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. At the 2004 Paris Motor Show, "the fastest
production model ever to be built by Aston Martin" was unveiled:
the Vanquish S. While this title was later taken over by the One-77
and the V12 Vantage S, at the time the claimed maximum speed of 200
mph was jaw-dropping. In order to reach the magical 200-mph mark,
the 6.0-liter V-12 engine was fitted with new cylinder heads
featuring fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers to
improve airflow, revised engine mapping, and new fuel injectors.
The result was an increase in output to 520 horsepower and 425
pound-feet of torque. In addition to the engine upgrades, the
optional Sports Dynamics package offered on the Vanquish was fitted
as standard on the Vanquish S. These upgrades included stiffer
springs and dampers and shorter steering arms. Revised steering
geometry provided a 20% quicker response, allowing the driver to
apply more precise input and receive more accurate feedback from
the chassis. The brakes on the Vanquish S were upgraded to account
for the higher performance-larger six-piston calipers were fitted,
and the rear discs were wider to improve heat dissipation. A new
brake-pedal assembly enhanced pedal feel. The changes made to the
Vanquish S were not just mechanical. A redesigned boot lid improved
balance and stability and achieved a lower coefficient of drag. The
revised deeper-profile front grille was given six horizontal slats
instead of the previous nine, and an added splitter improved
high-speed stability. This striking 2006 Aston Martin Vanquish S is
an exquisite two-owner example with just over 8,700 miles from new,
and the clean Carfax report verifies the low mileage and ownership
chain. Beautifully finished in Onyx Black over a tan and black
interior, this classic color combination highlights that
beautifully accent the luscious Ian Callum-penned curves. The body
is crisp and straight, with factory appropriate fit and finish.
Complementing the exterior color is the beautiful saddle tan/black
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. Black leather
features on the dash, wrapping around on the door panels and into
the rear of the cabin. Black 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, 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 520 horsepower.
Good enough to propel the Vanquish S to 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. 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 For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7762-2006-aston-martin-vanquish-s/
