Lot 217: 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante Delivery Mileage Ex Jamie Oliver

An all new Aston Martin introduced for the 2006 model year, the V8 Vantage was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005. The two seater, two door coupé has a bonded aluminium structure for strength and lightness. Powered by a 4.3 litre quad-camshaft, 32 valve V8 which produces 380bhp at 7,000rpm and 302lb/ft at 5,000rpm, the front/mid-mounted engine, though based loosely on Jaguar's AJ-V8 engine, is unique to Aston Martin and features race-style dry-sump lubrication, enabling it to be mounted low in the chassis for an improved centre of gravity. The cylinder block and heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, lubrication system, and engine management system are all unique to Aston Martin. So equipped, the V8 Vantage can accelerate from rest to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a 175mph top speed. As a testament to the car's performance, handling, and endurance, an almost-stock Vantage entered and completed the 2006 Nurburgring 24 Hours race finishing in 24th overall position, despite being amongst a field of largely motor sport-homologated cars. The only modifications to the car were a roll-over cage, racing fuel system, fire extinguisher system, racing seat, and hydraulic jacks. Otherwise the car was completely standard, including a regular production engine, transmission, suspension, and bodywork. The most stylish Roadster, first shown to the public at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2006, was only introduced this year to the market, and features a triple-layered fabric hood that folds down at the touch of a button and disappears underneath a hard roof cover. To impress one's unassuming fellow motorists, this can even be done whilst driving at up to 30mph. The rigidity of the Roadster has been enhanced by the use of slightly thicker gauge aluminium within the platform and strengthening webs within the sills, thus ensuring a rigidity previously not known to Aston Martin convertibles; indeed, its torsional rigidity has been widely praised and is said to equal that of the coupe. Ordered earlier this year and delivered direct from Aston Martin to the auction, this car is supplied in new condition with only delivery mileage on the clock. Finished in black with the desirable black leather interior, the car is fitted with the paddle shift gear change option and every factory option, including red brake callipers, satellite navigation, telephone kit, top of the range Bose Hi-Fi sound system and electrically-operated seats. With waiting lists over 12 months long this is a unique opportunity to purchase and to take immediate delivery of one of the most beautiful cars Aston Martin, or for that matter anyone, has produced.