Beschreibung:

'Brutal' was a word used more than once to described the fastest Aston Martin ever on its introduction in 1993, but as the Vantage had no less than 550bhp available to propel its two tons, the choice can only be judged fair comment. After almost 20 years in production, Aston's V8 had been updated for the 1990s as the Virage. A consummate fast tourer, the Virage left room at the top of the range for an out-and-out sports car, hence the Vantage. Although the two models appear superficially similar, few panels are shared and beneath the skin the Vantage chassis boasts the kind of extensive re-engineering required to cope with the massive increase in performance. The latter comes courtesy of a blown version of Aston's 5,340cc V8, twin mechanically driven Eaton superchargers being preferred to turbo-charging on the grounds of superior throttle response. Quite apart from its stupendous maximum output, 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 and the ZF manual gearbox's six-speeds an unnecessary luxury. On test with ‘Autocar’ magazine, a development Vantage raced to 60mph (97km/h) in a Ferrari 512TR-destroying 4.6 seconds, reaching the 'ton' just 5.5 seconds later. The standing kilometre was achieved in 23.1 seconds with the speedometer registering close to 150mph (242km/h) and although a true top speed figure proved unobtainable, the car was reported as having already recorded 191mph (308km/h) while on test in France. ‘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 left-hand drive Aston Martin Vantage was supplied new via British Motors, of Monaco to the personal order of the present owner and has covered just 36,414 kilometres in total. Chassis number '70079' has the desirable six-speed manual gearbox, factory fitted traction control and up-graded mirrors, and has undergone regular major services at the Newport Pagnell factory (most recent: January 2004). Accident free, the car is presented in 'as new' condition throughout, having been kept garaged for its entire life. Finished in Suffolk Red with matching blue-piped leather upholstery and grey alcantara headlining, it is offered complete with factory over-rugs, car cover, tool kit, all books (in wallet), service invoices, roadworthiness certificate valid until March 2007 and Monegasque registration papers. Cet exemplaire du ‘monstrueux’ Vantage 550 ch. a été livré neuf par British Motors, Monaco, au propriétaire actuel et n'a parcouru en tout que 36’414 kilomètres. ‘70079’ est doté d'une boîte manuelle à six rapports, un contrôle de traction d'usine et des rétroviseurs améliorés. La voiture a en outre bénéficié des services réguliers à l'usine Pagnell de Newport (le plus récent datant de janvier 2004). Sans accident, elle se présente «comme neuve» à tous égards, ayant toujours été abritée dans un garage depuis sa sortie d'usine et utilisée sous le soleil de Côte d’Azur. Carrosserie rouge Suffolk avec intérieur en cuir bleu et alcantara gris, elle est proposée avec ses couvre-tapis, sa bâche, sa trousse à outils, tous les manuels dans sa pochette en cuir originale, ses factures de services, le certificat d'expertise valable jusqu'en mars 2007 et ses documents d'immatriculation monégasques.