1995 Aston Martin Vantage V550

Almost all Aston Martins are pretty rare, of course, by dint of their rarefied price and less than industrial-scale manufacturing techniques. The 1990’s Vantage, however, is one of the rarest. DB2’s are rare and there were 410 of those made. The sublime DB5 was only in production for two years, but 1,059 saw the light of day. The Vantage V550? Just 239 rolled out into Tickford Street between 1993 and 1999. Now that’s rare.

This car’s chassis number suggests it was the 46th of the retrospectively named V550 Vantages in that short but thunderous rollcall. What can be said for certain is that it was bought new on the 15th March 1995 after having been registered on the 10th. For the next 7 years and 50,000 miles it would return to Newport Pagnell annually for servicing and maintenance.

The speedo was changed in August 2003 at 52,313 miles - as per the invoice in the documents gallery from Stratton Motor Company (Norfolk) Ltd. It is also documented in the original service book. On the day of our photo shoot the current mileage read 8,956, giving a total overall mileage of 61,269.

The Vantage has clearly been enjoyed... sparingly. The Vantage was taken off the road in 2019 and diligently stored. 

During recent recommissioning work some structural corrosion to the nearside inner sill was discovered which had been previously obscured by the alloy tread plate. As such this V550 comes to us in a non-roadworthy state and will require a professional repair and a subsequent MoT before it can be used on the road. It is also currently described as a non-runner as the remedial mechanical works that were underway were curtailed at the request of the vendor once the corrosion was uncovered. The unfinished mechanical work is thought to relate to the air intake system which was dismantled but not reconstituted.  The guide price of this rarest of Aston Martins reflects its current status.
 

To our eyes the V550 has aged pretty well. It certainly exudes a tough, uncompromising persona but, as Clarkson pointed out, it has a tough and uncompromising soul lurking beneath those hand crafted panels. This example presents in gleaming Midnight Blue Metallic that retains a depth of lustre suggestive of diligent inside storage. Given this car’s 30 year age, however, it is inevitable that it comes with a few blemishes and imperfections here and there. These range from some noticeable paint swirls to some paint chipping and minor bubbling. These have been captured in our photographs for your review. The nearside sill panel is not currently fitted so that the aforementioned inner sill corrosion can be inspected and accessed.

The V550 retains some obvious Virage DNA, being closely related to that model, but DNA that seems to have been mutated in a way that Peter Parker’s was, resulting in the more muscular and significantly more able Spiderman. This beefing up is most notable around the front and rear wings, the added bonnet vents and the deeper front spoiler and rear valance.

The headlamps are smaller and more complex than in the Virage, too, here being two sets of three beer mat sized units enclosed under heated Perspex covers. This V550 rolls on a set of 18-inch, six spoke Aston Martin alloys that have been recently refurbished, complete with a set of period look Pirelli P Zeros in a 285/45 configuration and date stamped from 2022. A sneaky peak of the AP Racing uprated callipers is afforded by the open spokes of the alloys.
 

The V550’s cabin has a slight, if entirely charming, whiff of steampunk about it. The bulk of it is all very “private club” with copious amounts of inlaid walnut veneer and, apparently, nine individual hides of leather. The latter are finished in a Magnolia hue with contrasting Midnight Blue piping. Much of this would have looked at home in Aston Martins from the 1960’s, in truth.

That’s the “steam,” with the “punk” provided by the Recaro CSE front seats – you know, the ones with a bank of controls in the bolster. The stuff of automotive folklore! They initially look a little incongruous in this environment, but they add character and 90’s kudos by the bucket (seat) load. These even feature the optional Connolly headrest cushions to help ensure you don’t damage a vertebra whilst unleashing the mighty 550 bhp. A polished walnut gear knob is also noted as an optional extra. 

The condition in here is good overall with a few areas of deterioration noted. There are no notable issues with the aforementioned leather, veneer, carpets or optional lambswool rugs, and the Alcantara style padded headlining looks great. There’s just a small snagging list of minor issues for the next owner to consider. A front, driver’s side Sony speaker for the upgraded stereo appears to be missing, a couple of the Recaro’s buttons have come adrift and there appears to be some scuffs on the rear parcel shelf. All fairly trifling.

The nearside treadplate is rather obviously not currently fitted and neither is the door rubber on this side. This is to retain access to, and full sight of, the corrosion to this area of the Vantage. It is also noted that the boot trims were removed to repair the fuel tank, and whilst they seem to be complete they have not been refitted.
 

As well as the mighty 550bhp, twin supercharged V8 engine mated to a robust, six speed ZF manual transmission, this V550 has some other mechanical tricks up its hand formed sleeves. In 2002 the Vantage was returned to Newport Pagnell to have extensive works including the later, uprated V600 Driving Dynamics brake and suspension package fitted at a cost of £22,600. At the same time the traction control was updated to the, then, latest specification and a short-shift gear linkage was fitted. 

The valuable V600 package consisted of Eibach springs, adjustable Koni dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, and revised bump stops, offering a more sporting chassis without compromising ride quality. The uprated brakes consist of an AP Racing six-piston calliper setup together with improved disc assemblies compete with circumferential cooling grooves.

As previously noted, the Vantage is currently classified as non-running due some incomplete work to the air intake system. The Vantage will need a full mechanical appraisal together with any required remedial work before use.
 

This V550 comes with a great archive of paperwork. The current V5 Registration Document is included together with numerous hard copies of earlier MoTs. The Vantage’s last MoT expired in August 2019 when the car was taken off the road.

Other key highlights of the archive include the original service booklet. This contains information relating to ten services covering the period from 1995 to 2011. The majority of these were carried out back at the Vantage’s spiritual home of Newport Pagnell. The original owner’s handbook is also present. The remainder of the archive consists of an impressive amount of maintenance and repair invoices. 

A casual totting up hints at over £60,000 worth of work being documented here. Perhaps the most pertinent of these are the first of the invoices in the photographic package which give more detail around the inner sill corrosion and associated mechanical repair status. 
 

In many ways the V550 was a rolling, red-hot, two-finger gesture to the lukewarm Virage and an appropriately dramatic way to mark the end of the true, hand-built, Newport Pagnell Aston Martins. With the V550’s dramatic looks, astounding performance, thunderous soundtrack and innate scarcity there was no better way to celebrate the skill and craftsmanship of the Aston Martin workforce than this.

This V550 has a very great deal going for it. It boasts a sensible mileage to date, a great upgraded V600 specification and numerous sought-after and valuable extras. What’s more it has clearly had a great deal of attention, and some serious cash, expended on its diligent upkeep. With its current unroadworthy, non-running condition it also offers the enticing opportunity to return one of Newport Pagnell’s finest to its full and former glory. What an opportunity.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £50,000 - £70,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.