Car reviews

While the styling bore similarities to the older DB7’s this was the first of the truly modern Astons. Based on the earlier Vantage concept car the aluminium and carbonfibre bodied Vanquish debuted in 2001 and went on to star in the James Bond film Die Another Day. The launch of the roomier, cheaper and still V12-powered DB9 in 2004 made the hand-made Vanquish appear questionable value to some, however Aston unveiled the Vanquish S, the company’s first 200mph road car. With more power, subtle spoilers and the previously optional sports suspension kit now fitted as standard, the S sold alongside the Vanquish at first but the standard car was soon dropped. The final Vanquish was built in 2007, its place taken in the range by the DB9-based DBS.