Vehicle Description
Following years of financial struggles throughout the 1970s and
1980s, Aston Martin finally found stability when it became part of
Ford's ambitious Premier Automotive Group. In 1987, Ford of Europe
vice president Walter Hayes fostered the relationship that
eventually led to Ford Motor Company taking full control of Aston
Martin, along with Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo. Thanks to Ford's
influx of cash and engineering expertise, the rejuvenated Aston
Martin finally had the resources to develop an all-new volume
leader to slot beneath the exclusive, hand-built Virage. The first
product of the new relationship was the gorgeous, thoroughly modern
DB7. With styling by Ian Callum, the DB7 shared its underlying
architecture with Jaguar, as well as other critical elements from
Ford to keep costs under control without sacrificing the bespoke
Aston Martin character. The DB7 was a resounding sales success, and
soon the supercharged "AJ6" inline six was supplemented with a
suitably exotic, Cosworth designed 6.0-liter V12, creating the V12
Vantage and putting Aston Martin squarely back in contention with
Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche. In 2002 Aston Martin introduced the
ultimate expression of its capabilities; the muscular and exotic
V12 Vanquish. Based on the all-new bonded aluminum and composite
"VH" platform, the Vanquish bore a family resemblance to the DB7,
yet with the hard-edged aggression of a proper supercar. Pairing
with the light and rigid structure was a 460 horsepower, 6.0 liter
V12, and six-speed hydraulically actuated gearbox. The Vanquish had
svelte styling, Aston refinement, and 190 mph performance, putting
the Ferrari 550 Maranello squarely in its sights. Like the DB7
before it, the Vanquish was a very significant model in Aston
Martin history. Not only was it the last model built in the storied
Newport Pagnell works, but its sophisticated chassis evolved into
the DB9, V8 Vantage, DBS and other vital models in Aston's
renaissance. Finished in the striking shade of Tungsten Silver,
this 2002 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is number 458 of 1,492
first-series cars produced, and one of approximately 12 US-market
cars with the Works Service 6-speed manual conversion. With just
28,198 miles from new, it is truly one of the best examples of its
kind, professionally maintained in exceptional condition, and
thoroughly documented from Day One with virtually every record,
receipt, and note related to its provenance and maintenance.
Factory options include 2+2 seating (a $6,350 addition), Alcantara
seat inserts, and power folding mirrors. Accompanying the car are
all factory books and manuals as well as oft-missing details like
the multi-tool, writing pen, tire gauge, and other accessories. It
is exquisite and needs nothing cosmetically or mechanically. The
Achilles' heel of the original Vanquish is its paddle-shift
gearbox. Sequential-manual shift technology was still in its
infancy, and Aston's effort was difficult to set up properly and
prone to an unhealthy appetite for clutch discs. With such a
brilliant chassis and sonorous V12 engine, the Vanquish was
practically begging for a proper manual 'box. Surprisingly, Aston
Martin Works Service responded to customer requests and developed a
comprehensive conversion kit utilizing DB9 and DB7 GT components to
convert the car to a proper three-pedal manual. Not a simple
undertaking, the conversion included a new clutch, gearbox
modifications, new pedal assembly, revised console, reworked
electronics, and cockpit-controlled exhaust valves. US-market
conversions were performed out of the workshop at Autosport
Designs, an Aston Martin specialist in Huntington Station, New
York. Aston Martin flew in a team of specially trained technicians
to perform the conversions on-site, at a retail cost of nearly
$40,000 per car. The complete ownership history of #458 is fully
documented, showing the first owner took delivery on September 24,
2002, via Aston Martin of Tampa, with the MSRP of $236,330. It
remained with the first owner for three years before being traded
to Aston Martin of New England in 2005. From there, it went to
Autosport Designs. They facilitated the sale to the second owner,
as well as the gearbox conversion for the 3rd owner, in 2007. The
fourth and most recent owner acquired it from Autosport in 2009
with 25,977 miles. Since then, he has methodically documented the
ownership and service history, including contacting prior owners
and obtaining factory build records, receipts, photos of the
conversion, copy of the window sticker, and factory service
information. Fastidiously maintained and ready for the road, this
Vanquish presents in superb condition. The metallic Tungsten Silver
paintwork is exquisite, with deep gloss and impeccable finish
quality. Original wheels are virtually unmarked, wrapped with
excellent Yokohama AVS Sport rubber. Complementing the paint color
is a gorgeous cabin trimmed in Pacific Blue leather with optional
Smoke Gray quilted Alcantara inserts. Like the paintwork, the
interior is in outstanding order, with excellent seat bolsters and
clean, unmarked seat inserts. The six-speed manual conversion is
seamless, using all factory components, and all original switchgear
and controls remain in place with no visible wear. Under the bonnet
sits the mighty, 460 horsepower 6.0 liter V12, which sounds
glorious through the sports exhaust system. Like the rest of the
car, the engine bay is impeccably clean. In the hands of the most
recent owner, maintenance highlights include new ignition coils and
spark plugs, intake gaskets, complete fluid services, new updated
Bosch fuel pumps, and annual maintenance to factory
recommendations; all of which is documented in two large binders.
Also, the factory paddle-shift parts and components removed during
the gearbox modification have been retained and are included in the
sale. The taut and muscular good looks of the Vanquish have aged
well, with characteristics of the design still appearing on the
Aston Martins of today. With its gorgeous color scheme, highly
desirable 6-speed conversion and superb presentation, this V12
Vanquish is sure to satisfy even the most meticulous collector and
is ready for Grand Touring in the finest English tradition.