2004 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Coupe

The Aston Martin Vanquish made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2001, with deliveries commencing a few months later. The Newport Pagnell factory underwent an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment to accommodate the outgoing Vantage V8 and in preparation for the new Vanquish. Improvements included a new assembly line, paint shop, rolling road and water test facility.

The Vanquish was styled by Ian Callum, the individual who had also styled the DB7. Callum was assisted by Aston Martin's parent company Ford using advanced constructional techniques. The monocoque tub was made of heat-cured bonded aluminum, braced by a central tunnel of carbon fiber to create a lightweight structure of exceptional rigidity. This allowed the chassis engineers to develop a suspension setup that offered superior ride quality and excellent handling. The carbon fiber backbone was stronger and lighter than aluminum and it offered better insulation from transmission and exhaust heat in the cabin.

The suspension was an all-independent setup comprised of double aluminum wishbones, coil springs, mono-tube damper and anti-roll bar front and rear. Braking was handled by four-wheel ventilated steel discs with four-piston calipers. ABS and traction control aided in poor road conditions.

Power was supplied by a 6-liter, 48-valve, V12 engine offering 460 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. For buyers seeking more, Aston Martin offered the 'Stage 2' Vanquish which reduced weight by an additional 18 kgs.

The Vanquish was given an electronic engine management system with 'drive by wire' throttle control that was linked to the six-speed manual gearbox's electro-hydraulic change mechanism, a 'first' for a production car. F1-style paddles were used to operate the gear-change and could be operated in either of two modes - fully manual and computer-controlled automatic - with a 'sport' setting available on both.

The list of standard amenities including an Alpine stereo system, 6 CD changer, air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, alarm/immobiliser, tire pressure sensing, automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamp operation, automatic rear-view mirror dipping, and trip computer.

Bodystyles included a two-seater and a 2+2. The two-seater had a shelf where the rear seat space would have been, which could be used to carry golf bags or other luggage. The interior featured an aluminum centre console extending from fascia to transmission tunnel, Connolly leather upholstery, Wilton carpeting and quilted Alcantara headlining emphasized the Aston Martin heritage.

Production continued until 2007, by which time the model had been upgraded as the Vanquish S. In 2004, the original version was superseded by the Vanquish S following the latter's debut at that year's Paris Auto Show. Upgrades were mostly to the engine, which now offered 514 horsepower. The previously optional Sports Dynamic Pack of enhanced steering, suspension and brakes came as standard with the Vanquish S.

This particular Aston Martin Vanquish is powered by a dual overhead cam 12-cylinder engine offering 450 horsepower and mated to a 6-speed manual sequential transmission. It has 68,000 original miles on its odometer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018