2006 Aston Martin Vantage

For sale in our Chicago is arguably one of the sexiest cars on the planet, a 2006 Aston Martin Vantage. In October 2005, there was an 18-month waiting list and of the roughly 3000 that were built, only about 1000 made it to America. Road and Track thought the Aston Martin V8 Vantage show car was a stunner when they first saw it at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. It's a beautiful car with a perfect stance and proportions. Aston Martins are gentlemanly muscle cars sporting wide fenders, a low roofline and a distinctive grille. Sharing most of its parts with the DB9, the Vantage also shares its technology if not its dimensions. In place of the DB9's V-12 is a new V-8. At 4.3 liters, it's a compact engine, and so it's been mounted a long way back in the frame, entirely behind the centerline of the front wheels. It's dry-sumped, too, so the crank can be set close to the ground. That sort of weight distribution is great news for handling. To balance up the masses, the six-speed manual transmission is set ahead of the rear axle, joined to the engine by a carbon-fiber propshaft. Suspension is aluminum and all-wishbone; tires are 235/40 front and 275/35 rear on 19-inch rims. That's a whole lot of tire for a 3,461-pound two-seater. This is unambiguously a sports car, not a GT. Open the upward-swinging door and settle down. A turn of the key lights the transparent instrument calibrations cold blue like backlit ice. The starter button is cool to the touch--it's actual glass, emblematic of the level of authenticity throughout this cabin. Most surfaces are swathed in genuine hand-stitched leather; the pillars and headlining are suede, while everything that looks metallic is. That includes the dial faces, which have a sensational, jeweled appearance. The Vantage is a blend of bonded aluminum, mechanically put together with self-piercing rivets, steel pressings, magnesium and RTM composites. To build this car, the Aston engineers needed new technology and that came from composites developed in conjunction with Ford Research and Nottingham University. Called RTM for Resin Transfer Moldings, the new process ensures proper strength in local areas and gives a good surface finish without adding excessive weight. The Vantage does not disappoint in appearance or fitment. Onyx Black drapes over the exterior of this masterpiece, while the interior is Obsidian Black. You'll feel like 007 as you operate all the features and the location of the gas flap release — in the doorjamb. Q will tell you to bring it back safely and swing the door down, sealing you into a cocoon of leather, metal and speed. Options include: air-conditioning, AM/FM radio with CD player, cruise control, heated seats, lumbar support, power brakes, power steering, power door locks, power seats, power windows, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, seat belts, passenger and driver's side air bags, anti-theft system, leather interior, and car cover. This affordable Aston can be yours with one phone call!!! Located in our Chicago showroom, this 2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage can be seen including an HD video and pictures at www.gatewayclassiccars.com. For additional information please call (708) 444-4488 or email .