The Original Aston Martin V12 Vantage Demands Your Respect

When Aston Martin revealed its all-new Vantage this week, we couldn’t help but notice something. The V8-powered machine, which is effectively the entry point for what will eventually become a range of cars, is faster than all outgoing models - including the V12 S.

But, it won’t sound anywhere near as good as a naturally-aspirated V12-equipped Vantage. Nor will it be quite so boisterous: I’ve only driven the later, comparatively softer ‘S’ version, but the early cars have a reputation for having an incredibly aggressive limited-slip differential. You have been warned…

It’s not an Aston for the faint of heart, then - but that’s surely half the appeal. And you can’t forget the stir this thing made when it came out; the idea of shoehorning a 5.9-litre V12 under the bonnet of the smallest Aston Martin was - and still is - brilliantly absurd.

Dropping a 510bhp engine in the Vantage also had a dramatic effect on performance. 0-62mph takes just 4.2 seconds, and the top speed is 190mph.

As well as the big V12, the angriest member of the Aston Martin family also received a fabulous carbonfibre bonnet with a hilarious amount of vents, a carbonfibre bootlid and carbon ceramic brakes. And a fairly hefty increase in price, of course.

These days, you’ll need at least £75,000 to buy one. This example has just 13,000 miles on the clock, and is yours for £75,995.

Anyone brave enough?