Vantage is a nameplate almost as prestigious as the eminent British automaker Aston Martin itself. A multifarious array of high-performance cars bearing the Vantage moniker have decorated Aston Martin’s historic portfolio for over 74 years now. In the midst of that versatile Vantage family, the 2005-2017 Aston Martin Vantage stands out for its longer life cycle. This first-generation Vantage, after it was reintroduced as an entry-level model onto the Aston Martin lineup in 2005, completed a time-honored production run of 12 years. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS is a limited edition of the sports car belonging to the latter end of this iconic production spectrum. With only 100 units produced exclusively for the American market, the Vantage GTS is a desirable acquisition. This gleeful Vantage is powered by a dulcet 430-hp naturally aspirated V8 motor, that comes paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. When brand-new, the 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS had a base price of $137,820. Exotic Car Trader has conceived this elaborate Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS review, expounding every intricate aspect of this mirthful European sports car.
In the annals of Aston Martin’s automotive history, the Vantage nameplate holds an illustrious legacy of 74 years. Birthed as a flagship trim of the Aston Martin DB2 in 1950, the Vantage became an independent model only in the early 1970s. In its third generation, the Vantage model was replaced by the Aston Martin Virage which was later on supplanted by the Vanquish in 2001. The Vantage finally returned for 2005, this time as a new entry-level model of the lineup. This first-generation car was also the first modern car to don the Vantage insignia. This was also the first time a Vantage offered with a V12 engine along with the V8. Production of the modern first-generation Aston Martin Vantage was exclusive to the Aston Martin headquarters and main production facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. During its 12-year-long production run from 2005 to 2016, the Vantage was bestowed with a slew of upgrades, both incremental and radical. Furthermore, over the years, a myriad of special editions and limited variants were also added to the Vantage roster. 2011 saw the inception of the Vantage V8 S, a more vigorous version of the regular Vantage. Although powered by the same 4.7-liter V8 motor, this variant cranked out a higher output of 430 horsepower. Followed by the S, in 2015, Aston Martin unveiled the Vantage GT, exclusively in the U.S. and Australian markets. It was based on the regular Vantage, but gifted with the more spirited motor of the Vantage S. The subsequent year, the GT was superseded by the GTS, a more expensive and exclusive Vantage. Limited to just 100 units and sold only in the American market, the 2016-17 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS is a truly special sports car, produced in both coupe and roadster body styles.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS is propelled by a mellifluous 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 borrowed from the Vantage V8 S. With the S model’s higher state of tune producing 430 horses and 361 lb-ft of torque, the GTS is more powerful than the regular V8 Vantage. There were two transmission options offered, a standard 6-speed manual and an optional 7-speed single-clutch SportShift II automated manual. The smooth and crisp-shifting 6-speed manual is the ideal option for the sagacious aficionado. Furthermore, the stick shift is also the more reliable one betwixt the two. The suspension setup of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS differs between its two trims. The Sport Edition as its name suggests, features a sports-tuned suspension designed for a more aggressive driving experience. The Lux Edition on the other hand has a comfort-oriented suspension setup, aimed to deliver a more comfy ride. The Vantage GTS runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, which might not sound spine-chilling. However, paired with the naturally aspirated motor’s vociferous exhaust note, the driving experience is exceptionally exhilarating. Top speed is limited to 190 MPH and If you’re wondering about fuel efficiency, the Vantage GTS returns an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 15-16 MPG.
The interior of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS also comes in two flavors, depending on the chosen trim. The Sport Edition flaunts a carbon fiber interior trim coupled with either “Obsidian Black” or “Argento Grey” leather upholstery accented by Alcantara or leather. The center console has a carbon fiber finish, while the rotary controls are blacked out. The Lux Edition on the other hand swaps out the carbon fiber for a more elegant piano black trim, accentuated by satin chrome dials. Unlike the Sport Edition, the leather seats in the Lux Edition were offered in a diverse array of shades. The steering wheel is wrapped around in Alcantara inside the Sport Edition, whereas the Lux Edition receives a leather-covered one. Regardless of the chosen trim, the Vantage GTS has an elegantly crafted interior made up of exquisite materials.
The distinction between the two trims of the Vantage GTS is the most evident in their exterior design elements. The Sport Edition again is cladded with carbon fiber components, whereas the Lux trim features a gloss black finish. The Sport has a blacked-out grille coupled with black headlight bezels while the Lux gets a bright metal finish on the grille, front splitter, and rear diffuser. 19-inch alloy wheels were standard on both models, which came in a number of styles. The options included V-spoke graphite painted rims with a diamond-turned finish, 5-spoke chrome-finished alloys, and more. Essentially, the Vantage GTS dons two variegating appearances depending on the trim you choose. The Sport Edition is a stealthier, sportier machine with a meaner, more serious mien. In contrast, the Lux Edition flourishes a more flamboyant facade, betokening its added opulence.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS during its time, came equipped with an updated infotainment system. The then-new AMi III infotainment system features a pop-up screen with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Rear parking sensors and rear parking assist camera were standard features while front parking sensors were optional. The Sport Edition received a 160W standard audio system while Aston Martin also offered the option to upgrade to a 700W premium audio system. Buyers also had the option to upgrade to a super-premium 1000W Bang & Olufsen setup featuring distinctive speaker grilles and lens detailing. The Lux Edition however, came fitted with the Bang & Olufsen system as standard. Among all the Aston Martins listed for sale on Exotic Car Trader, the GTS is one of the most tech-loaded first-generation Vantage models.
With only 100 units produced, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS is definitely a car worth collecting. However, it isn’t as expensive as you might think it is. When brand new, the 2016 Aston Martin GTS had a starting price of around $137,820. The GTS was slotted in between the GT it supplanted and the more expensive V8 Vantage S model. At present, as per Classic.com, the Vantage GTS has a current average market value of $58,000. Bring A Trailer has records of four auctions conducted during the past five years. However, these cars weren’t auctioned as the expected numbers weren’t met. The only record of sale of a V8 Vantage GTS is on PCarMarkets where a 2016 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS Roadster was auctioned off on Nov 14, 2023 for $58,000. This figure can be considered value-for-money for a rare car like the GTS. Finding a buyer for a car like the Vantage GTS could be an arduous task. Fret not, because Exotic Car Trader has got you covered. Selling your high-end sports car or iconic classic isn’t a tedious task anymore. Simply contact Exotic Car Trader for an effortless exotic trading experience.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS is one of the last iterations of the first-generation Vantage. This stunning machine is endowed with the more zealous state of tune from the stronger Vantage S of the time and is gifted with impressive driving dynamics. The 430-hp 4.7-liter naturally aspirated motor is vivacious, cadenced, and offered with both manual and automatic transmission options. Inside its meticulously crafted cabin, the GTS flaunts world-class materials and elements. There are two trims to choose from, namely Sport Edition and Lux Edition. As the name suggests, the former is the sportier one with a sports-tuned suspension setup and a lot of carbon fiber all around. The latter is the more luxurious one, flaunting flashier aesthetics and equipped with an upgraded feature set. Collectability is also a prominent attribute as only 100 units of the Vantage GTS were ever produced. The quest for limited edition exotics like the Vantage GTS used to be a dreary and cumbersome endeavor. That isn’t the case anymore, because Exotic Car Trader has refined the process of exotic car trading to an unparalleled level of simplicity. Navigate to the realm of Exotic Car Trader now, to find yourself in a world of high-end sports cars, opulent people carriers, rare classics, and much more. If rarity, beauty, excellence, and indulgence are what you seek in a sports car, then the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTS is the perfect option for you. This naturally aspirated rear-wheel-drive Aston Martin is an exceptional harmony of performance, comfort, and exclusivity.
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