When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey everyone,
I’m Leandro, 28, from Luxembourg. I am new to the forum, I have just been reading until now.
I’ve always wanted an analog sports car — no turbos, no touchscreens, no driving modes, just a proper manual and a naturally aspirated engine. The sound, the connection, the simplicity — that’s what does it for me.
After a long search, I found this 2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage near Cologne, Germany. It had 110,000 km (~68,000 miles) on the clock and looked good from a distance… until you got close.
The Starting Point
The car had Aston service stamps up to 90.000km (56.000 miles)— not yearly, but at least mileage-accurate. Mechanically, it was complete, but the overall condition was pretty bad:
Paint job was awful — full of runs, orange peel, and poor prep work.
Oxydation on the usual spots (door handle, door under the mirror,...).
Interior leather was faded, sagging, and dry.
Piano black ski slope cracked, nav screen didn’t come up, and the TFT displays were separating from their films.
The pulley squeal everyone knows about was there — turned out to be the feed idler and idler pulley, both replaced with new ones along with a fresh belt.
Missing the front lip and undertray.
Battery was dead, so that got replaced too.
When I tore down the interior, I found old cigarettes and about 20€ in coins hidden under the center console — classic “previous owner treasures.” 😅
Mechanical Work
I started off with a full service:
Engine and transmission oil
Filters (oil, air, cabin)
Spark plugs
Feed idler and Idler pulley and the belt
Once that was done, I immediately felt better when turning the car on.
Interior Transformation
The beige leather just wasn’t doing it for me.
So I took the entire interior apart and:
Repainted all leather panels in black — amazing finish for about $400 total.
Seats reupholstered in the later design, with new seat heating installed.
Ski slope and door armrests painted in OEM Onyx Black.
All trim wrapped in gloss black, replacing the scuffed bronze the car came with.
The transformation completely changed the vibe inside — it now feels like a driver’s car, not an old gentleman’s lounge
Exterior Overhaul
Next was the body.
I decided to bring it back to life with a complete repaint in OEM Onyx Black. I stripped the panels and made as much prepwork as I could, the shop fixed the rust, and got the finish right this time.
While the car was apart:
I installed a N420 carbon diffuser (ECPS)
Fitted used N420 side sills
I Repainted OEM wheels in anthracite (powder-coated)
I stripped and powder-coated the calipers black with white “ASTON MARTIN” lettering
Installed HEL braided brake lines (took 3 months to arrive — and they sent two sets, so one’s for sale if anyone needs it)
All trim pieces wrapped in black
Audio & Electronics
Still the standard audio for now, but I replaced the front speakers with Focal ICU100s — small but noticeable improvement.
I’m want to install a Dension Bluetooth unit(currently losing my mind over it 😅.
The nav screen gears have been fixed but I’m tempted to remove it entirely and integrate a hidden phone mount instead.
Engine Issues
Last week, the Vantage started throwing codes:
P0100, P010F, P2106
I traced it to cracked airboxes causing unmetered air and bad MAF readings.
After clearing them, the car ran but lost power — wouldn’t rev properly above 4–5k rpm.
Then came P2197, P0171, and P0106, until it finally shut off completely when applying throttle. So it left me stranded.
I’ve ordered the Aston DIY intake kit, will clean the MAFs, and possibly replace them both while I’m at it. Hoping this brings her back to full health.
Smaller Jobs Along the Way
Exhaust tips sandblasted and painted black
Rear bumper and diffuser refitted
New battery installed
Countless clips, seals, and bolts replaced
Full inspection — passed MOT/TÜV, no issues on their side
What’s Next
Still a few things on my to-do list:
BC Racing coilovers
19" or 20" summer wheels (open to offers or ideas!)
Dension install (and sanity restoration)
Maybe a better audio system
Rear spoiler — looking for subtle options, any suggestions?
It’s been a long road, but seeing the transformation keeps me motivated.
From the terrible state I bought it in to how it sits now — it finally feels like the analog British sports car I always wanted. There’s still more to do, but I’m getting there step by step.
Happy to hear suggestions from fellow Vantage owners — especially audio upgrades, rear wing options, wheels,...
And if anyone’s looking for HEL brake lines (V8 Vantage 2005–2014), I’ve got an extra set sitting here 😅
Also a question. If the car is from December 2006, is it a production MY 2007 or still 2006?
(photos of progress below — from first day in Germany to current condition)
First fillup OEM seat Mangled up bumper Arrived home Messed up calipers Waiting for brake lines Ready for a their new shine Fresh wheels Anthracite wheels + black calipers work in progress on the interior droppped off at the body shop got it backback after paint Fresh seats Sandblasted exhaust tips N420 diffusor installed First drive
Last edited by leandro077; Oct 23, 2025 at 08:33 AM.
.
