2017 ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE S MANUAL RED BULL RACING EDITION

Today’s cars are faster, more efficient and boasting more technology to entertain, cosset and protect us than ever before. And yet many car enthusiasts pine for the exact opposite, yearning for more compromise but also a level of engagement with their vehicle simply not provided by current automobiles.

In the face of tightening emissions laws, both tail pipe particles and noise, we’re seeing ever-more sanitised models which, on paper, offer performance thrills once considered impossible, but lacking the noise and silliness of older performance cars. And this has led to some manufacturers sending older models out in a glorious, bombastic celebration of soul, like the 2017 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition.

While Aston Martin became known for Grand Tourers capable of continent-demolishing high-speed road trips, the arrival of the V8 Vantage in 2005 saw a new, smaller and sharper two-door, two seat brawler added to their line-up. Through the model’s 12-year run it was updated significantly, growing from a 4.3-litre V8 coupe to later include a roadster body, 4.7-litre V8 engine, and even a V12 special edition.

The Red Bull Racing Edition model was a final hurrah for the British marque’s first-generation Vantage model and, as is often the case, they really left the best until last. With the rise in high-tech, dual-clutch, turbocharged performance cars the Red Bull Edition Vantage is an analogue performance car harking back to the 1960s heyday of Aston Martins.

The 321kW (430hp) 4.7-litre V8 eschews modern small-capacity forced-induction power plants in favour of a sonorous experience, boasting response only naturally aspirated engines can enjoy. Paired with a traditional H-pattern six-speed manual this makes for a classic drivetrain beloved by driving enthusiasts – thanks to its involving, feedback-rich nature – a 0-100km/h time of 4.8-seconds should be considered exceptional thanks to the lack of launch-control and fast-shifting twin-clutch transmissions.

Released as a way of celebrating its ties to the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, the driver-focused Vantage S includes carbon-fibre detailing on the splitter and diffuser, grille, side strakes, and trim insets. The grille boasts red highlights and the brakes are yellow, with a unique Dark Knight leather trim was specced solely for the Red Bull cars.

One of only 17 examples of this special edition brought to Australia, and boasting just 11,000km since new, this Mariana Blue example presents an excellent candidate for collecting.