DETAILED HISTORY

Chassis # R70265

In 1959, Aston Martin won the Le Mans 24 hour race; indeed, so far the marques only outright victory in the French classic. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of this great victory, the company produced the ultimate V8 Vantage. Unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, and available with both standard 550 bhp and V600 600 bhp versions of the twin supercharged V8, it is the swan song of the Marek engine and the Virage chassis - the last of the line.

At a glance the Le Mans appeared to be outwardly similar to the previous Vantage, which was at the time the fastest Aston Martin ever, however upon closer inspection it could be distinguished by its front wing side vents - recalling those of the DBR1 racer - ducted bonnet, 'nostril' front grille and improved high-downforce air dam, while at the rear the spoiler was revised to incorporate the high-intensity and reversing lights. The Le Mans received unique five-spoke magnesium alloy wheels while beneath the skin its chassis boasted the kind of extensive upgrading, in the form of the 'Driving Dynamics' package, required to cope with the massive increase in performance that the Vantage gained over its Virage progenitor.

This limited edition Vantage Le Mans - number '37' of the 40 made - was delivered new with the factory's V600 package installed together with the five-speed close-ratio transmission, Supersports exhaust, traction control and an upgraded hi-fi system. Its first owner kept the Aston under cover in a dehumidified garage, had it valeted every six months and trucked to JCT 600 (its original supplier) for annual servicing. The current (second) owner purchased the car in June 2012, at which time it was registered 'V8 VAN'. Since then the Vantage has been back to the Newport Pagnell factory for a complete engine rebuild; a full interior re-trim in black-piped Magnolia hide; rectification of lower panel corrosion; refurbishment of the wheels; and a host of other significant works.

Finished in Bowland Black and described as in 'Grade A' condition, the car is offered with all service invoices, current MoT/tax, V5C registration document, Trafficmaster Trackstar certificate and the aforementioned bills from Aston Martin Works.