Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The story

Smaller, cheaper and more agile than the DB9, the V8 Vantage brought Aston Martin to a new set of buyers. It looked sensational and sounded even better. It became the best-selling Aston Martin in the company's history.

Inside

Two seats, a shelf behind them and a hatchback boot. The dash follows the DB9's, with a glass starter button.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 2005

MG Rover collapsed, ending volume car making at Longbridge, and London won the right to host the 2012 Olympics.

Best-selling single of 2005: Is This the Way to Amarillo by Tony Christie featuring Peter Kay

Before you buy a 2000s car

• Check the service history, especially for timing belts, clutches and cambelts where fitted.
• Electronics, air conditioning and suspension repairs can be expensive.
• Many parts are still made, but some low-volume models rely on specialists.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.