The V12 Vanquish has remained firmly in the public eye since James Bond’s return to Aston Martin, with a heavily modified example starring in Die Another Day, released in November 2002 to widespread acclaim.
In the autumn of 2004, Aston Martin introduced the ultimate evolution of the model, the 520 bhp V12 Vanquish S. Capable of 200 mph, it served as the marque’s flagship, described internally as the ‘hero’ car, until production concluded in the summer of 2007. Its production also marked the end of Aston Martin manufacturing at the historic Newport Pagnell factory, bringing to a close more than 50 years of car building at the Tickford Works. As such, it remains one of the most significant modern Aston Martins produced.
By the time the final car was completed in July 2007, a total of 2,589 Vanquish models had been built, comprising 1,503 standard cars and 1,086 Vanquish S examples, all produced at Newport Pagnell.
The V12 Vanquish S was first unveiled at the Paris Salon in September 2004, priced at £174,000. While the visual updates were subtle, the mechanical enhancements were far more substantial. Aston Martin claimed a top speed in excess of 200 mph, making it, at the time, the fastest road-going Aston Martin ever built. To achieve this, the V12 engine was upgraded with new cylinder heads featuring fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers, along with revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors. These improvements increased output from 460 bhp to 520 bhp, with torque rising from 400 lb ft to 425 lb ft.
From factory the V12 Vanquish was fitted with a paddle shift transmission, an innovative system for its time, effectively a manual gearbox with an automatically actuated hydraulic clutch, requiring only two pedals. However, some owners found the system less intuitive in everyday use.
For those who preferred a more traditional driving experience, Aston Martin Works offered a full conversion to a conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. This involved removing the automated system and installing a clutch pedal and gear stick, the latter sourced from the V8 Vantage and neatly integrated into the centre console. The conversion is exceptionally well executed and retains a factory-correct appearance.
It is believed Aston Martin Works has carried out just over 90 such conversions across both Vanquish and Vanquish S models, with the cost of conversion in period approaching £16,000.
This low-mileage 2005 V12 Vanquish S represents a rare opportunity, being one of approximately 100 examples to benefit from the highly sought-after Aston Martin Works 6-speed manual conversion.
In 2009, with just 11,944 miles recorded, the car was returned to Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell for conversion to the 6-speed, three pedal manual configuration. This was a factory-supported upgrade introduced to satisfy owners seeking a more traditional and engaging driving experience over the standard automated manual transmission. The result is transformative, replacing the occasionally hesitant nature of the original system with a far more intuitive, fluid and involving drive that better suits the character of the V12 engine.
Registered in March 2005, this well-specified example is presented in Titanium Silver over Phantom hides. Factory options include grey brake callipers, body-colour door releases, heated front seats, quilted headlining, heated front screen, power-fold mirrors, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and 2+2 seating.
Now showing just 21,000 miles from new, the car presents in excellent condition throughout. The paintwork is well preserved, supported by partial PPF, while the interior remains in excellent condition.
It is accompanied by a strong service history, comprising 15 service stamps from Aston Martin Works and recognised Aston Martin specialists.
A highly significant Newport Pagnell-built Vanquish S, enhanced by the rare and desirable Aston Martin Works manual conversion, offering a compelling blend of heritage, rarity and a truly engaging driving experience.
Available for viewing and demonstration at Pendine’s Bicester Motion showroom.
Price – £94,500
