Skip advert
Advertisement

Aston Martin Vanquish S

2001-2007: Flagship GT brought Aston bang up to date

It’s the quintessential Aston. The Vanquish S was purposeful yet beautiful, brutally fast yet sumptuously comfortable, and designed to be the ultimate grand tourer. 

The standard Vanquish was launched in 2001, and heralded the modern rebirth of Aston Martin. It was the stunning flagship the maker needed, and with its looks, pace and power, it became one of the world’s most desirable cars. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The following year, 007 took delivery of his in the film Die Another Day (below), where it boasted machine guns and a device that made it invisible!

The S took things to the next level when it made its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, with a host of performance upgrades.

The mighty all-alloy V12 engine was enhanced with new cylinder heads, revised engine mapping and updated fuel injectors, raising power from 460bhp to 520bhp. The sports suspension, steering and braking package that was optional on the conventional car was also fitted as standard. It included stiffer springs and dampers, as well as shorter steering arms for quicker responses. The paddleshift box remained. It attracted criticism for its slow changes and was disliked by purists – but there is a solution. Aston Martin Works Service offers a retro-fit six-speed manual for owners who prefer a more traditional transmission. 

Despite weighing more than 1,800kg, the Vanquish sprints from 0-62mph in less than five seconds, and the crescendo of noise as the revs top 3,000rpm oozes character. With slightly wayward body control, it’s not as agile as modern Astons, but then it was never meant to be a focused sports car. Instead, it’s a luxury flagship that offers style, comfort and pace. It also holds the honour of being the last model to be built at the famous Newport Pagnell factory, so its place in history is assured. 
 
* Value: £60,000-£100,000

* Engine: 6.0-litre V12, 520bhp 

* Transmission: Six-speed automated manual 

* 0-62/top spd: 4.8 secs/200mph 

* Cars built: 1,088 Vanquish S (1,051 Vanquish)

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,090
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,794 off RRP*Used from £6,320
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,844
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025