2008 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE N400 ROADSTER

This Aston Martin Vantage N400 Roadster is a superb example of the limited-edition model, marking vehicle number 005 of just 240 units planned for production. Built to commemorate the racing success of the Aston Martin Vantage N24, the N400 has the Sports Pack with revised dampers, springs and lightweight forged wheels, as well as clear tail light clusters, and more prominent sill panels. It is powered by a 4.3-litre V8 producing 400bhp and 309lb-ft of torque, coupled with the sought-after six-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 48,970 miles from new.

While 240 units of the Roadster were originally planned, Aston Martin Heritage Trust registrar Tim Cottingham has stated that the number actually built is believed to be just 195. First registered in April 2008, there are four previous registered keepers on the log book. The vehicle has been in the vendor’s possession for nearly two-and-a-half years.

It is worth noting that the vendor is a 17-year member of the Aston Martin Driving Team, who has been the marque’s Internal Road Driving Examiner for some 15 years of that period. While this car has solely been used as a personal vehicle, it is pleasing to hear that it comes from someone with considerable experience of Aston Martin’s road cars.

The bodywork of this N400 presents in superb order, with flush shut lines and smooth panels, and no reports of any prior damage or repairs. The Lightning Silver finish is in generally excellent condition, with the vendor reporting only minor blemishes commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. The black paint is beginning to flake on the offside wing mirror strut, while there is a slight scuff towards the bottom of the offside front wheel arch and some scratches on the offside door sill step panel.

Overall though, this car presents very smartly indeed. The vendor also notes some minor corrosion to the internal bonnet latch and both door latch buckles, a small crack in the front registration plate holder, and some fading of the black paint covering the lower front air intake mesh – all of which are clearly shown below. The soft top fabric roof appears with one or two small creases, though it remains neat and tidy overall. The N400 rides on forged 19-inch five-arm twin-spoke alloy wheels, which are in excellent condition.

Moving inside, the driver is welcomed by a numbered sill plate, and the cabin is trimmed in high-quality black leather, with contrast stitching and perforated centre panels. There is some minor creasing to the bolsters and a slight scuff in the leather on the offside door panel, but in general it presents superbly. A stitched outline of the Nurburgring is visible on the centre panel, while the car also has air-conditioning, cruise control and electrically adjustable seats. The steering wheel presents very well, as do the dashboard and switches, though the manual gear knob has some discolouration around the top inlay – a common wear area of the Vantage model.

In October 2020, the car was fitted with new rear brake pads and a new transaxle cooler by Aston Martin Works. The last service was undertaken in September 2019 at 47,375 miles at the same main dealer, including replacement of the engine oil and filter and a thorough vehicle health check. Prior to this, in August 2018, the car received an oil and filter change, on top of new lambda sensors, also at Aston Martin Works. A full summary of the service history is included below.

During the vendor’s ownership, this N400 Roadster has enjoyed full Aston Martin Extended Warranty cover. In the event of a successful auction, this cover will be cancelled by the vendor, so the next owner can choose to set up a new extended warranty if they wish.

The most recent MOT test was on 13 October 2020 at 48,913, which resulted in a pass with two advisories, noting a small nail in the offside rear tyre (no air loss), and some corrosion on the offside rear brake pipe.

The vehicle rides on Bridgestone Potenza tyres all round, in fitment 235/40/R19 at the front and 275/35/R19 at the rear. The vendor has reported 6mm of tread remaining on the front tyres, and 5mm on the rear tyres.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original leather-bound handbook and stamped service book, along with the full toolkit as supplied from new.

Supported by a comprehensive maintenance history, this Aston Martin Vantage N400 Roadster is described by the vendor as a joy to drive, with superb handling and performance, as well as fantastic looks and an infectious V8 burble. Finished in an elegant colour scheme, and one of only around 200 limited-edition N400 Roadsters built, this is a wonderful modern classic.

Summary of service history:

• 17/06/2008 - 1,453 mls - HWM Aston Martin, Walton-on-Thames
• 01/04/2009 - 5,985 mls - HWM Aston Martin, Walton-on-Thames
• 09/09/2010 - 11,675 mls - HWM Aston Martin, Walton-on-Thames
• 14/09/2011 - 14,965 mls - HWM Aston Martin, Walton-on-Thames
• 11/09/2012 - 18,066 mls - HWM Aston Martin, Walton-on-Thames
• 07/10/2013 - 20,313 mls - Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell
• 11/07/2014 - 24,751 mls - Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell
• 09/07/2015 - 30,376 mls - Aston Martin Amersham
• 07/07/2016 - 34,783 mls - Aston Martin Amersham
• 05/07/2017 - 38,098 mls - Stratstone Aston Martin
• 10/08/2018 - 42,578 mls - Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell
• 16/09/2019 - 47,370 mls - Aston Martin Works, Newport Pagnell

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.