Aston Martin Vantage Le Mans Coupé, 2000
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Aston Martin V12 Vantage•
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Chassis No.: SCFDAM2S0XBL70241
Engine No.: 590/R/70241/MLM
£174,800 GBP | Sold
- Delivered new in Switzerland
- Circa 13,000km on the odometer
- Left-hand drive
- Automatic transmission
- On static display since acquisition
- Offered from an extensive private collection
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 (307km/h) 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.
Many owners took advantage of this introduction to have their cars upgraded to V600 specification by the factory. In March 1999, Aston Martin announced that 40 special versions of the Vantage - the Vantage Le Mans - would be built to celebrate the factory's famous victory at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in 1959 when Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby took the chequered flag first in 'DBR1/2'. Each car even came with a map of northern France to assist the owners in finding their way to the iconic circuit.
The 40 Special Le Mans editions came with redesigned wing vents, blanked radiator grilles with cooling vents, bonnet cooling ducts, sill plaques noting the number in the edition of 40 and magnesium Dymag wheels among other upgrades. Unfortunately at some point in this cars life both the sill plates and Dymag wheels have been removed. Paperwork on file lists the car as "Number 26 of 40" but we have been unable to confirm this.
The accompanying Car Record Card copy shows this car was built to Swiss Specification and delivered via Garage Keller on the 20th June 2000. Built new in Aston Martin Racing Green, with tan interior and KPH speedometer. The build sheet is a little unclear but it appears the car was delivered with a manual gearbox, although it is now fitted with an automatic transmission.
The accompanying service book records the Pre-Delivery Inspection on the 21st of June, 2000, at Garage P.Keller with an odometer reading of 240km. further services are recorded in July 2000 (Aston Works Service, 3816km), 2001 (Garage P.Keller, 9,555km), May 2005 (Garage P.Keller, 11,165km), November 2005 (Works Service, c.11,000km) and 2008 (Aston Riviera Cars, Lausanne, 12,486km). The current odometer reading is circa 13,000km.
Previously resident in Switzerland, this V600 Vantage has been kept on static display as part of the vendor's extensive private collection and will require recommissioning before it returns to the road.
Please note that this vehicle is only offered with a photocopy of its old registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10%+VAT on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
Cost
847,970 AED
