• Built to Swiss specifications
• Chassis number '00001'
• Numerous special features
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Offered from an extensive private collection
• Recently recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company

In early 2008, Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez confirmed that production of the V12 Vantage would commence in mid-2009, though with the 510bhp engine shared with Aston Martin's other 12-cylinder models rather than the Vantage RS prototype's 580bhp dry-sump racing unit.

The classic hot-rodding technique of shoehorning a big engine into a small car is a well-trodden route to increased performance, and so it was with the V12-engined Vantage RS prototype, which combined Aston Martin's largest engine with its most compact model. Built in just four months by Aston Martin's Special Vehicle Operations department, the first prototype was unveiled by Dr Bez at the official opening of the British manufacturer's new design studio at Gaydon, Warwickshire on 11th December 2007. Dr Bez promised that a production version would be considered should there be sufficient demand; the result was a deluge of enquiries from enthusiasts eager to get their hands on what promised to be Aston Martin's fastest-ever road car.

Based on the V8 Vantage Coupé, the production V12 Vantage was powered by Aston Martin's familiar 6.0-litre V12 as found in the V12 Vanquish, DB9, and DBS models. Getting the V12 to fit the V8 Vantage chassis involved grafting on the engine cradle from the DB9, while the resulting weight increase and more forward weight distribution was accommodated by revised suspension settings. Boasting a kerb weight of 1,695kg (3,737lb), the V12 Vantage accelerates from 0-62 mph (100km/h) in 4.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 190 mph (306km/h).

Commissioned from Aston Martin by our vendor and built to Swiss specifications, the V12 Vantage offered here (chassis number 00001) was ordered with numerous special features, including its Chakra Orange exterior colour and Red Fox interior. Other bespoke details include Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio; bright finish grille; heated seats; and front parking sensors. The car comes with copies of the original sales invoice and photocopy of Swiss Carte grise. Benefiting from recent recommissioning by noted marque specialists Stratton Motor Company (invoice on file), this unique V12 Vantage represents a wonderful opportunity to own a little-used example of this sensational Aston Martin supercar. 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.