2008 ASTON MARTIN V8 Vantage Roadster

Unveiled to an adoring audience in 2005 and continuing the tradition of hand-built GT cars, the V8 Vantage was marketed as the base model in the Aston Martin range. The term ‘base’ is, of course, worlds away from what most manufacturers would consider an entry level model, meaning in this instance that the focus was simply on being the smallest, most agile model in the range, rather than the most basic or sparsely-equipped.

Underneath the stylish, restrained bodywork sits a raucous 4.3-litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine, which in this car is coupled to a six-speed Sportshift automated manual transmission.

This is basically a manual gearbox controlled with paddles that rotate with the steering wheel – contemporary road tests praised the system and preferred it to the optional conventional stick shift arrangement.

The Vantage comes with every conceivable option and has covered a mere 8,000 miles from new. It’s been serviced every year with Aston Martin dealers, so has a full service history – in fact it’s fresh from a recent full Aston Martin main dealer service at a cost of £2,500.

Please note, the numberplate will be kept on retention and a new one will be issued on completion of sale.

Aside from the odd tiny mark this car's exterior is excellent, as you’d expect given that it’s been fastidiously maintained, only driven in dry weather and kept garaged. The paint is superb, the Aston Martin alloys look unmarked and the hood is in very good order, as far as we could see.

Peering through those lovely alloys are the red brake calipers, which are clean enough to eat off. Overall, this looks like a car that’s barely covered any mileage, been kept in a garage and maintained regardless of cost. Funnily enough, that’s exactly what it is.

It’s a wonderful looking car too. Its low, wide stance and muscular lines are tempered by sculpted bodywork that flows seamlessly from front to rear, creating an aerodynamic silhouette that hints at the car's performance capabilities. The signature Aston Martin grille, with its iconic winged emblem, adds a touch of class and instantly identifies it as a member of the esteemed Aston Martin family.

The roadster's retractable soft-top roof enhances its allure, adding a sense of freedom and transforming it into an open-air symphony. When the roof is lowered, it neatly folds away, revealing the meticulously crafted interior and allowing the driver and passengers to fully immerse themselves in the experience of open-top motoring – and better hear that wonderful exhaust note.

There’s a hint of use showing on the driver’s seat bolster, but with a deep clean and some hide food it may well disappear. Other than that, it’s clean and unmarked.

Aston Martin’s attention to detail extends to the Vantage’s well-appointed interior, where luxurious materials and refined finishes create a sense of opulence. The hand-stitched leather seats, polished metal accents, and precisely positioned controls exude an air of sophistication, inviting occupants to indulge in the lap of automotive luxury.

The 4.3-litre Aston Martin V8 is just as excellent-looking as the rest of the car. There’s some surface blemishing on the nut that holds the driver’s side windscreen wiper on. Other than that, the engine bay looks factory fresh. Should you worry about this nut? Well, if you are, you might need a holiday. I mean, really.

Fire up the V8 and it naturally sounds wonderful. But get it revving past 4000rpm and it sounds even better, thanks to Aston’s use of clever valves in the exhaust system that allow the engine to breath more freely at higher speeds – and give your ears a treat into the bargain.

The current owner is the third, and the car comes with a full service history, plus an MoT certificate that runs until September this year. The owner says:

‘I bought the Vantage in 2021 and as I’m having to give up the private underground car parking space where its stored, and do not want to keep it outside, I’m now selling it. It’s never been stored outside and only driven in dry weather.

‘The original owner purchased it new with every available option: fully electric memory heated seats with lumbar; upgraded 600W audio with Bluetooth; paint protection film applied at factory; Aston Martin official tracker (just needs reactivating); Aston Martin official battery trickle charger; Aston Martin official Vantage car cover; park assist (audio) and kept it in a purpose built temperature controlled garage.

‘He owned the car for the first 11 years, I believe. It then passed to its second owner, a surgeon, who only owned it for a just over a year as he had to relocate. I then purchased the car from him.

‘I’ve recently replaced the front grille as it was the only part of the car that wasn’t immaculate (the wrong cleaning product had been used leading to tarnishing of the chrome). Aston Martin replaced this last month with a brand new unit (see documentation).

‘I’ve not been able to use the car as much as I’d like, so there are no exciting stories. I’ve just ensured that the service and MoT history remains consistent and completed annually, and that the car remains in the same remarkable condition.

‘I would say it’s in A1 condition. It’s done just over 8,000 miles, only ever been dry stored and been serviced every year to ensure all fluids etc remain fresh. The exterior is almost unblemished with a couple of minor stone chips (though I think these would go if paint protection film was removed).

'The Interior is also immaculate. The carpets have no sign of wear and there are no scratches or scuffs to any of the dash or instrument panels. The driver’s side bolster is showing a little wear and creasing – but I believe with some decent leather treatment and feeding this can be made much better.

‘The car is all standard Aston Martin equipment and extras. All the services (bar one) have been carried out by Aston Martin main dealers. If going by mileage, the car should have had 4-5 services to date, but it has been fastidiously maintained with an annual service record for each year since registration. The car has no faults at all as far as I’m aware.

‘The colour is exceptionally rare and was an expensive extra at the time. The combination of the deep metallic red and navy / cream leather is gorgeous and looks fantastic from any angle. The mileage makes it barely run in and the no expense spared upkeep and maintenance, make it as close to a new car as is possible.’

If you’re looking for an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, you’ve almost certainly just found the best one out there. We estimate that it will sell for £42,000-£46,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the seller in London, UK. To arrange an appointment to view this car please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.