is still present, along with the pop-up satellite navigation display in the top of the dashboard. A Parrot MKi9000 Bluetooth unit has been discreetly installed in the ashtray area.

This Vantage has evidently been well looked after, and features the desirable AMR Performance Clutch that was fitted in April 2019. The genuine Aston Martin upgrade package features a GT4-derived lightweight flywheel and twin-plate clutch, which delivers a lighter feel and quicker powertrain response, as well as enhanced torque capacity and clutch life.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in March 2019 at 37,517 miles at independent performance specialist Maidstone Sports Cars in Kent. The engine oil and filter were renewed, along with the air and pollen filters, transmission fluid, and the two front tyres.

The service before this was in May 2017 at 33,780 miles, which comprised replacement of the oil and filters, brake fluid, brake cleaner, front brake pads, and the transmission fluid. It also benefits from having been given an Autoglym LifeShine paint protection treatment.

The most recent MOT test was on 18 May 2019 at 38,967 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. All four Bridgestone Potenza tyres were renewed in early 2019, in size 235/40 ZR19 at the front and 275/35 ZR19 at the rear, so they still have lots of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is all of the original literature, including handbook and stamped service record, as well as a raft of paperwork for previous services and maintenance, old MOT certificates, and documents relating to the Tracker security system and LifeShine protection. It has been seen and serviced regularly, with all visits between 2006 and 2017 carried out at Aston Martin main dealers.

This Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a highly desirable sports car that is in excellent condition for its age, thanks largely to the relatively low mileage. It is presented in a handsome colour scheme, and has evidently been cherished by its previous keepers - and is certain to delight its next owner just as much.

Summary of stamped services:

16 Mar 2006 - 53 miles (PDI)
10 Jul 2006 - 1,036 miles
26 Mar 2007 - 2,950 miles
25 Mar 2008 - 7,138 miles
26 Mar 2009 - 12,165 miles
25 Mar 2010 - 14,824 miles
8 Sep 2011 - 19,204 miles
24 Mar 2014 - 22,526 miles
12 Oct 2015 - 29,993 miles
7 May 2017 - 33,780 miles
8 Mar 2019 - 37,517 miles