AM Vantage « Aston Martins.com

AM Vantage

(1972 - 1973)

The Aston Martin Vantage (sometimes described as the AM Vantage due to the AM/ chassis number prefix) was introduced in May 1972 alongside the visually similar AM V8. The AM Vantage was in effect, a restyled of the DBS, powered by the same Tadek Marek designed six cylinder 4 litre engine as first used in the DB5 back in 1963. Modifications to the car from the previous DBS match with those of the Bosch f.i. V8 car, particularly the adoption of the twin headlamp front grille. In naming this car as a Vantage, Company Developments, the then owners of AML, went against the established tradition. Previously (and indeed since), Vantage has indicated either a car with a higher tune than the standard car or the sportiest model in the range. Whereas the 1972 AM Vantage was the least powerful car in the Aston Martin range, virtually an economy model.

AM Vantage

The engine of the AM Vantage is virtually identical to that of a DB5 in /SVC Vantage tune. All but the last two examples built had triple Weber carburettors and thus makes all the right noises! The final two cars were built left hand drive for export and were fitted with triple SU carburettors. Production of the car lasted for a little over a year with only 70 examples having been built, 68 with right hand drive.

What makes the AM Vantage such a great buy is that they usually sell for about a sixth the price of a DB5. Despite their rarity, the AM Vantage continues to be an excellent choice for a first time classic Aston Martin owner on a limited budget.

Above is the AM Vantage purchased by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust in early 2014. This particular car is the 2nd chassis built, number AM/6002/RA, originally painted Cricket White and used in press photographs to promote the new model.

Recognition of the AM Vantage is simple – look for the twin headlamp front together with traditional wire wheels; the last Aston Martin so to be fitted.