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 a relationship that eventually
led to Ford Motor Company taking full control of Aston Martin,
joining 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 hand-built, somewhat old-fashioned 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 parts from
Ford that kept costs in check without sacrificing the bespoke Aston
Martin character; and the DB7 quickly became a best-seller.
Eventually, 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 on performance
terms 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 version of the Cosworth-tuned 6.0 liter V12 and
six-speed hydraulically actuated manual 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's 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. Over seven years, Aston Martin built just
2,589 examples of the Vanquish, and the stellar performance and
timeless styling made it an instant classics. Today, the Vanquish
represents a remarkable value in the world of twelve-cylinder, 190
mph exotic supercars of the new millennium. This striking 2003
Aston Martin Vanquish is a well-maintained example with just over
17,000 miles from new. Car number 791 is one of only 43 cars
finished in the gorgeous shade of opalescent Pentland Green. The
color gives a nod to Aston's of the past, but with subtle warm
metallic highlights that beautifully accent the luscious Ian
Callum-penned curves. Sold new in California, this Vanquish spent
the majority of its life in dry western states, and the clean
Carfax report verifies the low mileage and ownership chain. The
body is crisp and straight, with factory appropriate fit and
finish. On close inspection, some minor blemishes appear on the
lower front bumper, and the right rear wheel shows some slight curb
rash. The imperfections are not out of the ordinary for the car's
age and mileage and do not detract from the otherwise lovely
presentation. Complementing the exterior color is the beautiful
saddle tan/forest green interior. Rich and supple tan leather
covers the seats, lower door cards, and center console. The
upholstery is in excellent condition, and the sport seats show
minor creasing consistent with the miles. This car is a pure
two-seater (2+2 seating was an option) with a carpeted rear parcel
shelf offering plenty of room for luggage to supplement the
respectably-sized boot. Forest green leather features on the dash,
wrapping around on the door panels and into the rear of the cabin.
Some minor delaminating of the upper door panel leather is noted on
both sides. Green carpets are excellent and complete the fantastic
two-tone scheme. Original switches, buttons, and controls all
appear in good order, as do the brushed stainless steel and
aluminum alloy accents. Options and equipment include the factory
AM/FM/Cassette/CD-Changer audio system with audiophile-quality Linn
amplifier, power heated seats, and DVD-based navigation system.
Also included are the original alloy-bound owner's manual, quick
reference guide, and notepad. Despite sharing its lineage with some
more pedestrian Ford engines, the 6.0-liter Cosworth-fettled V12 is
suitably exotic, with four valves per cylinder, drive-by-wire
throttles, and 460 horsepower at 6,500 RPM. Good enough to propel
the Vanquish to nearly 200 mph, it is also happy to podder around
town or cruise effortlessly in proper Grand Touring fashion. The
6-speed hydraulically-operated manual gearbox was Aston's first
such unit, and it can be used in full-auto mode or paddle-shifted
for the full-on exotic car experience. This car's engine bay is
quite well-presented, appearing well maintained and extremely
clean, down to the hand-engraved engine tag and carbon-fiber
chassis bracing. Included documentation shows all recall campaigns
are completed, and the car is turn-key and ready for enjoyment. The
taut and muscular good looks of the Vanquish have aged gracefully
over the nearly two decades since its introduction, and elements of
the breathtaking design still influence today's Aston Martins. This
wonderful example of Aston's quintessentially British Grand Tourer,
presented in beautiful colors and in turn-key condition, should not
be missed. Offers welcome and trades considered