2004 Aston Martin Vanquish

• Dramatic Callum-penned bodywork with the debut of the bonded aluminium platform
• Fitted with a 6-litre, 48-valve V12 producing 460bhp and 400lb.ft. 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and 190mph
• The advanced transmission is operated by steering column-mounted F1-style paddles
• UK-supplied in right-hand drive with fewer than 17,000 miles in the hands of just two keepers
• Jet Black Metallic coachwork, with contrasting ivory leather interior and charcoal carpets
• This car benefits from 2004 model-year alloy wheels, red brake calipers, heated front seats, sat nav and a Linn Premium Audio system

An entirely new Aston Martin for the 21st Century, the Vanquish debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2001, with deliveries commencing a few months later. The Vanquish took over from the Vantage V8, the Newport Pagnell factory undergoing an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment to accommodate it, gaining a new assembly line, paint shop, rolling road and water test facility.

Styled by Ian Callum, the man responsible for the DB7, the Vanquish was developed with assistance from Aston Martin's parent company, Ford, using constructional techniques more advanced than those of any then-current road car. The monocoque tub was made of heat-cured bonded aluminium, braced by a central tunnel of carbon fibre to create a lightweight structure of exceptional rigidity, thus enabling the chassis engineers to develop suspension combining excellent handling and road holding with unrivalled ride quality. As well as its superior strength/weight ratio compared to aluminium, the carbon fibre backbone also provided better insulation from the transmission and exhaust heat in the cabin. The all-independent suspension followed the accepted supercar norm and comprised double aluminium wishbones, coil springs, mono-tube damper and anti-roll bar front and rear. Four-wheel ventilated steel disc brakes gripped by four-piston callipers provided all the stopping power one needs, while ABS and traction control afforded maximum security in poor road conditions or 'on the limit'.

Aston Martin's first power unit of its type, the 6.0-litre, 48-valve, V12 engine developed 460bhp at 6,800rpm, with 400lb/ft of torque available at 5,500 revs. In its 'Stage 2' Vanquish specification it benefited from an 18kgs weight reduction, most of which was shed from the rotating masses to improve throttle response. A spin-off from Formula 1 technology, the state-of-the-art electronic engine management system provided 'drive by wire' throttle control and was linked to the six-speed manual gearbox's electro-hydraulic change mechanism, a 'first' for a production car. The gearchange was controlled by F1-style paddles and could be operated in either of two modes - fully manual and computer-controlled automatic - with a 'sport' setting available on both.

In most recent private ownership since 2006, this Aston Martin Vanquish, bought from its first keeper in 2006 via Works Service with just c6,800miles, has been serviced and maintained exclusively throughout its life only by Harwoods Ltd of Chichester (the supplying dealer), or Aston Martin Works Service in Newport Pagnell. For periods of her ownership, the London-based businesswoman opted to keep her Aston Martin stored at Newport Pagnell, limiting the miles that were accumulated.

Clearly an exceptionally well-kept example, the light and bright Ivory hide interior shows only very light signs of use, let alone wear, whilst the contrasting Jet Black Metallic coachwork still boasts an enviable shine, despite the difficulties in keeping Black cars looking sharp. Mechanically, the car is reported to be very sound with a good turn of power, smooth delivery of acceleration and accurate gear changes, albeit please remember these are not as lightning-quick when measured against the latest offerings from the brand. Famously, the door rubbers which used to pinch and tear on these models are all in good order on this car, largely no doubt due to the modest number of occasions that it was used annually.

Optional extras for this motorcar include 2004 Model Year wheels, shod with Yokohama