Highlights
- Thousands spent on new amplifier and suspension refresh
- Beautifully presented low mileage example
- Iconic flagship V12 engine
The Appeal
Elegant Ian Callum styling, gorgeous upholstery, and an utterly remarkable V12 engine. It’s not hard to see why the first generation Aston Martin Vanquish was the car of choice for James Bond in the hit movie “Die Another Day”. What was hailed by the motoring press as the “ultimate GT car” ticked all the important boxes the discerning Aston Martin buyer could want, and as such is often referred to as one of the last great Aston Martins.
V55 AML really is a wonderful example of the model. An early 2003 car, in the correct “Bond spec” Tungsten Silver with black leather upholstery, this low mileage Aston comes with a wealth of Aston Martin main dealer service history and must surely be one of the finest examples on the market at present.
The History and Paperwork
- Accompanied by an extensive collection of Aston Martin main dealer service history
- Stamped AM service book
- Previously wore the registration mark RX03 WKK, now sits with the far more fitting V55 AML
- Correct V5 registration document present with the car
- Thousands spent on recent suspension refresh and new amplifier
The Interior
- Beautiful black leather upholstery
- New Amplifier fitted by Aston Martin
- Diamond stitch roof liner
Exceptionally presented, the cabin of the Vanquish, rather unsurprisingly, can be seen as the last word in luxury and quality, with only the finest materials being used to upholster the interior space. Having worn its miles incredibly well, the Vanquish is in remarkable form, boasting great amenities and impeccably sculpted sports seating front and rear, with this being the 2+2 Vanquish.
The deep black leather is of a marvellous quality and presents as such, still rich in colour and notably lacking in wear or damage. It's clear to see upon examination of the cabin, that this has been a well loved and cared for car.
Looking up we are presented with the absolute stand out piece within the interior, the outstanding, alcantara diamond stitched roof liner. Unlike so many lighter coloured roof panels, this marvellous piece hasn’t fallen victim to discolouration or staining, and still looks factory fresh.
The excellent dash panel situated at the front of the car is of an equally high quality, with good quality leather and a brilliant metal finish centre panel, befitted with a stunning collection of switchgear, all of which is reported to function correctly.
When purchased by the current owner, the Linn head unit was working, however the amplifier was faulty, and so after purchase the car was sent to Aston Martin Works where it was fitted with both a new amplifier and a new subwoofer at a cost of over 6 thousand pounds.
At the rear sits a clean and simple carpeted boot area which presents as well as the rest of the interior space.
The Exterior
- Impeccable Tungsten silver paintwork
- Brilliant Ian Callum styling
- Presents excellently
It’s not very often that a car sells itself on aesthetics alone, but when they do, it's usually styled by Ian Callum, and it usually bears an Aston Martin badge. Of course, the Vanquish fits itself into this category rather well.
A Vanquish looks remarkable in any colour, but there is something about the Tungsten silver paintwork on this particular example that really sets it off from an aesthetic perspective. The paintwork itself is of a truly great standard, exhibiting a brilliant shine and with nothing making itself known in the way of wear or blemishing it can confidently be said that this Aston has been preserved incredibly well over its 19 year lifespan.
The subtle chrome adornments, trim pieces and badging are all of a great standard and sit perfectly on the car’s sloping body lines.
At ground level we find four marvellous Aston Martin 19” alloy wheels, all of which present in brilliant clean condition and sit within quality Yokohama tyres.
The Mechanics
Moving over to the beating heart of the Vanquish, the simply glorious V12 engine. The naturally aspirated unit in this particular example is of a brilliant quality, having been subject to rigorous, regular maintenance at the hands of Aston Martin Works and Aston Martin main dealers.
In 2020 at around the 40 thousand mile mark, the Aston’s automatic transmission was treated to an extensive overhaul and rebuild at a cost of around 6 thousand pounds. Having covered incredibly minimal mileage since then the transmission is still in great order, providing crisp, smooth gear changes.
On the road the Vanquish is reported to provide an excellent comfortable drive. There was of course a good reason this car is seen to be one of the all time great GT cars.
Much of the great driving quality comes down to the car’s suspension, which under its current ownership has been thoroughly refreshed at the hands of Aston Martin Works, with new upper and lower wishbones being installed in the rear of the car.
Summary
One of the all time great Astons, certainly a bold statement, but one that rings true when it comes to the Vanquish. Impeccable styling, a lavish interior and an outstanding V12 powertrain at the front, this epic GT car really is a marvel.
This low mileage “Bond spec” Vanquish comes with a vast collection of Aston Martin service history and having had all the important work done already, wants for nothing to be enjoyed by a new loving owner.
Whether you’re a fan of 007 or simply a lover of the marque, this V12 icon isn’t one to miss.