The 2005-2018 Aston Martin Vantage is a car we talk about a lot on PH, with good reason. What was a handsome and desirable new sports car for Aston in the 2000s only became more appealing as its popularity ensured a good supply of secondhand ones. Coupe or Roadster, manual or auto, V8 or V12, there was a Vantage for almost every buyer.
Keen to make the most of the model's popularity, Aston introduced plenty of Vantage derivatives over the years - think N400, 420 and 430, GT8 and GT12, V8 and V12 S. Buyers were keen for more and the Vantage was never what anyone would call perfect, so a little tinkering along the way made sense for all involved.
All that said, it's hard to imagine ever needing much more Aston Martin than a Vantage like this one. It's a 2008 car, most importantly, meaning it's fitted with the larger, torquier 4.7 V8 (instead of the original 4.3). Let's not forget that the 4.7 was barely any more powerful for the much later (and more expensive) GT8; 420hp and 346lb ft ought to be enough for most, especially with the infamous soundtrack alongside. This is a manual car, too; though never regarded as the sweetest shift when new, the Speedshift auto equivalent wasn't that great either. At least this way around, with V8 rumbling and DIY gears, the old-school feel will never be in doubt.
This particular Vantage gets more intriguing as a car with the Sport Pack fitted. An option introduced with the facelift for new customers and made available as a retro fit a few years later, it included the snazzy wheels, uprated Bilstein dampers and stiffer springs for £2,500. Money well worth spending according to PHers in the forums. And an especially desirable options now, given the Sport Pack will cost more than £5k from a specialist.
And with a car like this for sale at £40k, that would be a big chunk to spend. Though vaguely affordable Aston Martins are not a new phenomenon, to be presented with a car like this for what is Golf R money still surprises. It's recorded 42,000 miles since 2009 with two owners, having been serviced eight times along the way; the Vantage is being sold with 12 months' MOT, six months' warranty and four new tyres as well. No classic Aston ownership is likely to be drama-free, but the history and presentation of this Vantage augurs well for the future.
And what an entertaining future that could be. Enough V8 power to be interesting without being overwhelming, the involvement of a manual gearbox and a nicely honed chassis, all in one of Aston's prettiest ever bodies. The Sport Pack should add some dynamic benefit, and the colour will ensure glamour in a sea of silver, grey, black and navy V8s. If not the perfect sports car, the Vantage sure as heck promises to be a likeable one. And that's the most important thing, right?
SPECIFICATION | ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE
Engine: 4,735cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 426@7,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 346@5,000rpm
MPG: 20.4
CO2: 328g/km
First registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 42,000
Price new: £85,000
Yours for: £39,950
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