Aston Martin V12 Vantage (2009)

The launch of the Aston Martin Vantage completed Aston Martin's turnaround from 90s failures to its position today as powerhouse in the Supercar scene. The shape of the Vantage blew the world's motoring press away, arguably not since Jaguar's EType has a car been so universally acknowledged as Beautiful. Whilst the aesthetics of the car stole the headlines initially on the road the praise continued for this well packaged baby Aston. A sophisticated and forward thinking design. The two seat, two-door coupé had a bonded aluminium structure for strength and lightness, a 380 BHP V8 Engine was dry sumped allowing for a lower centre of gravity. The engine was front mid-mounted with a rear-mounted transaxle, giving a 49/51 front/rear weight distribution. All of this ensured the car drove as well as it looked and the hatchback-style tailgate added practicality, with a large luggage shelf behind the seats.

As the years progressed the only complaint of the Vantage became that the 4.3 Litre V8 didn't provide enough power, so in 2008 Aston introduced the more powerful enlarged 4.7 Litre Engine giving the car an additional 40 BHP.

But in 2009 came something really special, the V12 Vantage, the marriage of the 6 Litre V12 motor (borrowed from Aston's flagship DBS model) and the already stellar Vantage platform created a car described by Clarkson as simply "Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful" His gushing review of the car on BBC's Top Gear has become recognised as one of his greatest. In addition to the Engine the new car also benefitted from a new rear diffuser, a retractable rear-wing which can be raised or lowered and carbon-ceramic brakes. The obvious visual clues included V12 wheels and a new boot-lid and vented bonnet made from carbon fibre to help decrease the car's weight.

Henry Catchpole's write up for EVO summarised his experience of the car: "There is no doubt that the V12 Vantage is the best car that Aston makes. The best it's made for a while. Crowbarring 50 per cent more cylinders into a small car is childishly appealing to any enthusiast, but there was always the danger that Aston's engineers could have created a caricaturish monster. They haven't. It's got character yet it's refined; it's got instant pace yet a depth that makes you want to live with it. Debonair and unafraid, it feels like a truly British Aston Martin and I love it."

In 2012 1,100 V12 Vantages had been produced (less than F40s) and the Vantage was replaced with the "S" fitted (disappointingly) with only the Sport shift Automatic gearbox, at the end of production just 100 Manuals were built, but critics have been harsh on the cars unusual 7 Speed Dog Leg gearbox and subsequently the earlier more Pure Vantages are fast becoming seriously collectible Motorcars.

This stunning example is one of only six cars supplied to the UK in the optional Magma Red colour scheme, it is one of just 350 UK cars. This cars impressive specification also includes the two most desirable and sought after options - 6 way electric adjustable carbon fibre lightweight seats and the Bang + Olufsen "Beosound" audio system, in addition to Obsidian Black Contemporary leather and grey alcantara interior, Piano black fascia trim, Satellite navigation system, Bright finish grille, Polished alloy treadplates, Bluetooth Telephone preparation, 6 CD autochanger USB and IPOD, and front and rear parking sensors.

The car benefits from a full and thorough Aston Martin main dealer service history including a recent major service, and has also been fitted with a full end Paint protection Film. Having had just two prior owners the car has covered a total of 37,000 miles and is accompanied by all of its original books, tools, trickle charger and factory trickle charger.