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?
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Aaaaand it still looks better than the new one! Who buys a aston to battle porsches on the track? You buy it because it was/is sexier than a woman
So much better than the new one. New vantge isnt new at all even. Same thing, but worse.
JUST A GOOD MEME-Tj Hunt
Any Aston demands our respect.
Even with this new Vantage, I still believe the aggresive stance of this one still deserves respect.
I hate the new one.Its basically a DB11.
When looking at the old one,it shows that its different from others and special in its own way.