2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S
The V12 Vanquish has remained firmly in the public eye since James Bond’s return to Aston Martin, with a heavily modified example starring in Die Another Day, released in November 2002 to widespread acclaim.
In the autumn of 2004, Aston Martin introduced the ultimate evolution of the model, the 520 bhp V12 Vanquish S. Capable of 200 mph, it served as the marque’s flagship, described internally as the ‘hero’ car, until production concluded in the summer of 2007. Its production also marked the end of Aston Martin manufacturing at the historic Newport Pagnell factory, bringing to a close more than 50 years of car building at the Tickford Works. As such, it remains one of the most significant modern Aston Martins produced.
By the time the final car was completed in July 2007, a total of 2,589 Vanquish models had been built, comprising 1,503 standard cars and 1,086 Vanquish S examples, all produced at Newport Pagnell.
The V12 Vanquish S was first unveiled at the Paris Salon in September 2004, priced at £174,000. While the visual updates were subtle, the mechanical enhancements were far more substantial. Aston Martin claimed a top speed in excess of 200 mph, making it, at the time, the fastest road-going Aston Martin ever built. To achieve this, the V12 engine was upgraded with new cylinder heads featuring fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers, along with revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors. These improvements increased output from 460 bhp to 520 bhp, with torque rising from 400 lb ft to 425 lb ft.