Background
While Aston Martin had previously used the Vantage name on high-performance variants of its existing models, it broke cover as a discrete model in 2005. A lightweight, lithe, agile two-seater coupe or convertible, the Vantage had cars like the Porsche 911 in its sights.
Fitted with a snarling, growling and occasionally purring V8 under the bonnet, it’s a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sportscar.
Almost.
You see, the monocoque bodyshell is aluminium, which is glued together. This unconventional - for the period - arrangement makes for a light, rigid shell.
The 4.3-litre V8 engine churns out 380bhp and 302lb/ft of torque, enough to see the svelte Aston reach 62mph in 4.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175mph. It features a dry sump too, which enabled the boffins at Aston to mount it nice and low, which helped improve the Vantage’s handling.
The transaxle drivetrain did its bit for the car’s handling and road-holding too, as the rear-mounted gearbox helps facilitate a 49/51 front-to-rear weight distribution. Slotted Brembo brakes chip in with mighty performance and the sort of reassurance that comes with fitting what is probably the best name in the business.
The interior is just as pretty as the achingly lovely body (which the readers of Car Design News voted the best current production design in 2006…), managing to balance traditional and minimalism better than just about any other, either before or since. Top Gear’s ‘Cool Wall’ segment put the Vantage in the fridge because it was ‘sub-zero’, one of only two cars ever to be so honoured.
Around 10,000 were produced, which made it a runaway success by Aston Martin’s standards and was a production run matched only by the DB9, the only other car to share fridge space with the Vantage.
