2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe 4.7 Manual

Highlights

• Desirable 420bhp 4.7-litre model
• Impressive history file
• Only 65,000 miles from new
• Sought-after black-on-black colour scheme
• Owned by a true enthusiast who’ll be really sad to see it go!

Overview

In the century or so that Aston Martin has been building motor cars, they’ve experienced more ups and downs than a pogoing punk on a trampoline. The Ford buyout in the 1980s sought to reinvigorate the brand, while at once Ford-ifying the manufacturing processes, and after the launch of the DB7 in 1993 everything changed for Aston Martin: the company’s first model to make extensive use of composite materials, it was engineered by Tom Walkinshaw Racing on Aston’s behalf, with all cars being built at a newly-acquired factory at Bloxham, Oxfordshire which had previously served for the assembly of Jaguar XJ220s.

And if there’s one model that really pushed Aston Martin into the aspirations of the modern motoring elite, it was 2005’s V8 Vantage. Hand-built at Gaydon with the Porsche 911 squarely in its crosshairs, this pretty little thing had a sumptuously trimmed cabin and a practical hatchback to make it everyday-usable, while also packing a lightweight bonded aluminium structure and an effervescent dry-sumped 4.3-litre V8.

It was a special machine, which kept increasing in specialness with every update: 2009 saw a comprehensive overhaul of the model including a new type of cylinder liner that allowed the displacement of the V8 to be dramatically increased; 4.3-litres became 4.7, the facelifted Vantages boasting an impressive 420bhp. The 4.7 also received a lightened flywheel, plus reworked suspension with Bilstein dampers.

And this cosseting GT had properly sporting numbers to back it up – the updated Vantage could gallop to 62mph in 4.7-seconds in manual guise, with a top speed of 180mph. A further facelift in 2012 brought in the S-style front and rear aesthetic across the range, as well as adding uprated 6-pot front calipers.

The example we have here has led something of a charmed existence. It’s covered just 65,000 miles from new, with a fully stamped service book and a reassuring history file. The car is finished in the sought-after combo of Onyx Black paint over Obsidian Black leather, it’s in lovely condition throughout and – crucially – the owner really loves it and doesn’t want to sell it; the only reason it’s moving on is that there’s a baby on the way. An enthusiast-owned example of a desirable spec – what more could you ask for?

History and documentation

• Registered 28 Mar 2013
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Original manual/service book
• Full service history, with service book stamped in Apr 2018 @ 3,873 miles, Jan 2015 @ 4,980 miles, Nov 2015 @ 15,509 miles, Sep 2016 @ 26,596 miles, Feb 2017 @ 37,845 miles, Aug 2018 @ 46,096 miles, Feb 2020 @ 54,079 miles, Nov 2020 @ 57,576 miles, Jul 2024 @ 64,970 miles
• Current MOT with no advisories, expires 16 Dec 2025
• Sheaf of previous MOT certificates
• 2x keys (one glass, one valet)
• 2021 – invoice for £3307 – service, new rear top arms, headlamp repair
• 2020 – invoice for £503 – LH sill panel and assorted fixings
• 2020 – invoice for £2004 – pair of N400-style sill covers
• 2017 – invoice for £4200 – clutch and flywheel
• 2016 – invoice for £7400 – reseal of timing cover and cam covers, clutch and flywheel
• Assorted further invoices for servicing and maintenance

Interior

• Tasteful Obsidian Black leather is complemented by silver trim and glass buttons
• Steering wheel shows no undue signs of wear
• No warning lights are illuminated on the dash
• Factory sat-nav screen correctly raises itself on demand
• Tailors Grey Alcantara headlining is clean and straight
• All tidy inside the boot, complete with original Continental tyre inflator kit
• Very minor wear to driver’s seat bolster
• 700w premium audio option
• Bluetooth
• Reversing camera displays on nav screen

Exterior

• Onyx Black paintwork is gleaming
• Sill covers upgraded to N400-spec
• Clear taillights are a tasteful feature
• Matching OEM-spec Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres with decent tread
• Original alloy wheels in lovely condition (with just a little scuffing to the nearside front)
• Window glass all in good order
• Minor condensation in headlamp units, but reportedly dry out quickly in warm weather
• No evident scratches or scrapes (just a couple of very minor speedbump scuffs under front splitter), and nice even shutlines

Mechanical

• 4.7-litre V8 – an evocative engine factory-tuned to a mighty 420bhp
• Desirable 6-speed manual
• Clutch replaced in 2021
• Brakes are impressively strong
• Rear top arms replaced in 2021
• Seller reports that the car really is a joy to drive, and is only reluctantly selling due to the imminent arrival of a baby
• Current mileage is 65,174

Summary

Being able to slap your Aston Martin keys down on the bar carries a lot of pub kudos. And this Vantage offers more than just bragging rights: the 2005> V8 Vantage is a model that’s inextricably interwoven itself through the fabric of the modern sports car – instantly recognisable, endlessly desirable – and, in later 4.7 spec, it’s something truly beguiling.

More powerful and better equipped, with a frisson of race pedigree and frankly stunning aesthetics, this is a car that’s as good to drive as it is to look at. And you’ll find yourself doing both, a lot. The quintessential modern classic, this eminently usable and thoroughly enjoyable machine won’t just be a car, it’ll be a companion, ready to share your adventures for many years to come.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. The seller is based in Surbiton.