Footnotes

• 'Brutal' was a word used more than once to describe the fastest Aston Martin ever on its introduction in 1993, 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. For those in need of even greater performance, there was the 'V600' package of enhancements, developed by Works Service and first made available in 1998, which raised engine output to some 600 horsepower and included up-rated suspension, brakes, wheels, etc.
  This left-hand drive Vantage was converted to full 'V600 Driving Dynamics' specification by Works Service in October 1999 and currently displays a total of 59,846 kilometres on the odometer. 'M991 GGC' comes with full AMWS service history from 1999 to 2005 but has not been used since 2008 when overfilling the engine with oil caused an hydraulic lock, necessitating a rebuild. We are advised that the engine has been removed and the car partially stripped, though no remedial work has been carried out. There is no registration document with this Lot, which is sold strictly as viewed.
  

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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