Aston Martin Vantage V600 Le Mans Coupé, 1999
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Chassis No.: SCFDAM2S7XBR70254
Estimate: £425,000 - £475,000 GBP
- Number '19' of only 40 Le Mans models
- Very rare right-hand drive UK-supplied example
- Delivered new in full V600 specification and with the close-ratio gearbox
- Converted to automatic transmission by Aston Martin Works (original gearbox available)
- Only c.1,500 miles from new and in 'as new' condition
- Comprehensively serviced by Aston Martin Works in 2017
- All books and tools
After almost 20 years in production, Aston Martin'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. And for those who found 550bhp insufficient, there was the Works Service-developed 'V600' enhancement that brought with it an additional 50 horsepower together with upgrades to the wheels, suspension, and brakes. Announced at the British Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham in 1998, the V600 package added £43,000 to the price of the standard Vantage.
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'.
The basis of what was at that time the fastest Aston Martin ever was the standard Vantage, and the Le Mans version could be ordered with either the stock 550bhp or enhanced 600bhp engines. Although at a glance outwardly similar to the latter, the Le Mans could be distinguished by its front wing side vents - recalling those of the DBR1 racer - ducted bonnet, 'nostril' front grille and improved high-downforce air dam, while at the rear the spoiler was revised to incorporate the high-intensity and reversing lights.
The Le Mans received unique five-spoke magnesium alloy wheels while beneath the skin its chassis boasted the kind of extensive upgrading, in the form of the 'Driving Dynamics' package, required to cope with the massive increase in performance that the Vantage gained over its Virage progenitor.
On the road, its potential performance was equally staggering: 0-100km/h (62mph) being achievable in 3.9 seconds while a top speed in excess of 320km/h (200mph) was possible. The Le Mans interior too was specially reconfigured in the sporting idiom, boasting perforated competition-style pedals, an oversize tachometer, aluminium gear lever knob, 'button' starter, and brushed metal panelling instead of the traditional wood veneers, while the Wilton carpeting featured embossed 'Aston Martin' emblems.
Finished in iconic Aston Martin Racing Green with green-piped Saddle Tan trim, this limited edition Vantage Le Mans - number '19' of the 40 made - was delivered new in the ultimate V600 specification (as opposed to being upgraded subsequently) and with the close-ratio manual gearbox. In October 2001, at the first owner's request, Aston Martin Works installed a four-speed automatic gearbox (the original gearbox was kept should a future owner wish to return the car to original specification).
This Le Mans has had only two registered owners from new, and with a mere c.1,500 miles recorded, must possibly be one of the lowest mileage and very best examples in existence. In February 2017 the car was comprehensively serviced by Aston Martin Works. It comes complete with its original sales invoice, handbooks, tool kit, spare key and stirling silver fob, road map, torch, indoor fitted car cover and dedicated V8 Vantage Le Mans factory book signed by Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby. Details of its service history and copies of the original factory build records are available also.
One of only 30 examples reputedly produced with the 600bhp engine, this hand-built, aluminium-bodied Vantage remains one of the most powerful models Aston Martin has ever produced, and is both rare and highly collectible.
https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/24880/lot/7/1999-aston-martin-vantage-v600-le-mans-coupe/
