• Built to Swiss specification
• Special 'Aston Martin Racing Green' livery
• Numerous extra-cost options
• Offered from an extensive private collection
• Recently recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company

The unique V8 Vantage offered here is one of a series of seven commissioned from Aston Martin by their VIP customer and known as the 'V8 Racing Collection', each of which features unique livery and sill plates engraved 'V8 Vantage Race Collection 007 of 007'. This car carries the iconic metallic racing green that has decorated some of the most important racing Aston Martins, from the elegant sports cars of the 1950s through to the recent V12 and V8 engined GT racers. This livery took Aston Martin back to the top step in the GT1 category of Le Mans in 2007 with the iconic DBR9.

Introduced for the 2006 model year, Aston Martin's V8 Vantage Coupé was launched at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, a convertible Roadster following later that year. Although it resurrected a famous model designation from the Company's past, the latest Vantage was all-new, featuring a 4.3-litre quad-cam V8 engine loosely patterned on Jaguar's 'AJ' unit and equipped in its Aston guise with dry-sump lubrication. The latter enabled the engine to be mounted low in the bonded aluminium body/chassis for better handling, while the use of a rear transaxle resulted in near-perfect 49/51 front/rear weight distribution.

The Vantage was manufactured at Aston Martin's Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, a facility that combines the firm's renowned hand-crafted bespoke capabilities with the technology required to manufacture the bonded aluminium body/chassis structure. Exquisitely designed and detailed while possessing class-leading agility and performance, the Vantage was nevertheless a practical two-seater with a large tailgate providing access to the 300-litre rear luggage compartment. The Vantage also benefited from numerous passive and active safety systems.

In May 2008, Aston Martin introduced numerous updates for the Vantage, the most significant being an extensively revised engine of 4.7 litres capacity producing 420bhp and 347lb/ft of torque (a 15% increase). There was also new software for the 'Sportshift' automated manual transmission and stiffened suspension featuring Bilstein dampers. New styles of wheels were also part of the update. Thanks to the increased power and torque there was a welcome boost in performance, the 0-60mph (97km/h) time dropping to 4.7 seconds and the top speed increasing to 180mph (290km/h).

Built to Swiss specifications, this car boasts numerous special features in addition to the generous inventory of standard equipment. Option highlights include the following: special AM Racing Green paintwork; Linen leather interior trim; Gunmetal facia trim; Obsidian Black leather steering wheel; cruise control; memory seats and mirrors; red brake callipers; front parking sensors; Sports Pack; Aston Martin 700W Premium Audio; heated front seats; satellite navigation; voice activated Bluetooth telephone; and auto-dimming interior mirror.

Before delivery this V8 Vantage was upgraded by the factory at the owner's request, being retro-fitted with a veneered centre console; new over-mat carpet set; front and rear cameras upgrade; and various more minor interior alterations. A copy of the invoice is on file together with copies of the sales invoice, order details and EC Certificate of Conformity, the latter stating that this car can be permanently registered in EC member states that have right-hand traffic and use metric units for the speedometer. Kept on static display as part of the vendor's extensive private collection, the Vantage benefits from recent recommissioning by Stratton Motor Company. Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document; bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual it will be subject to Import Duty at 10% (+VAT) and 20% Import VAT on the hammer price. The Import VAT and Duty will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you the Import VAT directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the Import Duty will be charged by our customs broker and include a clearance fee. Import rates to other EU Country's may vary for VAT rate and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.