1998 Aston Martin Vantage Coupé
Registration no. Not Registered
Chassis no. SCFDAM2S3VBR70197
Engine no. 590/70197/M

"What the Vantage is, and what the Virage, Volante and Zagato are not, is a real Aston Martin: a big, very beautiful, very fast, albeit expensive GT with so much appeal and purpose behind it that it is more an experience than it is mere transport..." - Autocar & Motor.

'Brutal' was a word used more than once to described the fastest Aston Martin ever on its introduction, but as the Vantage had no less than 550bhp available to propel its two tons, the choice can only be judged fair comment.

After almost 20 years in production, Aston's V8 had been updated for the 1990s as the Virage. A consummate fast tourer, the Virage left room at the top of the range for an out-and-out sports car, hence the Vantage. Although the two models appear superficially similar few panels are shared, while beneath the skin the Vantage chassis boasts the kind of extensive re-engineering required to cope with the massive increase in performance. The latter comes courtesy of a blown version of Aston's 5,340cc V8, twin mechanically driven Eaton superchargers being preferred to turbo-charging on the grounds of superior throttle response. Quite apart from its stupendous maximum output of 550bhp, remarkable enough in itself, the engine is monstrously torquey, producing 550lb/ft at 4,000rpm, a figure that made even the mighty the Chrysler Viper V10's 450lb/ft seem puny by way of comparison.

On test with Autocar magazine, a development Vantage raced to 60mph in a Ferrari 512TR-destroying 4.6 seconds, reaching the 'ton' just 5.5 seconds later. The standing kilometre was achieved in 23.1 seconds with the speedometer registering close to 150mph, and although a true top speed figure proved unobtainable, the car was reported as having already recorded 191mph while on test in France.

The current vendor purchased this Vantage from Byron International in March 2012, at which time it carried the UK registration 'K11 AML'. Stored since acquisition, the car is offered with copies of the 2012 purchase invoice and last UK V5C document. Re-commissioning will be required before returning the car to the road.

Please note that if this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% on the hammer price. Import Duty will also be applicable at 10% (plus VAT) on the hammer price. This vehicle will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival). An additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged to prepare the NOVA. 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 or our recommended shippers.