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The Aston Martin Vantage has been garnering rave reviews from the automotive press and car enthusiasts ever since its debut in 2005 as a front engine rear drive V-8 supercar. Indeed, thanks in part to the James Bond movies; Aston Martin is likely at the top of most people’s list if asked to name their favorite British Grand Touring car. The Vantage returns that love by being one heck of a great road car and in racing configuration has been successful on the tracks of the world as well.
Starting in 2008 they upped the ante from the 4.7 liter V-8 to a 6.0 liter V-12. This was not just the case of dropping in a larger engine as this hand built car is constantly upgraded to make it ‘state of the art’.
AUTOart has chosen to make the V12 Vantage as part of it ‘Millennium’ series and they have done their usual fine job of giving us one in 1:18 scale. It doesn’t hurt that the real car looks great from any angle and AUTOart seems to have captured its shape and stance ‘spot on’ Wheels and tires look great with very crisp lines and excellent color. The car has a wealth of exterior details that really make the car shine including ‘real’ Aston Martin badges and real hood louvers and grills. The ‘glass and glazing’ is clean, clear and nicely done as well giving the paint something to show off.
The interior is nicely done as is the carpeted boot which opens with the hatchback. As with most ‘modern’ cars there is not much to actually see under the bonnet but a large cowl but what there is, including the hood hinges, are nicely done. Not much to see under the car either but that is hardly a deal breaker
All in all, this is a fine model of a great car. It also comes in a range of colors - in case silver is not your style. My biggest gripe is that it comes in a window box and not one that uses a Styrofoam ‘clamshell’. If AUTOart is going to upscale and up-price their cars I would like to get the up=market packaging as well.
(04/07/2013)
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