Collector’s edition – Aston Martin Vanquish
by Metropol | December 17, 2025 8:33 am
The first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish stands out in the back catalogue of one of the most coveted brands in motoring, writes Ben Selby. This is one luxurious drive.
The Vanquish marks a transition period for Astons of old, teasing where the company would be headed with the dawn of the 21st century. Adding to its appeal, the connection as Q Branch’s choice for 007 in the film Die Another Day complete with missiles, an invisibility cloak, and target-seeking-shotguns which pop out from the bonnet vents.
Designed by Ian Callum, best known for penning the lines of the Aston Martin DB7, the original Vanquish first debuted under the guise of the ‘Project Vantage’ concept in 1998. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that the production ‘Vanquish’ was unveiled. With the V12, Callum created one of the most muscular and handsome looking grand tourers of the era. The trademark Aston Martin side vents, long bonnet and classic grill display coupled with bulging rear haunches and a coupe body reminiscent of the iconic DB4 GT Zagato shine in the flesh – yes, at Christchurch European – it is captivating.
The heart of the Vanquish is an updated version of the Cosworth built 6.0L V12 first used in the DB7 Vantage. Power sat at 373kW and torque at 540Nm. Coupled to a new six-speed automated manual transmission, the flagship Vanquish became the performance benchmark of Aston’s new millennium line-up, with a zero to 100kph time of 4.5 seconds and a top whack of 305kph.
The V12 Vanquish sports one of the greatest naturally aspirated engine notes around, something which is amplified ten-fold when you give it stick. It offers an angry, almost animalistic soundtrack, with a mixture of primeval-esque growling and deafening bellowing as you venture higher up the rev range.
The hard charging acceleration it delivers is equally addictive, all with your immediate surroundings drowned out by that glorious sound. That said, when you ease off to a gentle cruise, it quietens down and becomes civilised and restrained, something any classic grand tourer should excel at.
The six-speed automated manual paddle shift transmission may not be as slick as a conventional dual clutch auto, but if you treat it like a conventional manual and lift off between shifts, it works just fine. At close to two tonnes, the Vanquish is no featherweight despite its aluminium construction and carbon-fibre backbone, yet it manages to handle exceptionally well, all while delivering a comfortable ride.
The first generation Vanquish signified the end of an era for Aston Martin. It was the last car to be built at the original Newport Pagnell factory before production of cars that followed, like the DB9, moved to Gaydon. It was the last hand-made, old-school Aston and today is becoming more the classic collectable it deserves to be. It’s still a riot to drive and could be yours, from The Showroom by Christchurch European.
FACT FILE
2004 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Price: $119,995
Engine: 6.0L V12 Petrol
Transmission: 6-speed Automated Manual
Drivetrain: RWD
Power: 373kW
Torque: 540Nm
Wheels: 19-inch alloy
Weight: 1835kg
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/collectors-edition-aston-martin-vanquish/