2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S V12 Coupe

• Launched in 2004, the Vanquish S featured an increase in engine power to 520bhp from 460, revised gear and back axle ratios and a much-improved paddle-shift gear change
• 1 of only 375, right-hand drive S variants built, this lovely example has covered just 28,300 miles (atoc)
• A superb combination of Tungsten Silver with Obsidian Black leather and red calipers
• Very well spec'd with Plus 2 seating, Linn hi-fi, Motorola car phone, and satellite navigation
• Great history. 11 main dealer stamps, last two at Aston Works Service at Newport Pagnell
• New discs and tyres plus a full refresh of the underneath three/four years ago
• Our vendor has generously included cherished registration number VS55 AML in the sale
• This desirable Aston appears to be guided very sensibly for such a rare car

The Vanquish was built in two versions, a two-seater and what became known as the '2+2' with a couple of child-friendly rear seats filling the space that in the two-seater was occupied by a shelf for a golf bag or other luggage. A pleasing blend of up-to-the-minute technology and traditional materials, the interior was dominated by an imposing aluminium centre console extending from fascia to transmission tunnel. Connolly leather upholstery, Wilton carpeting and quilted Alcantara headlining emphasised its Aston Martin heritage for, despite its advanced specification, the Vanquish was built like all other Astons before it, one at a time and by hand. Production ceased in 2007, by which time the model had been upgraded as the Vanquish 'S' and the UK list price had risen to over ú185,000. The Vanquish is yet another 'James Bond' Aston Martin, having featured in 'Die Another Day' starring Pierce Brosnan as the eponymous secret agent.

The car offered here is an example of the revamped Vanquish 'S' that superseded the original version following its debut at the Paris Auto Show in 2004. Chief upgrade concerned the engine, which now produced 520bhp, an output good enough to whistle the 'S' up to 200mph, a figure only recently exceeded by the Aston 177. The previously optional Sports Dynamic Pack of enhanced steering, suspension and brakes came as standard with the 'S'. It was the last of the line of handbuilt Aston Martins, the last model to be produced at the Newport Pagnell factory and, with only 375 built in right-hand drive, is now a very rare car. At circa ú185,000 when new in 2005, exclusivity had its price.

Having owned a DB4 for many years, one of the first Aston Martins produced at Newport Parnell, our vendor was keen to bookend his Astons with a Vanquish 'S' the last model to roll out of the factory gates at Newport Pagnell and he commenced a thorough search for the best example he could find. A number of cars were inspected before his search culminated in this lovely example. Its previous owner had intended it to be the centrepiece of a museum in Devon dedicated to