Vanquish S… peak Aston for me!
Discussion
Had to drop my car to McLaren Hatfield yday and popped in next door to have a look around Aston …they had two used Vanquish S cars in stock…one in Cumberland grey and an Ultimate in Xenon grey. Christ they looked spectacular in the flesh and that’s before even starting them up! Absolute peak Aston for me will have to own one at some point, a future classic and in 10 yrs time will still look the nuts. Am I wrong ?!
Edited by RSbandit on Thursday 22 June 11:02
The Vanquish S certainly is one of the very finest final iterations of VH era Astons, before the introduction of the newer styling, Turbos, “imported” engines and particulate filters, all of which were significant detracting factors imho.
The 595bhp na V12 engine in dectatted guise is an extreemly compelling thing just in itself. Add into that the MY17 spec with AMi III and many other final year tweaks and refinements, and most importantly thise drop dead stunning looks and you have it all!
There are 3 just cars that fit all of the above criteria.
Vanquish S
V12VS (either AMR or an S with Powerkit)
Rapide AMR
All are absolutely stunning and each one offers a slightly varied ownership and driving experience over the other two.
We own the other two already, so maybe I need to add a Vanquish S to complete the holy trinity set!
The 595bhp na V12 engine in dectatted guise is an extreemly compelling thing just in itself. Add into that the MY17 spec with AMi III and many other final year tweaks and refinements, and most importantly thise drop dead stunning looks and you have it all!
There are 3 just cars that fit all of the above criteria.
Vanquish S
V12VS (either AMR or an S with Powerkit)
Rapide AMR
All are absolutely stunning and each one offers a slightly varied ownership and driving experience over the other two.
We own the other two already, so maybe I need to add a Vanquish S to complete the holy trinity set!
AdamV12V said:
The Vanquish S certainly is one of the very finest final iterations of VH era Astons, before the introduction of the newer styling, Turbos, “imported” engines and particulate filters, all of which were significant detracting factors imho.
The 595bhp na V12 engine in dectatted guise is an extreemly compelling thing just in itself. Add into that the MY17 spec with AMi III and many other final year tweaks and refinements, and most importantly thise drop dead stunning looks and you have it all!
There are 3 just cars that fit all of the above criteria.
Vanquish S
V12VS (either AMR or an S with Powerkit)
Rapide AMR
All are absolutely stunning, and each one offers a slightly varied ownership and driving experience over the other two.
We own the other two already, so maybe I need to add a Vanquish S to complete the holy trinity set!
Agreed.The 595bhp na V12 engine in dectatted guise is an extreemly compelling thing just in itself. Add into that the MY17 spec with AMi III and many other final year tweaks and refinements, and most importantly thise drop dead stunning looks and you have it all!
There are 3 just cars that fit all of the above criteria.
Vanquish S
V12VS (either AMR or an S with Powerkit)
Rapide AMR
All are absolutely stunning, and each one offers a slightly varied ownership and driving experience over the other two.
We own the other two already, so maybe I need to add a Vanquish S to complete the holy trinity set!
Of these, listening to left brain, the Rapide AMR is the unique/special of the bunch. The V12 Vantage AMR was a spec job over the "regular" V12S (like the N430 and V8V AMR was a variation of the V8S, etc.).
The Vanquish S was never limited in numbers, but never that many sold. Plus the CF bodywork. Not that it makes it particularly light, but it did allow for more extreme surface shapes.
I don't think you could go wrong with any.
One day I'll try the Rapide AMR. I recall a comment attributed to Matt Becker that he thought the Rapide has the best of the VH chassis for balance.
PS - having Apple CarPlay in the AMi III setup is a wonderful thing, and I really recommend seeking one out! You can always update a previous gen dash to have this via Aston Installation, though.
RSbandit said:
Had to drop my car to McLaren Hatfield yday and popped in next door to have a look around Aston …they had two used Vanquish S cars in stock…one in Cumberland grey and an Ultimate in Xenon grey. Christ they looked spectacular in the flesh and that’s before even starting them up! Absolute peak Aston for me will have to own one at some point, a future classic and in 10 yrs time will still look the nuts. Am I wrong ?!
Not wrong. Imagine what they sound like in Volante form… 
Only around 100 of those in the UK and very rarely seem to come up for sale (there weren’t any in the the dealer network when I looked last month, and only one with a non-specialist indie).
Not sure why production ended with so few made, but I remember being surprised when I went to buy one to discover that factory orders were closed (in spite of still being shown as a current model on the website).
My story...
Whilst in my mid 50's, I promised myself a "super" car for my 60th Birthday.
I have been a long time owner of Audi's and my first choice was (obviously for me) an R8.
The search began in earnest around 2016 (my 60th was in 2019).
Finding an R8 was easy, too easy and this devalued what I wanted as I also wanted something a bit more special.
I didn't want a car that you would see on your daily drive...
The initial list went like this.. remember this was 2016...
Porsche 911 - too common..
Maserati Grand Turismo - concerns over reliability
Ferrari - California didn't do anything for me and 488 spider not GT enough
Lamborghini Aventador - always loved this car but wanted a GT tourer...
McLaren - too sports focused
never been a fan of Mercedes and already have a RS6 (C6 saloon) and a BMW M5 for other duties...
So one hot day back in April 2017 we went shopping in La Cannet, Cannes, France where all the car showrooms are on one street...
The Lamborghini dealer was also an Aston Martin franchise and that's when we first encountered the VH platform and how stunningly beautiful they were, the only decision then, was which one was it to be..?
After some thought - I was particularly sold on the Vanquish and they had a lovely new volante in the showroom in black...
Now - not one to rush into things, I mean my 60th was still 2 years away, I decided to wait and sleep on it.
This was before the Vanquish S was released...
About a year later, I was at AM Bristol and they had a new Vanquish S there, and after hearing it on cold start, there was no way back - I had to have one.
My dilemma was I wanted a LHD and this seemed too hard for them, so back to Cannes it was... once again I had missed the boat on ordering a new one.
I eventually found the one I own in Switzerland (German model) and test drove it around Geneva!!
Deal done - 2017 model in Cumberland grey with just over 4000 klms on the clock.
Long winded reply to the OP on agreeing with his findings on the Vanq....
obligatory photo opportunity..
Whilst in my mid 50's, I promised myself a "super" car for my 60th Birthday.
I have been a long time owner of Audi's and my first choice was (obviously for me) an R8.
The search began in earnest around 2016 (my 60th was in 2019).
Finding an R8 was easy, too easy and this devalued what I wanted as I also wanted something a bit more special.
I didn't want a car that you would see on your daily drive...
The initial list went like this.. remember this was 2016...
Porsche 911 - too common..
Maserati Grand Turismo - concerns over reliability
Ferrari - California didn't do anything for me and 488 spider not GT enough
Lamborghini Aventador - always loved this car but wanted a GT tourer...
McLaren - too sports focused
never been a fan of Mercedes and already have a RS6 (C6 saloon) and a BMW M5 for other duties...
So one hot day back in April 2017 we went shopping in La Cannet, Cannes, France where all the car showrooms are on one street...
The Lamborghini dealer was also an Aston Martin franchise and that's when we first encountered the VH platform and how stunningly beautiful they were, the only decision then, was which one was it to be..?
After some thought - I was particularly sold on the Vanquish and they had a lovely new volante in the showroom in black...
Now - not one to rush into things, I mean my 60th was still 2 years away, I decided to wait and sleep on it.
This was before the Vanquish S was released...
About a year later, I was at AM Bristol and they had a new Vanquish S there, and after hearing it on cold start, there was no way back - I had to have one.
My dilemma was I wanted a LHD and this seemed too hard for them, so back to Cannes it was... once again I had missed the boat on ordering a new one.
I eventually found the one I own in Switzerland (German model) and test drove it around Geneva!!
Deal done - 2017 model in Cumberland grey with just over 4000 klms on the clock.
Long winded reply to the OP on agreeing with his findings on the Vanq....
obligatory photo opportunity..
What a great story! Im no stranger to Aston having had a V12VS which I did everything with..eurotrips, Trackdays at the Ring the lot! I was in my late 30’s when I had it and felt like a rockstar wherever I took it …but the McLaren itch was strong and now onto my second one which is an absolute track weapon and I love it ! But a Vanquish S is v special indeed I think I could make a case to run them together !
Peak Aston for me too after quite a few years in a 4.7 Roadster and then a DB9 GT for a year.
As soon as I saw my dream spec I thought ' if not now , when ?' That was almost a year ago ...
My first 2 AM's were brilliant cars, I had tons of fun in them but the Vanq is on a different level of comfort, looks and performance.
No doubt the last car I will ever purchase as it's utopia at least for me
Best
Smokeymo
As soon as I saw my dream spec I thought ' if not now , when ?' That was almost a year ago ...
My first 2 AM's were brilliant cars, I had tons of fun in them but the Vanq is on a different level of comfort, looks and performance.
No doubt the last car I will ever purchase as it's utopia at least for me
Best
Smokeymo
nickv12 said:
Agreed.
Of these, listening to left brain, the Rapide AMR is the unique/special of the bunch. The V12 Vantage AMR was a spec job over the "regular" V12S (like the N430 and V8V AMR was a variation of the V8S, etc.).
The Vanquish S was never limited in numbers, but never that many sold. Plus the CF bodywork. Not that it makes it particularly light, but it did allow for more extreme surface shapes.
I don't think you could go wrong with any.
One day I'll try the Rapide AMR. I recall a comment attributed to Matt Becker that he thought the Rapide has the best of the VH chassis for balance.
PS - having Apple CarPlay in the AMi III setup is a wonderful thing, and I really recommend seeking one out! You can always update a previous gen dash to have this via Aston Installation, though.
I have had the pleasure of driving a Rapide AMR quite a few times, and it is sublime. I do not know how or what they have done, but no car I have ever driven exuded the quality of damping or body control like a rapide AMR. Do not test drive one. You will end up buying it. you have been warned!Of these, listening to left brain, the Rapide AMR is the unique/special of the bunch. The V12 Vantage AMR was a spec job over the "regular" V12S (like the N430 and V8V AMR was a variation of the V8S, etc.).
The Vanquish S was never limited in numbers, but never that many sold. Plus the CF bodywork. Not that it makes it particularly light, but it did allow for more extreme surface shapes.
I don't think you could go wrong with any.
One day I'll try the Rapide AMR. I recall a comment attributed to Matt Becker that he thought the Rapide has the best of the VH chassis for balance.
PS - having Apple CarPlay in the AMi III setup is a wonderful thing, and I really recommend seeking one out! You can always update a previous gen dash to have this via Aston Installation, though.
cayman-black said:
The funny thing is I have been watching these and they do sell very slowly until I want to get one that is! 
The black and white cars take an age to sell as they're so common. Also not the best colours for them. Decent colours and specs sell quick.
Also, the S isn't worth the 20% more over a 'standard' vanquish. A set of decat's and your basically there.
jason61c said:
Also, the S isn't worth the 20% more over a 'standard' vanquish. A set of decat's and your basically there.
Thats very subjective and dependent upon your personal circs.... 20% more could be beyond reach so a total blocker, an issue of value or not value, or totally irrelevant to some people. It is a better car, by some margin. If it applies to you or not depends on the above.
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