1997 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 550 Twin Supercharged

While the Vantage did bear some resemblance to the Virage, closer examination would reveal many differences - more obvious of which are the deep front spoiler, its lower stance and the flared wheel arches, which all combine to give the car a fearsome appearance.Priced at close to £200,000 when new, these rare and powerful cars were hand built at The Aston Martin factory at Newport Pagnell. It was equipped with a 5.3L V8 engine sporting twin superchargers. The power output was around 550 bhp, and the torque was equally impressive at 555 ft/lbs. Top speed was 186 mph, with a 0-60mph time of just 4.6 seconds an astonishing feat for such a large car.This right-hand drive example with a manual gearbox was originally supplied by Aston Martin dealer Reg Vardy in Tyne and Wear to Mr Stephen Gibson, chairman of Middlesborough football club. First registered on 27th October 1997 and finished in Suffolk red coachwork with magnolia hide and red piping.

Mr Gibson obviously enjoyed the car and used it regularly, as the car has nine service stamps from Reg Vardy during his ownership. He sold the car in March 2003 to the last owner, an Aston Martin owner for 35 years, who has enjoyed the car ever since. Following the sale, the previous owner instructed Works Service to maintain the car and the history file contains invoices for servicing and maintenance throughout his ownership.

The current mileage stands at 57,000 miles and the car is supplied with a comprehensive full Aston Martin main dealer service history-

18.11.1997 - Reg Vardy 1896 miles30.03.1998 - Reg Vardy 7271 miles28.08.1998 - Reg Vardy 13,477 miles16.02.1999 - Reg Vardy 17,582 miles22.09.1999 - Reg Vardy 24,320 miles09.06.2000 - Reg Vardy 32,088 miles03.01.2001 - Reg Vardy 38,551 miles13.07.2001 - Reg Vardy 43,471 miles08.02.2002 - Reg Vardy 48,880 miles06.02.2004 - Aston Martin Works Service 52,100 miles 01.05.2007 - Aston Martin Works Service 54,580 miles01.06.2013 - Harwoods Aston Martin 57,000 miles

In April 2003 the car was sent to the Works Service to have a replacement gearbox (50,000 miles approx) at a cost of £7792. More recently, the current owner has just had a major service carried out with Harwoods, which included a brand new clutch. Additional invoices from numerous specialists are contained in the very large history file and a total of 14 stamps can be found in the service booklet.

This Vantage is supplied with the original owners handbooks, service booklets and invoices, current MoT, road test certificate and full UK V5 registration. It is a genuine two-owner car from new that has clearly been maintained regardless of expense and presents a rare opportunity to own one of the last coach-built Aston Martins.