Developed from the 1998 Project Vantage concept car with intent to improve overall performance boundaries and benchmarks for the company, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish entered production in 2001. Representing a huge step forward for the company, the first generation Vanquish was Aston’s first car to feature a bonded aluminium composite chassis. It took a reported 400 man-hours to build, originally working alongside Lotus to develop an aluminium and carbon fibre chassis and tub.  

The Vanquish S model was released in 2004, and was powered by a 5,935cc V12 underneath the handmade bonnet, producing right around 520bhp minimum. Power was sent to the wheels with aid from its Tremec 6-speed manual transmission and electro-hydraulic clutch/gearshift actuation. This enabled the S to reach a reported 200mph. Other upgrades which the S version received over the base Vanquish included revised steering, gear ratios, a bit stiffer sports suspension, and larger brakes.  

It received excellent reception from critics, being recognized as one of the ten most beautiful cars of all time, and included many film appearances, most notably in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day which shows Bond taking the wheel and with a strong returning to Aston Martin. 

 

This Vanquish was supplied new to the US market, originally built at Aston Martin Lagonda in Newport Pagnell, Bedfordshire. Originally being sent to Florida, it was sold to its second owner residing in New York in 2011. Living the first 12 years of its life in America, it was eventually imported back to the UK by its current owner in 2018, having bought it at auction as the third owner.  

Previous ownership information as stated is also confirmed by a US CarFax report that comes with the sale. The report also documents a comprehensive service history from both owners. Also included are the original book pack and handbooks. 

The current owner has always loved the Vanquish, having known the vehicle in and out as they have worked with Aston Martin for the last 21 years providing driver’s training and instruction to new Vanquish owners. Its safe to say, this Vanquish has been left in good hands before and after its import back to the UK. It’s seen love and care throughout its entire lifetime, proved by its paperwork trail as well as its current condition, having covered only 19,393 miles from new with annual servicing and maintenance.  

 

Inside, the cabin is smartly trimmed in Obsidian black leather with Cream Truffle inserts. Specified as a two plus zero, there are no rear seats; instead being replaced with a small storage area as pictured. This particular Vanquish S features a few well-selected optional interior extras as stated in the original specification sheet which is supplied in the photos. Highlights include heated seats, quilted Ivory headlining trim, fire extinguisher, satellite navigation (which will require a UK disc to reprogram from USA roads as currently loaded), Homelink, sill plaques, and rear parking sensors. 

Having driven so few miles in its lifetime, there is very little indication of use or wear inside the vehicle. The overall interior is in spectacular condition. The seats themselves are in excellent shape, and surprisingly comfortable. The carpets are still plush and dark black. The steering wheel shows very little signs of use, with gear select paddles still feeling strong and mechanical to ensure direct changes.  

Looking forward, the dashboard and centre console area are in nearly new condition as well. The instrument cluster in front of the driver is minimalistic and not at all intrusive with the tachometer, speedometer, fuel and water temperature gauges in front and centre display. Next to the gauge pod, the heater controls are furnished with well-finished buttons and knobs; again in near perfect condition with minimalistic and exceptionally functional design. Being a later model Vanquish S, this one benefits from the updated interior design with notably larger Satnav screen. 

The boot itself is quite spacious and luxurious, and the carpet and trim is all in excellent condition. The vehicle comes along with an Aston Martin umbrella, which can be attached to the boot lid for storage when not in use. 

One of our favourite bits about the interior is the optional extra ivory coloured quilted headlining, which adds a serious touch of luxury to the cabin and provides a genuine feeling of grandeur. 

The exterior of this Vanquish matches the sentiments of the interior, in excellent condition with only a few small signs of use apparent. The original Onyx Black paintwork remains intact from the factory, never having been repainted in the past. Still shining and glossy with metallic flakes shimmering, and having lived most of its life in dry storage away from the diminishing effects of weather and sunshine, the paintwork is still in excellent shape. That isn’t to say it hasn’t been used at all, as there are some small marks and chips from the road on the front bumper as to be expected, and a small area of paint cracking on the front chin spoiler, as pictured. While these are visible when up close, we don’t think that they in any way detract from the overall look of the otherwise exceptional condition vehicle.   

The body is in excellent, straight condition, with trim, glasswork, emblems, and decals in great condition as well. The light lenses are in great condition, with no signs of fading from the sun, and headlight covers in a clear and shiny state. There’s paint protection film on the arches, which is showing its age in a slight bit, but doesn’t detract from the overall look of the car, and is still performing its protective duty.  

Looking underneath, this Aston is near flawless. With an aluminium body and undertray, there are not any visible signs of corrosion present, except for a few small areas on the edges of the trays, which do show some signs of surface corrosion as pictured but are still structurally sound and usable. The frame itself looks very straight, with no surprises seen, and all seals look even and well assembled.  

It rides on its original 19-inch alloy wheels, which are in near perfect condition with no signs of any bumps or contact with the curb. They’re wrapped in staggered Michelin Pilot Sport tires, with plenty of tread remaining. 

The Vanquish’s bespoke Cosworth built & designed AML V12 is on full display in the clean and tidy engine bay of this car. Upon our surprise when popping open the bonnet, there were very little plastic covers disrupting our view of this generous 5.9L unit. We’re graced with a beautiful set of valve covers, strut towers showing no corrosion with carbon composite braces, twin intakes taking hot air exhausts to keep temps down under the bonnet, and an impressive intake plenum brandishing the V12 S and Aston Martin emblem proudly.  

Upon ignition, initialized via a push-button in the centre console, the engine springs to life with a glorious noise. Not only is it refined and powerful, but this engine also has a reputation for being one of the most reliable engines ever offered by Aston Martin, with the Vanquish S model being one of the fastest, recording a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.  

This one is said to be in great running order as you’d expect from such a low mileage car, and has the advantage of switchable paddle-shift automated Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. This transmission is a manual transmission, while not requiring a clutch pedal with driver input, it’s connected to an electro-hydraulic clutch and gearshift actuator, allowing for fully automatic use when desired. Connected to a limited slip differential, this drivetrain sends power equally between the two rear wheels.  

The owner states that the vehicle handles, accelerates, brakes, and otherwise all together fits the part of Aston Martin’s flagship at the time. It’s an excellent representation of Aston’s aspiration for continued improvement and overall outlandish luxury supercars.  

In addition to being named “The ultimate Grand Tourer” by Road & Track Magazine, the provenance and pedigree of this Vanquish S makes it a real collector’s item. On top of that, as a true red-blooded supercar, as it’s got the performance to back up its outstanding looks. But what makes it truly impressive, is that with everything already mentioned, you still get a smooth and refined car that you can enjoy using in modern traffic on a daily basis. It’s comfortable enough to drive on the road, but still reserves the right to force a grin every time you fire up that V12; especially so when you put your right foot down.    

 
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