2006 Prodrive Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Manual

Background:

When Prodrive's badge is on a car, it’s worth paying attention, which brings us to this Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Already a compelling package with a sonorous 4.3-litre V8 and timeless styling, the early Vantage was held back slightly by a peaky powerband and slightly vague steering. Enter Prodrive.

Leveraging its role as Aston’s GT racing partner and the brains behind the DBR9, Prodrive developed a series of upgrades known as the Prodrive Performance Packages. These included an ECU remap optimised for 99-octane fuel, a raised rev limit and a sports exhaust, together boosting power from 385bhp to 425bhp and torque to 325lb/ft. Suspension was reworked too, with Eibach springs and two-way Bilstein dampers offering switchable driving modes. Add lightweight forged alloys designed in Japan and inspired by the DBR9 that shaved 10kg off the standard setup and the Vantage became sharper, quicker and more engaging.

Buyers could mix and match from four upgrade packs - engine, suspension, wheels and an optional aero kit. With all the aero upgrades selected, the bill would be totalling nearly £16,000 in extras. And while no official production numbers exist, its rarity is unmatched by many of its peers.

The price? £38,850 above entry-level Vantages but far from outrageous given the upgrades and provenance. And it’s still a bargain next to Prodrive’s other Aston creations, like the V8 Vantage GT2 Le Mans racer or the V12 DBR9 that won at Sebring.

The Car:

Believed to be the third of these exceptional creations, KX06 HZC is presented here in its stunningly elegant Titanium Silver over Obsidian Black leather, optioned with every available upgrade from Prodrive.

This car features Prodrive’s reworked version of the 4.3-litre V8, paired with a manual gearbox and a lightened, balanced flywheel, transforming the driving experience into something altogether more aggressive and focused.

Having covered just over 82,000 miles from new, the car presents as though it has significantly fewer miles on the clock. It has enjoyed the care of meticulous owners throughout its life and has been used, maintained, and preserved to a high standard.

Cosmetically, it’s in excellent condition. Just prior to sale, several paint and corrosion imperfections were professionally addressed. The all important DBR9-style wheels are in superb shape, free from lacquer peel or curbing. Other Prodrive-specific cosmetic upgrades also remain in great condition. The front carbon splitter shows only a minor graze (visible in the gallery), while the distinctive side skirts were refreshed during the recent bodywork overhaul. Notably, this particular car is believed to be the only example fitted with a race diffuser, reportedly modelled after the DBR9’s. While the carbon finish has dulled slightly over time, it remains structurally sound and visually appealing.

Inside, the cabin has aged exceptionally well given the mileage, with minimal signs of wear. Common problem areas such as the steering wheel and headliner remain in superb condition. Even the Alcantara-wrapped gear knob shows very little wear. The only area where mileage is slightly apparent is the driver’s seat bolster, which is creased but not torn or discoloured.

Out on the road, the transformation is dramatic. Thanks to Prodrive’s suite of modifications, this no longer feels like a GT cruiser, it’s a true sports car. The engine feels significantly more eager than standard, gaining and shedding revs instantly thanks to the lightened flywheel.

This is a genuinely special car, a collector’s piece. If you’re considering a Porsche 911 ST, save yourself over £200,000 and buy one of these instead.

Service History:

• Service – 55 Miles – 22/03/2006 – Aston Martin Press Garage Gaydon
• Service – 921 Miles – 30/03/2006 – Aston Martin Press Garage Gaydon
• Service – 9,172 Miles – 19/10/2006 – Aston Martin Press Garage Gaydon
• Service – 12,648 Miles – 28/08/2008 – Aston Martin Exeter
• Service – 23,538 Miles – 22/10/2009 – Aston Martin Broughtons
• Service – 38,550 Miles – 06/07/2010 – Aston Martin Broughtons
• Service – 48,291 Miles – 12/01/2011 – Aston Martin Broughtons
• Service – 59,168 Miles – 01/12/2012 – Aston Martin Broughtons
• Service – 63,235 Miles – 18/12/2012 – Aston Martin Broughtons
• Service – 65,523 Miles – 19/06/2013 – Aston Martin Racing
• Service – 71,893 Miles – 03/03/2016 – David Appleby AM Specialist
• Service – 72,186 Miles – 23/06/2017 – Autotech AM Specialist
• Service – 73,796 Miles – 25/02/2019 – Nicholas Mee
• Service – 77,092 Miles – 15/08/2020
• Service – 78,082 Miles – 24/04/2021
• Service – 79,357 Miles – 22/05/2022

Location - Hampshire

Seller - Private

Photography - Professional