Beschreibung:

In March 1999, Aston Martin announced that 40 special versions of the Vantage - the Vantage Le Mans - would be built to celebrate the factory's victory at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in 1959, when Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby took the chequered flag first in 'DBR1/2'. The basis of what was at that time the fastest Aston Martin ever was the standard Vantage. Although outwardly similar to the Virage, the latter shared few panels with its milder-mannered sibling, while beneath the skin its chassis boasted the kind of extensive re-engineering required to cope with the massive increase in performance. The latter came courtesy of a blown version of Aston's 5,340cc V8, twin mechanically-driven Eaton superchargers being preferred to turbo-chargers on the grounds of superior throttle response. Quite apart from its stupendous maximum output of 550bhp remarkable enough in itself, the engine is monstrously torquey, producing 550lb/ft at 4,000rpm, a figure that makes even the mighty Chrysler Viper V10's 450lb/ft seem puny by way of comparison. Autocar summed up the Vantage as, "a real Aston Martin; a big, very beautiful, very fast, albeit expensive GT with so much appeal and purpose behind it that it is more an experience than it is mere transport." This limited edition number '12' of 40 made is believed to be the last of the exclusive Le Mans series sold new. Originally purchased from Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd via Stratstone of Mayfair in London, it was collected on 25th May 2000 and first registered in Ireland on 16th June that year. In keeping with the specialist nature of the car, the Original Brochure for this car ('12/40') is a signed original by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. '12/40' has been prepared and carefully serviced only by Aston Martin Works Service at Newport Pagnell and comes with the benefit of a full Aston Martin Manufacturer Warranty, including Aston Martin European Emergency Service, expiring on 9th March 2005. This car has the Works Service-developed V600 engine option delivering a staggering 600bhp at 6,500rpm. Factory quoted performance figures for the 550bhp version were 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 186mph, so the effect of those extra 50 horses can only be imagined. Generously appointed in the best Aston Martin tradition, this Vantage Le Mans boasts the V600 package of associated brake and suspension up-grades, air conditioning, alloy wheels, central locking, electric/heated seat(s), power-assisted steering, airbags(s), anti-lock brakes, alarm, immobiliser and electric windows/door mirrors as standard equipment; to which this particular car adds the full V600 engine up-grade, super sports exhaust, five-speed close-ratio gearbox, traction control, CD auto-changer and vehicle tracker. Finished in Aston Martin Racing Green with charcoal Connolly hide interior, the car has covered just 17,735 miles from new and is presented in outstanding condition in every department.