The switch to the `4.7-litre V8` helps the `V8 Vantage Roadster` enormously. The car keeps its compact size and elegant shape, but gains the torque and maturity that the `4.3` could sometimes miss. It becomes a very balanced answer for anyone who wants a front-engined sports convertible that feels more exclusive than a Jaguar F-Type and more handcrafted in the way it presents itself.
The `4.7` cars, and later specials such as the `N430`, mark the peak of the naturally aspirated V8 roadster before Aston Martin moved to turbocharged generations. The car remains demanding on clutch condition, hood health and alignment, but it rewards with a rare mix of soundtrack, size and genuine feel. It is often the version Aston enthusiasts recommend for driving rather than just collecting.