Vantage GT8 – living with the ultimate V8 Vantage
Walking around the paddocks of the 2019 Supercar Sunday Breakfast Club, it’s hard to concentrate. It’s bustling with people, petrol heads, vloggers, photographers and a mind-boggling array of supercars in all shapes, sizes and marques.
As we make our way towards one of the quieter coffee stalls, something stands out amongst the noise – no small feat considering today’s entry list. Approaching from the rear, we instantly identify a gorgeous Aston Martin Vantage GT8 glistening in the early morning sun.
One of only 150 examples of this limited run, race-inspired thoroughbred, the GT8 is surprisingly being left alone for the time-being. Enabling us a peaceful moment away from the crowds to take in its beautiful lines without distraction.
As we do, owner Jason Abbott introduces himself. “I just loved the pictures of it when they announced they were going to release it,” laughs Jason. And what’s wrong with that? When a car looks this right, sometimes that’s all that matters.
“I’ve had it two and a half years, and I was one of the first in the UK to get one. I just love limited run cars. I had a Suburu Impreza 22b which I should never have sold. So hopefully I’ve learnt my lesson.
“There are only 50 in the UK, and this is number 46. But I’ve got it in China Grey with Blue accents. It’s the only one in this particular colour in the UK.” It’s a great choice, and the colour, although understated, looks fantastic up close with the sun highlighting the GT8’s contours.
Following on from the Vantage GT12, the GT8 is Aston Martin’s most track-focused version of its V8-powered Vantage. Drawing on experience from its competition department in GTE, GT3 and GT4 series racing, the GT8 is part of the marque’s Special Projects and Motorsport division, taking direct inspiration from those GTE class cars.
Full carbon fibre bodywork, and powered by a 4.7-litre, naturally-aspirated V8 engine, developing 440bhp at 7,300rpm, this GT8 is quick, but Jason is happy to point-out one of its perceived disadvantages.
“People feel they are slightly underpowered, but I don't think it's all about power. I've had faster cars than this in the past. But I just really love the car. I love the sound. I love the look. It’s a fabulous toy!”.
The aero pack adds a definite element of aggression to the squat, purposeful shape of the GT8, and a rear wing and extended front corner splitters look the business.
“It's a bit lairy and a bit unique. If you're going to have something like this then you've got to have something with a wing on it, too,” smiles Jason.
He’s right, it does look lairy, and you can certainly tell this is a track-inspired supercar, but unlike some of its contemporaries the GT8 manages to bridge the gap between brash and sophisticated.
“It's interesting. People seem to let this car out of junctions quite a lot. I've had other cars where people will never let you out in front. The Aston does seem to have a place in people's hearts.”
Maybe. Or perhaps they just want to get a better look at the GT8’s incredible back-end. Either way, Jason is the owner of one seriously good-looking limited-edition supercar, and one we hope he keeps hold of.
Photography by Joe Harding.