Aston Martin V8 Vantage Classic

The 2005 V8 Vantage was Aston's most successful model ever — over 24,000 built across coupe, roadster and V12 variants between 2005 and 2017, on Aston's VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform shared with the DB9 and DBS. Hand-built 4.3-litre V8 making 380 hp at launch (2005-2008), then a 4.7-litre version with 420 hp from 2008. The V12 Vantage arrived in 2009 with the AM11 5.9-litre V12 making 510 hp — Aston's biggest engine in their smallest body. Six-speed manual standard, with a robotised single-clutch Sportshift automated manual optional and later a seven-speed Sportshift II. Aston Martin Engine Plant in Cologne, Germany hand-assembled every V8 and V12 (the same plant that built Alfa's 8C V8). The car aged into a modern classic — the Henrik Fisker exterior styling has aged beautifully, and prices for clean V12 Vantages have been climbing for years. The dogleg seven-speed manual V12 Vantage S of 2017 is a final-year cult collector. Production ended 2017 (V8) and 2018 (V12), replaced by the Mercedes-AMG-engined second-generation Vantage.