When the DBS V8 received a makeover in 1972 to become the AM V8, the six cylinder DBS was given pretty much the same treatment with the familiar shaped grille and two 7 inch headlamps. The AM Vantage is only really distinguishable from the V8 by its wire wheels; the last Aston Martin to have these fitted. The AM Vantage was also the last Aston Martin to receive the famous Tadek Marek six cylinder engine.

In naming the car, Aston Martin broke with tradition slightly as the term 'Vantage' was hitherto reserved for cars with the more powerful engine option. Although most AM Vantages did receive the most powerful Weber equipped six cylinder engine; the AM V8 was a considerably quicker car. But despite it's 'relative' lack of performance, the unique selling point of the AM Vantage was that it was significantly less expensive.

In production for just one year, only 70 examples of this rare car were completed.