Aston Martin Vanquish: A Modern Classic

by Mike Gulett –

It has been almost two years since I acquired my 2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S and I am very happy with this modern super car. In 2024 I displayed this yellow Aston Martin as part of the Evolution of the Supercar Class at The Quail, A Motor Sports Gathering in Carmel, California.

The Aston Martin Vanquish drove Aston Martin into the 21st century with style, speed, technology and sophistication. Introduced in 2001, the Vanquish was more than just a new model — it was a bold statement that Aston Martin could blend its rich heritage with leading technology to create a car that was not only beautiful but also very capable.

The first-generation Vanquish, styled by Ian Callum, was a stunning achievement in automotive design and is one of the most beautiful modern sports cars. It presented a muscular, aggressive silhouette without losing Aston Martin’s signature refinement. The long, sculpted hood, tightly drawn surfaces, and the Aston Martin signature grille gave the Vanquish an immediate, unmistakable presence. It was, in many ways, the spiritual successor to the iconic DB5 and V8 Vantage, but with a modern, sharp edge. Its aluminum and carbon-fiber composite structure was revolutionary at the time and gave the Vanquish a level of rigidity and strength beyond traditional designs.

Powered by a hand-assembled 5.9-liter V12 engine, it produced 460 horsepower in its original form, later increased to 520 horsepower in the Vanquish S variant introduced in 2004. Performance figures were impressive: 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and a top speed exceeding 190 mph in the S model. These numbers placed the Vanquish firmly in supercar territory, competing with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, yet offering a distinctly British take on high-speed touring.

A six-speed automated manual transmission was fitted as standard, operated via paddle shifters on the steering column. While this gearbox was a technological statement at the time, some critics felt it lacked the refinement of traditional manuals or newer dual-clutch systems. I, however, have come to appreciate this transmission as it is easy to use and responds much like a transmission with a clutch pedal even though it is controlled by the paddles behind the steering wheel. Nevertheless, the car’s blend of raw power and long-distance comfort made it one of the most desirable grand tourers of its era.

The Vanquish also gained worldwide fame as James Bond’s car in the 2002 film Die Another Day, where it was portrayed with an array of fictional gadgetry—including the infamous “invisibility cloak.” Its appearance cemented the Vanquish as the ultimate expression of British cool.

Inside, the Vanquish combined Aston Martin’s tradition of bespoke luxury with contemporary design. Hand-stitched leather, polished metal, and modern touches created an environment that was both opulent and forward-looking. Each car was painstakingly assembled by hand at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell facility, making the Vanquish the last model built at the brand’s historic home.

Production of the original Vanquish ended in 2007, but the name would return in 2012 with the second-generation Vanquish. This newer model, based on Aston’s updated architecture, featured a 5.9-liter V12 tuned to 565 horsepower, a new 8-speed automatic transmission, and a sleek, muscular body heavily influenced by the limited-run One-77 hypercar. The Vanquish S, released in 2017, pushed the formula even further, delivering 595 horsepower and an even sharper driving experience.

By the time production ended in 2018, the Vanquish had cemented its place in Aston Martin history as a bridge between old-world craftsmanship and modern supercar performance. It captured the brand’s enduring allure: the promise of great speed wrapped in an elegant, hand-finished suit.

Today, both generations of the Vanquish are seen as modern classics. The first-generation cars, with their handmade construction and raw character, appeal to collectors seeking a true link to Aston Martin’s golden era. Meanwhile, the later models represent the perfection of the grand touring formula, offering beauty, power, and comfort in a package few rivals can match.

The Aston Martin Vanquish was, and remains, a masterpiece — an enduring symbol of British automotive excellence.

Let us know what you think in the Comments.

Research, some writing and some images by ChatGPT 40.

Summary

Article Name

Aston Martin Vanquish: A Modern Classic

Description

The Aston Martin Vanquish drove Aston Martin into the 21st century with style, speed, technology and sophistication.

Author

Mike Gulett