Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005)
2005-2017 · Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005) — Sports Car, V8, designed by Henrik Fisker.
The Story
The V8 Vantage was the ‘baby’ Aston that finally took on the Porsche 911 – and arguably the prettiest car of its generation. Launched in 2005 on the VH platform and shaped by Henrik Fisker, it began with a 4.3-litre V8 (380 bhp), grew to 4.7 litres (420-436 bhp), and crucially offered a proper MANUAL – a rarity that’s now treasured.
It became Aston’s highest-volume model, ran for 12 years, and spawned the V8 Vantage S, the N-editions and the V12 Vantage halo. Old-school, hand-built and increasingly collectible.
The Numbers
Benchmarked against its class
Each dial ranks this car within its Sports Car class — fuller means higher, and the tick marks the class midpoint.
Signature Colors
The Designer
Henrik Fisker
Danish designer-entrepreneur; as Aston’s design director (2001-05) he shaped the DB9 and V8 Vantage. Earlier designed the BMW Z8; later founded Fisker (Karma, Ocean EVs). Source: Wikipedia.
Studio Motors POV
The attainable, beautiful Aston that’s quietly becoming a modern classic – a manual 4.7 is one of the smartest buys in the market. Old-school in the best way.
Market & Value
Values on cars like this move monthly. Our brokers price from real transactions.
What Reviewers Said About V8 Vantage (2005)
Worth Knowing About the V8 Vantage (2005)
3 Things You Didn’t Know
- 1. It's Aston's highest-volume model ever – the car that took the brand into Porsche 911 territory.
- 2. It offered a true manual gearbox throughout its life – now the most sought-after configuration.
- 3. It shares the VH bonded-aluminium platform with the DB9; the 4.3 V8 grew to 4.7 litres in 2008.
5 Fast Facts
- 1. 2005-2017; Aston's best-selling sports car of the era.
- 2. 4.3 V8 (380 bhp) -> 4.7 V8 (420-436 bhp, V8 Vantage S).
- 3. Manual or Sportshift; RWD; VH platform.
- 4. Designed by Henrik Fisker; 911/AMG rival.
- 5. Spawned the V12 Vantage (2009) halo.
Provenance
Owners & what to look for
Famous Owners
No specific 2005 V8 Vantage celebrity owner verified. The ‘Bond’ V8 Vantage is the 1977 car from The Living Daylights, NOT this model.
Studio Buyer’s Brief
The manual 4.7 (V8 Vantage S, 2011+) is the one to seek – the 4.3 manual is also lovely. Avoid neglected cars; check the V8 for cam-timing wear and the clutch on Sportshift cars. Manuals command a clear premium and are appreciating – the most usable classic-Aston entry.
Full Specifications
- Make / Model
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005)
- Class
- Sports Car
- Production years
- 2005-2017
- Units built
- Total not officially disclosed (Aston’s highest-volume model)
- Variants
- Roadster; V8 Vantage S; 4.3 V8 (2005) & 4.7 V8 (2008); N400/N420/N430; manual & Sportshift
- Engine layout
- Front
- Engine
- V8
- Engine family
- Aston Martin V8 (4.3-4.7 NA)
- Displacement
- 4,735 cc (4.7L); 4.3L (4,281 cc) 2005-08
- Power
- 430 hp
- Torque
- 361 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph
- 4.5 s
- Top speed
- 189 mph
- Power-to-weight
- 267 hp/tonne · 8.3 lb/hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual; 7-speed Sportshift II automated manual (S)
- Drivetrain
- RWD (front-mid engine) · Petrol
- Curb weight
- 3549 lb
Questions
V8 Vantage (2005) FAQ
Is the V8 Vantage Aston Martin’s highest-volume model?
The V8 Vantage (2005-2017) family was Aston Martin’s highest-volume line, with the V8 coupe and roadster accounting for approximately 21,648 units. Combined with V12 Vantage variants on the same platform, the broader Vantage family exceeded 24,000 over the 12-year run — the car that took the brand into genuine Porsche 911 rivalry.
What engine does the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005) use?
The V8 Vantage launched in 2005 with a 4.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 380 bhp. From 2008, a 4.7-litre V8 replaced it, producing 420 bhp, later raised to 430 bhp in the V8 Vantage S (2011). All versions are available with a six-speed manual or automated Sportshift gearbox.
What is a 2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage worth today?
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005-2017) models trade for approximately $40,000-$90,000 in 2025. Manual gearbox cars command a significant premium over Sportshift automatics; the 4.7-litre V8 Vantage S with manual is at the upper end of the range.
How does the Aston Martin V8 Vantage compare to the Porsche 911?
The V8 Vantage and Porsche 911 (997) were direct competitors throughout 2005-2012. The Vantage offers a larger front-mid V8, a more dramatic exhaust note, and striking design, while the Porsche 911 is lighter, more configurable, and more precise dynamically. The Vantage was the choice for style and occasion; the 911 for all-round depth and reliability.
Can you finance an Aston Martin V8 Vantage?
Yes. The V8 Vantage is well-served by specialist exotic-car lenders given its strong used-market liquidity and wide price range.
The Aston Martin Lineup
Explore every Aston Martin
DB4 GT Zagato ’60DB5 ’63DB6 ’65DBS (1967) ’67V8 ’69
Lagonda ’76V8 Vantage (1977) ’77
V8 Vantage (Supercharged) ’93DB7 ’94DB7 Vantage ’99
V12 Vanquish ’01DB9 ’04V8 Vantage (2005) ’05DBS (2007) ’07V12 Vantage (2009) ’09One-77 ’09
Rapide ’10Vanquish (2012) ’12V12 Zagato ’12V12 Vantage GT12 ’15DB11 ’16Vanquish Zagato ’16Vantage ’18DBS Superleggera ’18
DBX ’20Valkyrie ’21V12 Speedster ’21V12 Vantage (2022) ’22Valour ’23Vanquish (2024) ’24Valiant ’24Valhalla ’25
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