When it comes to dream cars, there are some that belong in glossy posters, some that belong in Bond films, and a rare few that deserve to be in your hands on a proper driving experience. The Aston Martin is one such marque. Dripping with British pedigree, beautiful design, and the kind of soundtrack that could drown out even the noisiest neighbour’s lawnmower, these cars are as much about theatre as they are about engineering.
So, which are the best three to drive? Well, I'm here to make the decision rather easy, by serving up the crème de la crème of Aston motoring icons. Below we explore three of the finest: the legendary Aston Martin DB5, the modern day warrior Aston Martin Vantage, and the wonderfully brutish Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Each one has its own character, quirks, and delights, and each one will put a grin on your face large enough to worry the local wildlife.
The Aston Martin DB5 - Elegance and Espionage
If ever a car could walk into a room wearing a tuxedo, it would be the Aston Martin DB5. This is more than just a car; it is a cultural icon. Immortalised by Sean Connery as James Bond’s wheels of choice, the DB5 remains one of the most recognisable shapes in motoring history. But it is not all looks and charm.
Underneath that sculpted bonnet sits a 4.0 litre straight six engine producing a very respectable 282 horsepower. That gives it a top speed of 145 mph, and a 0-60 time of around eight seconds. Not record breaking by today’s standards, but the way it delivers that power is as smooth as a perfectly poured pint. The handling is refined and deliberate, a reminder of a time when cars were driven with skill rather than dominated by electronics.
Slip behind the wheel and you will instantly feel the connection to Bond himself. No machine guns, no ejector seat, sadly no smoke screen - but what you do get is the romance of motoring in its most stylish form. Driving this recreation DB5 is not about shaving seconds off lap times, it is about soaking up the aura of an automotive legend.
The Aston Martin Vantage - The 1975 Powerhouse
If the DB5 is the charming gentleman spy, then the Aston Martin Vantage of 1975 is the rebellious rock star of the family. This was the very first car to wear the Vantage badge properly, and it set the tone for decades of Aston performance. At the time, it was hailed as Britain’s answer to the Ferrari Daytona - a statement that was not made lightly.
Under the long, sculpted bonnet sat a 5.3-litre V8 with high-performance modifications that gave it a fearsome reputation. With around 390 horsepower on tap, it could sprint from 0-60 mph in about 5.3 seconds, with a top speed close to 170. In the mid 70s, those figures put it squarely in the same league as the fastest cars in the world.
But raw numbers only tell part of the story. The 1975 Vantage was muscular yet refined, blending Aston’s trademark luxury with brawny performance. The quad headlights, deep front grille and bold stance gave it a look that was both elegant and menacing. Behind the wheel, it was a proper driver’s car - powerful, heavy, but rewarding in the hands of someone who knew how to tame it.
Driving this Vantage today is like stepping back into an era when performance was raw, unfiltered, and a little bit dangerous. It is Aston Martin in its most unpolished and thrilling form - the gentleman’s express that could still give Italian rivals sleepless nights.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage - The Growling Gentleman
Now we come to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, which sits neatly between old school charm and modern aggression. It is often described as the most accessible Aston, but do not mistake that for ordinary. With its 4.3 litre V8 engine producing around 420 horsepower, it will thunder from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 miles per hour. That is enough to make even the most seasoned driver sit up and pay attention.
The character of the V8 Vantage is what sets it apart. It is gruff, throaty, and just a little bit mischievous. Where the DB5 is elegant and the newer Vantage is sleek and sharp, the V8 Vantage feels like it wants to play. Its balance and handling mean it is not just quick in a straight line, but entertaining in the bends too.
Take it for three miles on a driving experience, and you will quickly understand why so many people call this the ultimate all-rounder. It has the heritage, the performance, and the noise. Frankly, if Aston Martin built cars with personalities, this one would be the witty uncle who drinks whisky, tells funny stories, and still manages to out sprint the younger crowd.
Why Not Drive All Three?
Of course, if choosing just one seems impossible, you can always cheat. The Triple Aston Martin Drive with High Speed Passenger Ride solves the problem neatly by letting you sample all three. One moment you are James Bond in the DB5, the next you are wrestling modern muscle in the Vantage, and then you are grinning ear to ear as the V8 Vantage growls beneath you. And once you are done, you can strap in for a high speed passenger ride that will remind you just how brave professional drivers really are.
It is the ultimate Aston Martin sampler, like a tasting menu for petrolheads. Except instead of a delicate starter and dessert, you get a three-course banquet of horsepower, heritage, and hilarity.
Conclusion
Few marques can claim the balance of style and speed that Aston Martin achieves. The Aston Martin DB5 offers timeless sophistication and cinematic cool. The Aston Martin Vantage delivers modern day brutality wrapped in elegance. And the Aston Martin V8 Vantage gives you that perfect middle ground, with all the noise and drama you could ask for.
Whether you fancy yourself as Bond, a thrill seeker craving horsepower, or simply someone who wants to experience a slice of British motoring greatness, these three Aston Martins cover every angle. And if you are greedy - which, frankly, is the only sensible approach - then the triple drive experience is the only way to go.
Book it, drive it, and then tell the story with a grin wide enough to make everyone else wish they had done the same.
