2003 Aston Martin Vanquish

Highlights 

• Excellent modern classic GT

• James Bond Die Another Day colourway

• Handbuilt 460bhp V12 engine

• Excellent Aston Martin main dealer and specialist service history

• Recent new parts and mechanical upgrades

• Great condition throughout

• Recent specialist recommissioning and service

Overview

Aston Martin's flagship model upon release in 2001, the Ian Callum-penned V12 Vanquish drew inspiration from the DB4 GT Zagato from the early '60s and remains an especially handsome addition to the company's world class oeuvre. Perhaps the perfect modern GT coupe, the Vanquish features Aston Martin's venerable 5.9-litre V12, a remarkably impressive powerplant that delivers 460bhp to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic manual gearbox. That means four-and-a-half seconds to 60mph from parked and a top speed of 190 mph. Lauded by the press upon release the V12 Vanquish was particularly noted for its engineering and design, and rightly so.

Earning further kudos points among fans for its appearance in Die Another Day, the 007 connection inherent with this particular 2003 example cannot and should not be ignored, being as it is resplendent in Tungsten Silver over a Charcoal leather interior – the same specification chosen by Mr Bond in the aforementioned 20th instalment of the popular franchise. 

Good looks aside, this beautifully presented Vanquish has also led a rather charmed life when it comes to the mechanicals. Fully inspected and with any and all recommissioning work completed by marque specialists Nicholas Mee soon after purchase by the current owner last year, the car has been subsequently serviced in April this year, again by Nicholas Mee, ensuring a clean bill of health (including the often problematic subframes) and the car is reported as being mechanically sorted and ready to be enjoyed. 

The car benefits from various enhancements, care of specialists Bamford Rose, including the installation of upgraded transmission components in 2024 and a primary de-cat in 2017 that allows the engine to run optimally (and also passes an MOT). The clutch was also replaced by Bamford Rose in 2024 and has only covered 1,000 miles since, as reported by the vendor. The car comes complete with a very well documented service history, with Bamford Rose having looked after it for much of its life, in conjunction with a handful of other specialists and main dealers. So, in all, when your heart says yes, your head has plenty of reassurance.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 06 Jan 2003

• In current ownership since 17 Jun 2025

• Nine registered former keepers

• Original handbook

• Two keys

• Original Vanquish accessories - the Aston Martin umbrella, utility tool, torch, pen and notepad - are present

• Personalised, model specific registration

• Excellent main dealer and specialist service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery inspection at 85 miles (2002 – main dealer), service at 2,297 miles (2003 – main dealer), service at 6,266 miles (2004 – main dealer), service at 8,890 miles (2004 – main dealer), service at 10,600 miles (2005 – main dealer), service at 13,823 miles (2005 – main dealer), service at 16,200 miles (2006 – main dealer), service at 17,772 miles (2007 – main dealer), service at 20,041 miles (2008 – main dealer), service at 21,120 miles (2009 – specialist), service at 27,088 miles (2010 – specialist), service at 32,055 miles (2011 – specialist), service at 39,162 miles (2012 – specialist), service at 44,177 miles (2014 – specialist), service at 49,328 miles (2015 – specialist), service at 50,732 miles (2016 – specialist), service at 51,196 miles (2018 – specialist), service at 51,507 miles (2019 – specialist), service at 52,064 miles (2020 – specialist), service at 55,143 miles (2021 – main dealer), service at 57,281 miles (2026 – specialist)

• Folder of invoices going back more than a decade detailing parts, servicing and maintenance, including several high value receipts for recommissioning work

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 23 Jul 2027

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Well preserved with only a couple of common wear items to note

• Some light discolouring to the offside A-pillar trim and cracking plastic tweeter covers

• The car benefits from the upgraded Linn sound system, glass starter button and diamond-stitched headliner

• Desirable 2+2 seat configuration rather than the rear cargo bench

• Bluetooth car kit fitted underneath centre armrest

• Benson device mount fitted in centre console

• No electrical issues reported 

• Leather upholstery presents well

• Clean condition

• Wholly original

• No evidence of any major damage

• Quilted headlining is in superb shape

• Boot space is clean and tidy

• Engine bay presents well overall and all factory plaques are in place

Exterior

• The exterior presents beautifully overall

• Tungsten Silver paintwork retains a brilliant shine

• No evidence of any major damage

• Shut lines appear uniform across the car

• The front of the car is covered with PPF but there are a couple of small blemishes where it has been penetrated by stone chips

• Two small oxidisation bubbles on the offside door

• All glasswork presents well but there is a small scratch to one of the headlights as reported by the vendor

• Factory 12-spoke 19” wheels appear to be in excellent condition overall but there is a small area of lacquer peel to the nearside front

• The vendor informs us that the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are all in good condition

• Factory red brake calipers remain in great shape

• The car looks to be clean underneath with a recent specialist inspection confirming the subframes were free from any significant corrosion as reported by the vendor

• The vendor informs us that they would be happy to talk any interested buyers through the car’s condition in detail, and buyers would equally be welcome to organise specialist inspections if they wish.

Mechanical

• 460bhp, 5.9-litre V12 engine

• Six-speed automated manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 4.5s

• 190mph top speed

• Gearbox components upgraded in 2024 (magnetic position sensor, ASM pack, transmission control module) 

• Clutch was replaced by Bamford Rose in 2024 

• Primary de-cat in 2017

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car is a very special example recently subjected to extensive mechanical work and is driving brilliantly as a result

Summary

As far as flagship models go, the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is rightly deserving of such a weighty appellation and it remains a significant highlight from a company that has consistently delivered top-tier GT cars. If you're after a timelessly dapper V12-engined coupe then the Vanquish should be a serious contender for your affections and the excellent service record and mechanical integrity of this particular example should further bump this beautiful car to the top of your wish list. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.