Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400 Roadster (2008) CAR review

Earlier this year Aston Martin unveiled the coupe version of their N400 V8 Vantage – built to commemorate the company’s fledgling efforts in long distance production-based racing with the Vantage N24 – but now they’ve built a drop-top version, and as with the coupe N400, it’s limited to 240 units. The bad news, unless you’ve already got your name on the order book, is that they’re all sold.

Remind me – what do you get with an Aston Martin V8 Vantage N400?

Good things, like an extra 20bhp thanks to some ECU trickery - taking the car up to a nice round 400bhp along with 309lb ft (it was 302lb ft) of torque - and the new ‘Sports Pack’ that features revised dampers, springs, lightweight forged wheels and on the coupe, a new rear anti roll bar. On the outside, your colour choice is limited to Karussell Orange (a surprisingly deep hue under certain lights, not unlike tomato soup, but gorgeous nevertheless), Bergwerk Black and Lightning Silver (why not Schwedenkreuz Silver or something with a ‘Ring association?); revised rear lights and a new design of sills.

On the inside there’s a unique alloy facia, contrasting stitching, numbered sill plates and plenty of would-be-options such as a premium sound system and sat-nav. However, not so good is the stitched outline of the ‘Ring on the armrest and the tacky boot badge: you can have too much of a good thing, after all. Still, we’re being picky now…

Click 'Next' below to read more of our Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster N400 first drive review