• Built to Swiss specification
• Semi-automatic transmission
• Numerous extra-cost options
• Original cancelled Swiss title with the car
• Recently recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company

Introduced for the 2006 model year, Aston Martin's V8 Vantage Coupé was launched at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. 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 with dry-sump lubrication. The latter enabled the engine to be mounted low in the 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 combining 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 and 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 a 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. There were new styles of wheels too. 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).

The unique V8 Vantage offered here was commissioned from Aston Martin by our vendor, one of their VIP customers. A 2009 model built to Swiss specifications and finished in special Onyx Black livery with Sand Storm interior trim, it boasts numerous extra-cost options in addition to the generous inventory of standard equipment. Highlights include the following:

Premium audio
Cruise control
Bluetooth voice-activated telephone
Satellite navigation
Brake calipers in black
Memory seats and exterior mirrors
Powerfold exterior mirrors
Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
19" 20-spoke alloy wheels
Xenon HID headlamps with Powerwash

In February 2010 the Vantage was returned to the factory for upgrading and various other works including fitting front/rear cameras, illuminated sill kit, fire extinguisher, re-trimmed seats, air conditioning upgrade, etc (copy bill on file). Mostly kept on static display as part of the vendor's extensive private collection (hence less than 200km on the odometer), the Vantage benefits from recent recommissioning in the UK by renowned marque specialists Stratton Motor Company. Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the sales invoice, specification sheet, and original (cancelled) Swiss Carte Grise.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10%+VAT on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.