It is fair to assume that virtually every classic car enthusiast has a dream garage they would fill with their favorites if money were no object. For me, it would include a ’66 Mustang GT, a Jaguar E-Type Roadster, and an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. That is why this 2009 Vantage caught my eye. It is a sad sight, but the seller has begun to bring it back from the brink following an unplanned off-road adventure. The buyer faces plenty of work before it returns to its rightful place on our roads, and some of those tasks could be quite expensive. The Aston is listed here on eBay in Elk Grove, California. A single bid of $10,000 is below the reserve which the seller indicates is $11,000.

Aston Martin unveiled the Vantage as a concept in 2003, with the production version hitting showrooms for the 2006 model year. The lead-up to its release was interesting, with the company riding the crest of a wave following the unprecedented success of the DB9. It released plenty of “teaser” photos of the car in action, letting a limited selection of motoring journalists test drive the latest offering, but placing an extended embargo that prevented them from writing about or providing specific information about the Vantage. Our feature car was produced as Aston performed a model update, increasing the size of the engine and performing other minor changes. The seller describes its paint shade as “Green,” but I have struggled to pin down the color from the company’s 2009 palette. They drove the car regularly for six months before hitting a patch of loose gravel that launched the Vantage into the scenery. Exterior damage was largely cosmetic, with the body structure and radiator support unaffected. The seller replaced the damaged windshield, bolted on a set of genuine front fenders, and splashed $5,000 on new wheels and tires. It still requires a bumper, because it appears that someone has attempted a second-rate repair with fiberglass. A grille is also required, as are minor panel repairs to the hood and roof.

When released, the V8 occupying the Vantage’s engine bay had a capacity of 4.3-liters and generated 380hp and 302 ft/lbs of torque. The 2009 update pushed the capacity to 4.7-liters, with power and torque rising to 420hp and 347 ft/lbs. This car’s first owner added the optional six-speed “Sportshift” manual transmission with ratios selected by wheel-mounted paddles. This is a genuinely fast car that can demolish the ¼-mile in 12.7 seconds on its way to 180mph. It appears that the accident may have impacted more than this Aston’s panels because the seller indicates they replaced the steering, control arms, and shocks with genuine parts. The car runs and drives okay, although there are issues that ring alarm bells for me. The transmission shifts up effectively using the paddles, but won’t downshift. Getting it back to first requires hitting the “Neutral” button and starting from scratch. The owner is unable to engage reverse gear, while the ABS and Traction Control lights are both permanently illuminated. That suggests some potentially deeper problems that may require the attention of an Aston specialist.

Aston Martin pulled all of its toys from the cupboard when developing the V8 Vantage, guaranteeing a luxurious motoring experience. Buyers received airbags, climate-control air conditioning, keyless entry, power assistance for the windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, and a premium stereo with a CD player. This interior is presentable, but I consider it far from perfect. The leather shows wear and deterioration, particularly on the driver’s seat. Some plastic pieces are scratched and marked, and although it isn’t horrendous by a long way, it gives the impression that this car hasn’t received the level of care and respect it deserves.

Some people have questioned why I would choose the V8 Vantage over the faster and more powerful V12 version. The simple answer is weight. The V12 adds 120 lbs to the curb weight, with much of that mass hanging over the front wheels. This impacts handling, meaning the V8 Vantage is a more complete “driver’s” car. This one could return to that role if someone has the dedication and cash, although the purchase price represents the start of that spend. With questions hanging over potential electrical gremlins and the fact this classic has a Salvage title, is that a chance you would take?