The memory is still vivid: an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, tail skyward, nose buried deep in mud and foliage. During testing, we’d managed to lodge it firmly off-road. It took another test car and a tow rope hitched to the rear suspension wishbone to wrench the Aston free. Inspecting the damage, a collective breath was held. Relief washed over us – just a twisted, dangling carbon fibre front splitter and thankfully, only superficial damage.
A sheepish call to Aston Martin followed, apologies offered, assurances given that retrieval wasn’t immediately necessary, and testing resumed. Incredibly, the very next evening, another tester, another incident. This time, a humpback bridge became an unexpected launch ramp. Landing went awry, control was lost, and the V12 Vantage careened fifty feet into dense undergrowth. This escapade necessitated the intervention of a local farmer and his tractor. The second incident? Probably best left out of Aston Martin’s press releases…
Side profile of a silver Aston Martin V12 Vantage coupe, highlighting its sleek design and powerful presence. A sought-after sports car known for its performance.
Despite its potential for demanding handling, the V12 Vantage retains an undeniable allure. The subsequent ‘S’ variant, released a couple of years later, never quite captured the same magic, perhaps due to its initial pairing with Aston’s somewhat cumbersome robotised paddleshift gearbox. While a seven-speed manual option did emerge in 2016, it lacked the satisfying tactility of the original six-speed.
Today, an early V12 Vantage can be acquired for under £60,000, with pristine examples fetching around £75,000. This represents a significant premium over the V8 Vantage, often available for less than £30,000. However, the V12 Vantage is a sound investment, poised to hold its value, particularly given its rarity. Current figures indicate only around 200 V12 Vantages are taxed and road-ready in the UK.
The dream of owning a V12 Vantage persists. And when that day comes, the lessons learned from testing – particularly regarding photographers and humpback bridges – will be firmly etched in memory.
Enjoy more exclusive content and in-depth articles by subscribing to The Intercooler. Gain access to our extensive library of automotive stories and features. Click here to start your free trial.
