The Aston Martin Vanquish has made its much-anticipated return, embracing its role as the flagship coupe for the brand in this new decade. This iteration showcases a finely-tuned V12 engine enveloped in luxurious leather and an exterior that exemplifies the quintessential Aston Martin aesthetic.
With a price tag of $429,000, the Vanquish undeniably commands attention, rivaling the Ferrari Purosangue, which offers added practicality with more seats, an extra pair of doors, and all-wheel drive. While the Purosangue can be seen as a technical marvel, the Vanquish takes a more leisurely approach, prioritizing the refined experience of grand touring.
For connoisseurs of luxury British automobiles, the Vanquish symbolizes a different form of heritage—not racing accolades but rather a legacy centered around sublime comfort and exhilarating journeys. Its twelve-cylinder symphony wafts through the air as drivers bask in the plush environment, savoring every moment en route to their destination. It’s about more than just getting there; it’s about arriving in style.
Embodying the essence of James Bond, Aston Martin captures the imagination of its audience. Fortunately, indulging in this experience doesn’t necessitate purchasing a brand-new model. For those inclined towards exclusivity, the Vanquish provides a canvas that invites personalization.
The Aston Martin Vanquish: An Enduring Icon
Before this latest model, the Vanquish nameplate had seen two previous generations—the early 2000s iteration was famously featured in Pierce Brosnan’s last Bond film, Die Another Day. This model holds significant historical value, marking the conclusion of the Newport Pagnell factory’s storied fifty-year run.
The classic Vanquish, produced from 2002 to 2006, boasted timeless design features, characterized by its elegant silhouette and robust rear. Although it weighed over 4,000 pounds and was not categorically a supercar of its time, it garnered admiration for its well-balanced chassis and a thrilling exhaust note emitted from its 5.9-liter V12 engine. Critics, however, were unanimous in their disdain for the model’s gearbox.
The Vanquish relied on a Tremec T56 six-speed transmission paired with Magnetti-Marelli’s ‘Auto Shift Manual’ system—a setup that proved troublesome. Delayed shifts diminished the vehicle’s acceleration, as early adopters of automated gearboxes often experienced challenges in performance.
Aston Martin recognized these shortcomings and took corrective measures before the production run concluded in 2007. Their Works division offered a solution that involved a comprehensive overhaul of the transmission, integrating a manual shifter and clutch pedal, effectively erasing the problematic paddle system from the cabin’s design.
Revitalizing a Classic
This extensive manual conversion breathes new life into the Vanquish. Critics laud it as a more timeless driving experience, allowing the model to age gracefully while elevating its status within the Aston Martin legacy. Noted automotive publication Road & Track even proclaimed it as a contender for the title of "Greatest Aston Martin Ever," affirming how close the brand came to automotive perfection upon its initial release.
Remarkably, the conversion service is relatively affordable—around $25,000—making it all the more appealing, especially in light of the decreasing market prices for standard Vanquish models. Even low-mileage examples of the later Vanquish S can be found at prices lower than those for a certified pre-owned Lexus LC 500. With the conversion completed, the total investment remains competitive against newer luxury offerings.
The allure of manual-transmission vehicles is undeniable, often fetching prices that exceed six figures in the resale market. It remains unclear how many conversions have been completed, with estimates suggesting about 90 were performed by 2013. Nevertheless, these converted units occasionally make their way onto the market via reputable dealerships and well-known auction platforms.
Conclusion
For those fortunate enough to experience one of these masterpieces, the Aston Martin Vanquish delivers an unparalleled driving experience. The visionary behind its design, Ian McCallum, even oversaw a special run of 25 units to fully realize the vehicle’s potential.
The Y2K-era Aston Martin Vanquish stands as a quintessential representation of the marque’s storied history, and the manual conversion service serves to enhance its legendary status—an automotive icon redefined for discerning enthusiasts.
Source:www.autoblog.com
