Sold – $86,000 (Plus Fees)
The younger sibling to the much larger Aston Martin DBS and Rapide models, the V8 Vantage was first created in 2005 as an answer to the growing populace of smaller, nimbler sports cars. Throughout its thirteen-year life span, the evolution of exterior and interior designs working along with continually advancing performance capabilities only came to more perfectly exude the typical high-class craftsmanship, and engineering one would expect from a brand as exemplary as Aston Martin. While the original Vantage came with a competent and competitive V8 engine, the real winner was the V12 version that arrived in 2009. Carrying over the AM11 V12 design from the range-topping DBS, the new V12 Vantage first greeted the American market in an exclusive Carbon Black Edition. Moreover, today we have one of these rare beasts on auction now!
The exterior of the Vantage is colored in Carbon Black metallic paint – as expected. The finish is unique to these special editions and provides subtle metallic glints among its rich, deep black base coat. Accentuating the bespoke paintwork are authentic bits of carbon fiber on the functional fender side strakes with vents and the four louvered heat extractors neatly arranged on the hood. The coachwork concludes in a duck-tailed spoiler that is complemented by a carbon fiber splitter smoothly integrated within the front bumper. The seller notes that this piece has suffered a rock strike which has caused some spidering cracks within the protective clear coat. However, this example has also benefitted from a factory paint correction and is sealed within a Feynlab self-healing ceramic wrap which has helped to keep the paint pristine.
Contrasting the Carbon Black paint and carbon fiber accents are diamond-cut ten-spoke alloy wheels with black painted interlays wrapped in Bridgestone S-04 tires. Aluminum trim work surrounds the window frames, and polished aluminum twin tailpipes poke out of the carbon fiber rear diffuser. A bright finish grille is unique to the Carbon Black edition and infuses a distinctly dark splash of color to the cars palette. Other standard issue parts include parking sensors to provide drivers rearward awareness. Meanwhile, massive 6-piston front brake calipers quickly cut down any built up speed via carbon ceramic rotors the size of vinyl records, which are standard upgrades for the V12 Vantage.
Happily, the subtle exterior struggle between light aluminum and dark carbon fiber beautifully continues inside the cabin. For example, carbon fiber and kevlar crafted seats shave 38 pounds of weight each over the standard seats, and these are finished in a sensuous mix of Obsidian Black leather and Alcantara stitched together with vivid silver thread. This fabric mixture continues to the door panels that close with carbon fiber door pulls. Generous amounts of Obsidian Black leather with shiny silver stitching extends far across the entire dashboard flowing down to the sides of the center console and armrest. Below, Obsidian Black carpeting and floor mats conceal the floorboards and further compliment the black Alcantara headliner.
Controls (shift knob and hand brake) are finished in aluminum with sewn black leather boots. The current owner informs us that some scratches are visible upon both pieces. Meanwhile, the steering wheel has a central leather and anodized finish with the outer rim covered in Alcantara material. Behind the wheel is a three-dimensional analog gauge cluster consisting of a 220-mph speedometer, a counter-clockwise sweeping tachometer, a fuel gauge, and a coolant temperature meter. Piano Black faceplates encase automatic climate controls, an analog clock, and the Bang & Olufsen stereo with Bluetooth all finished with aluminum buttons and dials. Completing the customized interior are anodized door sills including carbon fiber insets that display distinction to the Carbon Black edition.
With a shorter wheelbase and less weight the V12 powerplant of the Vantage makes it into a proverbial rocket ship. Conquering the sprint to sixty in 4.2 seconds the little Aston can rapidly carry passengers on to a top speed of 190-mph. Aluminum support braces cage the mighty 6.0-liter V12 under the hood that puts out 510 horsepower with 420 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Meanwhile, a six-speed manual transaxle evens out weight distribution. In total, 26,000 miles (plus change) have been put on the engine, of which the current owner accrued 2,000. A small, brushed steel plate with the Aston Martin wings, factory location, and the name of the final inspector engraved into it is prominently nested within the black plastic cover before the motor.
As one of the last cars produced with a manual transmission and a V12 engine, the Vantage is unquestionably a future collector’s centerpiece. Initially purchased in San Francisco’s Bay Area this example has been well-kept by its four previous owners in Utah, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and the car now resides in California with its present proprietor. Included with the sale are the original three keys (finished in sapphire, black, and metal materials) and the leather-bound portfolio with factory owner’s manual and booklets. A Carfax report details zero accidents or damages, and it includes some descriptions of previous maintenance. Accompanying that clear Carfax document is a clean California title.
