550 Vantage

1996 Aston Martin 550 Vantage Coupe. We are privileged to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, very rare, low mileage, Twin Supercharged V8 550 Vantage. RHD and fitted with the very desirable 6 speed manual transmission, this particular example epitomises the Aston Martin ethos of Power, Beauty & Soul, presented in Rothersay Red Metallic complimented Magnolia Hide piped in dark red. Only 150 of these sublime 550 Vantages were ever made and only three of those were painted in Rothersay Red, but perhaps more significantly, this is also the actual car featured in the Aston Martin brochure of the time, an online version of which can be viewed below. First delivered in June 1996 to Mr Barman of Scarborough it comes with an extensive history folder including MOT's, Bills, Log Books, Tax Discs etc. All work undertaken by highly acclaimed specialists including a complete overhaul by Aston Works Service in 2006. The V8 550 twin supercharged Coupe has its origins with the V8 Virage that Aston Martin launched to replace the Aston Martin V8 in 1988. With funds for investment boosted by Ford, the Virage matured, with the introduction of the Virage Volante, the Virage special edition, and then from 1996, the introduction of the V8 Coupe, as a complimentary model to the DB7. The Aston Martin 5.3 litre V8 engine has shown itself capable of considerable development, not only from the introduction of new 4 valve cylinder heads and fuel injection, but was capable of being enlarged to in excess of 6 litres and being supercharged. With the V8 Coupe now on sale, and with Aston Martin concentrating increasingly on DB7 production and the development of its replacement, the V12 Vanquish, a series of run out special editions starting with the V8 Coupe, were launched in 1995 and continued in very low volume to order only production until 1999. Complimenting the V8 Coupe, the AM 550 Vantage was announced, this time featuring twin Eaton Superchargers and developing 550 bhp. This endowed the car with 190 mph top speed and vivid acceleration with 0 to 60 mph taking sub 5 secs and 0 to 100 mph in 10 secs, stunning even by today's standard. These are the last of the traditional, hand built Aston Martin cars. They are full of delightful little touches reflecting the bespoke craftsmanship of their manufacture. The build quality and attention to detail are a constant source of delight. When this is also complimented by the extraordinary performance that the Vantage 550 offers, it makes for a very memorable motoring experience and one that can be enjoyed by four adults in comfort! Even standing still the 550 Vantage is truly breath-taking with a tremendous presence that bears testament to the art of the coach builder, it really must be seen to be fully appreciated. A fantastic opportunity to purchase one of the last great "hand built" Astons in superb condition and with a lovely history - Don’t miss it! For more information please contact a member of our sales team: 01207 233 525 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Original literature: