2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S 2+2

Aston Martin returned to the James Bond franchise in the 2002 film Die Another Day with Pierce Brosnan as the ultimate secret agent. The film showcased Aston’s new Vanquish in most of the action sequences and amidst the explosions and machine gunfire the Vanquish not only looked fantastic but seemed capable of epic performance. No other car since has had the same impact or screen time as that Vanquish, and it is perhaps only Aston Martin that can boast the most screen time of any car maker in over 125 years of film. Fame and gadgets aside, the Vanquish was recognised as one of the ten most beautiful cars ever built by Autocar Magazine in April 2022.

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. 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. Aston Martin's first power unit of its type, the original Vanquish had a 6.0-litre, 48-valve, V12 engine developing 460 bhp at 6,800rpm, with 400lb.ft of torque available at 5,500 revs.

The Vanquish S saw its most significant upgrades within the engine bay, with the car producing 520 bhp, an output good enough to whistle the S up to 200 mph, a figure only recently exceeded by the Aston One-77. 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 hand-built 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.

This beautifully specified example is offered directly from long-term private ownership and was first registered in December 2005. Classically finished in Pentland Green with Beige Leather and matching green carpets and benefits from the 2+2 seating configuration, an optional extra with a list price of £7,000. A clean HPI Certificate shows just 1 previous keeper and our vendor informs us that over the years their Aston Martin has always been maintained correctly. The history file includes a current V5C ready for export or transfer and a clean MOT Certificate valid until February 2023.

A powerful, attractive British sports car that is fast becoming something of a modern classic, really good examples are becoming difficult to source and this one, with sensible mileage and listed at a very reasonable guide, is worthy of some consideration.