While the nameplate hasn’t enjoyed an unbroken quarter-century of production since 2001, it’s easy to understand Aston Martin being keen to make a fuss of the Vanquish’s 25th birthday. This was the last Newport Pagnell car, after all, and also the beginning of a bold new era - one that would go on to spawn some of the most desirable super GTs of the early 21st century. The original was the best bit of Die Another Day (just beating the song), the current is the best series production Aston ever, and the second gen offers up conspicuously affordable V12 glamour. So a celebration is most definitely in order.
This is the Vanquish 25, a Q by Aston Martin-enhanced limited edition that’s said to be an ‘exclusive celebration of, and tribute to, three generations of this iconic automotive nameplate’. Obviously it’s based on the existing model, now with design inspiration from the original launch spec. You’ll have to tell us where the second Vanquish has had a say.
Nevertheless, pairing Q Skye Silver with Onyx Black, Oxford Tan or Phantom Grey was always going to make for a fabulous big Aston, and so it proves here. Additional details unique to the 25 include embroidered logos inside and new badges outside, ‘Q Commission metal foil detailing’ on the side, a slightly different design of 21-inch wheel and even Q’s own exhaust. Well done if you noted the red start/stop button, too. While sometimes anniversary specials offer up meaningful changes over the standard car, that doesn’t seem to be the case this time around for the Vanquish 25. No bother, though - you’ve likely already heard that the 835hp GT is all sorts of epic.
Fittingly, there will be 25 Vanquish coupes made in this spec and 25 Volantes, each offered as a two-seater or a 2+2. Offered globally, it’s clearly going to be a rare sight, and potentially an easy one to miss in fact. But a slightly under the radar limited edition feels appropriate for the Vanquish, with cars like the Vantage and DBX there to be more overt.
Vittorio Gabba, Head of Q at Aston Martin, said: “Anyone familiar with this iconic British brand knows the provenance of the name ‘Vanquish’ in our modern history. 25 years on from the unveiling of the very first Vanquish it is only right that we mark this nameplate’s contribution to our heritage. Vanquish 25 builds on the extraordinary achievements of the modern, third-generation Vanquish with a carefully curated package of exterior and interior features that subtly celebrate this important milestone in our history.”
Don’t be surprised, then, if all 50 are spoken for ahead of the Vanquish 25’s debut at Monterey Car Week next month. Deliveries are due by the end of the year; given those Vanquishes that have made it to the classifieds already (why would you sell such a thing?!) are comfortably above £300,000, don’t expect these to be any less than £400,000.
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