*** Please note that the Licence plate is not being sold with the vehicle however, it is available by separate negotiation***
Highlights
- Exceptionally original car in nearly-new condition
- Under 20,000 miles from new
- Complete with original Aston Martin umbrella, Leatherman, pen and other equipment
- Underside freshly renovated with subframes fully Waxoyled
- MoT with no advisories until April 2023
The Appeal
Although it was conceived as an entry-level Aston Martin, the Ian Callum-penned DB7 is now widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. Few people would relish the task of taking its basic shape and trying to make it more aggressive; it would risk upsetting the purity of the design. Nevertheless, Ian Callum went back to the drawing board and the result was the Vanquish – as perfect a balance between power and beauty as you’ll ever see.
Launched in 2001, the Vanquish used the 5.9-litre dohc V12 which had débuted in the DB7 V12 in 1999, but more highly tuned. As Aston Martin’s flagship model, it boasted unprecedented performance figures and a luxurious specification which went above and beyond what anyone might have expected. It could transport its passengers to speeds in excess of 190mph in sheer refinement, with sumptuous leather upholstery, power-operated fittings and, in a decidedly modern twist, metallic-painted panels instead of the traditional wood trim which had been used up to the DB7.
It was named ‘the ultimate Grand Tourer’ by Road & Track, while Car & Driver labelled it ‘a serious alternative to the top Ferrari’, but the Vanquish’s ultimate accolade, of course, was being chosen as a Bond car. In Die Another Day, Pierce Brosnan drove a Vanquish with concealed missiles and machine guns in a memorable car chase against a Jaguar XKR.
This example doesn’t come with machine guns or missiles, but it does come with an umbrella and a Leatherman and various other factory-supplied original items. When all is said and done, this is one of the most original and best-preserved Vanquishes you’re ever likely to find. Its condition is close to perfect, and it’s all ready for the road with a spotless MoT.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally constructed for prominent businessman John R. Charman, known as the ‘King of the London Insurance Market’
- Purchased by the seventh and present owner in November 2021
- The Vanquish has only covered five or six miles following the recent renovation and overhaul of the underside and subframe
- Paperwork includes the current and past V5s, the original metal-bound book containing the service record and operator’s manual and a few invoices from Aston Martin Works and Aston Martin Reading
- A digital photographic record has been kept of the subframe overhaul
- Bidders should note that the Vanquish will be sold with the registration GM02 GDY; the cherished number V12 OOY may be purchased by separate negotiation
The Interior
- Outstanding, all-original condition
- Radio and power fittings in excellent working order
- Supplied with the full complement of original equipment
- 2+2 configuration provides room for children in the rear
This Aston Martin is 20 years old, but its beautiful interior doesn’t look a day over two. Very light use and a succession of owners who have cared for it meticulously have ensured its survival in the best possible condition. The seats are beautiful, with what the vendor describes as “just the right amount of patina”. That is to say, it has mellowed and softened a little with a few creases here and there, but its colouring is as rich and its texture as supple as it was when new.
The leather extends across the dash and centre console, where it remains in excellent condition. Part of the centre console is painted the same metallic Stronsay Silver as the exterior, which gives it a classy, stylish look for the modern gentleman or lady of action, and its finish is almost completely unblemished. The carpets and headlining are marvellously clean, as is the inside of the boot.
Being a grand tourer, one expects to travel in comfort, and one might be tempted to take the power seats and power windows, which work beautifully, for granted. If one is accustomed to GTs, the radio and CD-cassette player, refreshing air-conditioning and neat little dash clock may not stand out. The first-aid kit and warning triangle in the boot are, of course, standard equipment in many cars.
What nobody will take for granted are the wonderful factory-supplied accessories. The glovebox contains an Aston Martin pen, notepad and Leatherman, each with its own compartment, while an Aston Martin umbrella is tidily stowed inside the boot lid. All very Q Division… It is highly unusual today for a Vanquish still to retain all its original accessories, which is why we think this is probably the best on the market. The vendor searched high and low to find a Vanquish which was just right, and if you’re a discriminating enthusiast, this must be ‘the one’.
The Exterior
- Dazzling metallic paint finish
- Close to concours condition
- Amazingly clean underside
Just as some people might say that Ferraris and the colour red were made for one another, surely silver never looked better than when it adorns an Aston Martin. Astons can, of course, look equally gorgeous in sage greens, midnight blues and burgundies, but the silver will forever be associated with images of Sean Connery motoring determinedly through the Alps in his DB5.
The Vanquish’s Stronsay Silver is very similar to the DB5’s Silver Birch, and you can see for yourself just how good it looks, sparkling in the sun and assuming a sort of icy coolness in the shade. The vendor tells us it’s not concours, but we believe this car could be a top contender at an Aston Martin Owners’ Club concours, if that’s your sort of thing. What cosmetic blemishes there may be must be confined to those areas most susceptible to wear, i.e. the valances and around the arches. Truth be told, though, we think this has the makings of a prize-winner.
It has presumably always been garaged and driven carefully, since the alloy wheels are exceptional. We did not see any evidence of scuffing, and they have only minimal marks which may disappear with detailing. All the glass, likewise, is fantastic. The badges are in beautiful condition, as are those lovely side vents which pay homage to the DB5.
Even the underside is remarkable. If you turned the car upside-down you could eat your dinner off it, as the photographs show.
The Mechanics
- Front and rear subframes freshly overhauled and Waxoyled
- Starts and runs beautifully with under 20,000 miles covered
- MoT with no advisories until April 2023
There’s nothing we’d love more than to tell you just how beautifully this car drives as you weave through snow-capped Alpine passes on the way to your chalet on the shores of Lake Geneva. Unfortunately, that journey has only happed in our imagination, but we’re sure it must be the closest thing to heaven on earth.
It starts on the button, barking into life and settling into a deep, sonorous idle. The sound really can’t be beaten and we’re sure it’s a delight to hear the exhaust note bouncing off buildings and reverberating through the hedgerows.
On a mechanical level, everything is functioning as it ought to. Having covered fewer than 20,000 miles, nothing has had a chance to wear out. At its MoT test in April, the tester could not find fault, and we might mention that its MoT record back to 2006 does not contain a single fault, save for a non-functioning light in 2009.
Regular servicing by Aston Martin Works has ensured the Vanquish has remained in the very best of health. We doubt it has ever needed any major work, but earlier this year the vendor subjected the front and rear subframes, which are sometimes susceptible to corrosion, to a full, photographically-documented overhaul with a generous quantity of Waxoyl applied to them, so they’re now virtually as good as new. It has only covered five or six miles since then, so the work is very much still fresh.
The Summary
The Vanquish has been a very special car since launch, being Aston Martin’s flagship model with just over 2,500 built between 2001 and 2007. Its outstanding performance and ultra-luxurious specification set it apart from everything else on the road, and it still puts most new cars to shame today.
This is not only a very early model, it is also one of the most original, complete and correct examples. Retaining the full set of factory-supplied accessories, it’s a desirable collector’s piece on that count alone. Factor into the equation the fact that it hasn’t even covered 20,000 miles from new and is in close-to-concours condition inside and out, and you know you’re looking at something truly special. Vanquish prices aren’t going down, so make sure you get your hands on this while it’s within reach.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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