The Aston Martin Vantage (sometimes called AM Vantage), introduced in May 1972 was a continuation of the DBS, powered by the same Tadek Marek designed six cylinder engine. Modifications to the car from the previous DBS match with those of the Bosch f.i.V8 car, particularly the adoption of the two headlamp front grille. In naming this car as a Vantage, Company Developments, the then owners of AML, went against the established tradition. Previously (and indeed since), Vantage has indicated a car with a higher tune than the standard car, whereas with the AM Vantage, the car was actually less powerful than the V8.
   Recognition of the AM Vantage is simple - look for the twin headlamp front together with traditional wire wheels; the last Aston Martin so to be fitted. Production of the car lasted for a little over a year with only 70 examples being produced. Despite their rarity, the AM Vantage is an excellent choice for a first time Aston owner on a limited budget.
   The engine of the AM Vantage is virtually identical to that of a DB5 in Vantage tune - all but the last two examples built had triple Weber carburettors and thus makes all the right noises! and to it's credit, the AM Vantage usually sells for about a sixth of the price of a DB5 in similar condition.
   
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