1995 Aston Martin

Chassis Number: SCFDAM2S5SBR70101

Engine Number: 590/70101/M

UK Registration Number: TBA

Date of first reg: 6th September 1995

Exterior colour: Rolls Royce Royal Blue

Hood:

Interior colour: Parchment piped Blue

Current Odometer reading: 38,500

Mileage Warranty:

Steering: Right

Transmission: Manual

Options: Drivers air bag, Radio/CD Player

Only the second model to be given the name Vantage in its own right rather than being an upgrade of an existing model, the Aston Martin Vantage had a production run from April 1995 to June 1999.

First impressions show the Virage influence but careful examination reveals many differences. The only Virage panels are the door and roof skins. From the front there were more obvious differences – two groups of three headlamps, each behind a single heated lens while the upper grille had an egg box appearance. The lower grille opening was larger and set within a large air dam. The bonnet opening panel did not reach the front edge and had two openings at the rear edge protected by a mesh. Huge 18 inch wheels fill the wheel arches just to the rear of which, on the front wings, are small openings. The silhouette of the car was lower than the Virage and the rear lamps rounded.

Performance was the focus of the Aston Martin Vantage – when the bonnet is opened, the space either side of the 5.3 engine is dominated by two huge Eaton, Roots type, superchargers. Each driven by a wide belt the compressed air they produced received fuel via a Bosch sequential injection system and was fired by a distributorless electronic ignition system. All controlled by a Ford produced EEC lV management unit, this potent combination fired the engine power from the standard 330bhp to a phenomenal 550bhp.

In performance terms, this produced acceleration of 0 – 60 mph in 4.6 seconds while it took just 10 seconds for 100 mph – Jeremy Clarkson in a contemporary road test termed the Aston Martin Vantage “the most wonderful car in the world”. The quoted top speed of the car is an even 300 kilometres per hour – that is 186 miles per hour!

But performance did not mean Aston Martin expected their customers to sacrifice luxury. Ten Connolly hides were needed for each luxurious interior and Burr Walnut was used for the facia panel, centre console and door cappings, and Wilton carpet for the floor covering. There were a minimum of twelve separate coats of paint applied to each body. Each engine carries the name of the individual craftsman who was personally responsible for its build and extended dynamometer test. There is power assistance for the adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats. A sophisticated climate control system is provided together with a stereo, radio, cassette and CD player. For the final touch of luxury, cruise control was fitted for long distance touring.

Summary:

The Vantage Supercharged is a motoring icon – a hand built Aston Martin with a luxury interior to comfortably seat four people but with its twin supercharged engine ready to deliver 550bhp and quite startling performance.

Its performance potential is not for the faint hearted but while a Vantage Supercharged is comfortable in any traffic or road condition and, when the open road (and speed limits allow), it remains a great British performance supercar. This car, finished in a Dark Blue, has a great service record and comes to a vibrant market at a value for money price.

Vehicle History

The original service book that is with this car notes its supply in September 1995 to its first owner, a Mr J Thompson of Coventry when it was registered on a personalised number plate. And personalised number plates have been a feature of the car as she has changed hands – but other important fact to note from the service book is that the various service agents who have maintained the car ran out of places to put their stamp.

It is a car that, although it has passed through a number of keepers, each has assiduously maintained the car through their stewardship meaning that even with a low mileage, the car has been comprehensively maintained.

The first change of keeper came in February 1997 when it was acquired by Countryside Consultants of London who kept the car until April 1998 when it passed to a Phillip Dexter of Princes Risborough. He kept the car for 4 years before it was bought by a Paul Knight of St Albans. A further 2 years and in April 2006, the car passed to Stephen Brown of Great Missenden. After time in the Home Counties, the registration document notes that the car went to a Robert Salisbury in Exeter in April 2009 and the current owner acquired the car in August 2013.

Whilst wholly at home at the family residence in Cambridgeshire, the car is less suited to the main residence in London and is getting too little use. So after a wistful last drive, the current owner has regretfully placed the car on the market.