Those exterior sound clips are absolutely stunning. I've always loved this car because Die Another Day was the big bond movie when I was a kid, but I have become enchanted with it for different reasons as an adult. The incredible soundtrack being a large part of that.
I'm very happy you've enjoyed the Vanquish. Good news to hear as so many motoring journalists slate the car. I've owned mine for 4 years and thoroughly enjoy the driving experience once you've mastered the gearbox. Personally I think the Vanquish is the best ever looking Aston 😁
Ohh yes!! Happy to see this 👏🏻 Adore this car 😍 Unfortunately my own is 1,18 scale 😭😂 But those looks 👌🏻 perfect, could drive like a tractor and I wouldn’t care 24:42 shocking behaviour 😤
@@Stratoszero *10 months later this angry stranger says* How dare you!! I wouldn't know I only drove a Vantage S😂 and it is pretty awesome. And I drove 100's of different cars, auto auction driver
I dont know if there are people thinking like me but , I start to like these cars instead of the new all electronic touchscreen ones..They have a personality..My next carl defintly will be an older model sports car, and the prices are reasonable too..
Vanquish S with a manual gearbox conversion is a real dream car for me. Very few exist but several conversions have been carried out by Aston Martin Works Service themselves at special request. Highly expensive, but you're left with something quite magnificent.
@Richard Harrold I don’t know if it’s an absolute ripoff. The conversion increases the resale by about the same amount, and I would expect the value for the manuals to go up over time relative to the sct.
Just a spectacular video and Vanquish was my original bond car growing up, also can't help but wonder where this is filmed..looks a fantastic dealership of some sort
It is really beautiful and special, but for me, Aston’s best designs (of the modern era) are the following V8 Vantages, DB9 and DBS. Even the current ones are not that elegant as those ones from the 2000’s.
Everyone forgets about the One-77 that’s the best looking modern Aston and I feel the DBS styling is overrated, too many vents in the front for my taste.
@@BRAINFxck10 the One77, for me seems kind of a crossover between a Lambo and an Aston. For my taste, quite far away of what an Aston should be in terms of aesthetics.
When the first Vanquish V12 arrived in South Africa , I was one of precious few to actually see it in the flesh before its first owner got to get it , if you look carefully in the engine bay , there are carbon fibre chassis legs up front , really wow in those days , we were selling two Aston DB7 V12s at the time one DHC and one Coupe , there was not much to give the Vanquish away till you opened the bonnet .
Wow 45,000miles, never failed an MOT and not even one advisory! TLC on a velvet cushion. I love the Oxblood leather and the sound. It isn't fast, but in this day and age of cameras everywhere being able to enjoy the sound and not needing a chiropractor every Monday morning make it seem ideal.
Much appreciated. I’m the owner for the last 11 years, and have spent countless hundreds of hours and elbow grease turning it into a Concours winner and would be very upset to get any MOT advisories or fails. It racked up much of its mileage during its first year of life as a Press and development car when owned by AML and the Jurno’s got thru several clutches, so it got a new gearbox and clutch plus suspension bushes etc before being sold to its first owner. I’m the second.
JM - Haven't finished watching the actual review/Road test. The car you do the walkaround had the rear right side tyre incorrectly mounted? Looks like a directional mounted backwards? Wonder if that affected the dynamics? Might explain the poor turn in?
Well spotted! I’m the owner of the car and I’ve just been out to it this morning and you are right 😱 Being a Concours Garage Queen it spends the winter with wheels off in a Carcoon, and this was its first trip out since last Oct now the salt is off the roads. I made a bad call and put the perfect wheels with OE spec but very old tyres on it and in my hasty prep I put the rear wheels on the wrong side so both rear tyres were reversed🙄. It was a road test not a Concours and I should have put the other wheels with 1 YO Michelin’s on the car. Both the age and mounting of the tyres could have impacted James’s drive!
I would like to see James in Harry`s Garage. Those two gentlemen who have so much similarities I think, could have really interesting chats about all kinds of technical and historical stuff and even philosophic deep thinking. Always interesting when people of great knowledge with a talent for anecdotal narration sit down for a chat. Garage sessions, some test driving and then sit down in the library for a cup of tea, maybe a whiskey. I´d watch this. Nice car also!
Vanquish is a sleeper, in ? years it will be as sought after as DB5’s remember DB5’s we’re once cheap! I’ve enjoyed 10 years ownership and this car puts a smile on my face just looking at it, it’s an occasion to drive, it’s a keeper, there’s a strong club support too forget the $ there are cost effective solutions with more to come.
This Vanquish is special to me, as it made me fall in love with cars and made AM my favourite carmaker of all. Thanks Jay for a lovely, balanced review, though I was concerned you'd be needlessly harsh on it.
Love the video, best one I've watched on your channel. Definitely needed a better interior like the 550 Maranello but high point in Aston styling for me, even went to see it at the Design Museum in London when it was launched, the cutaway showing the structure was worth a look to see depth of engineering. Prob heard Lotus did a lot of development and chassis is a bit like a big Elise minus the massive sills. If ever a British car deserved the Singer Style treatment it's the Vanquish for me, love to see you review the Callum version
Jay looked pretty terrified at times driving this lol. Man I adore this car, the looks and sound are stunning and have dated well. And it has influenced just about every Aston since with those looks. With regards to that gearbox, let's face it many people who've commented on how bad it was probably have never driven one and just listened to what Clarkson said about it. Those who have usually are surprised because it's not as bad as it made out to be! Love this car.
I love and loved that car and got to drive one of the very early ones for a day at a well known test curquit. . That gear change was beautiful imo.. Down change was beautiful accompanied by a crisp blip of the throttle. Didn't ever notice the switches.. Driving it on a banked track was awsome, Stunningly car. As you say layed the foundation for future Astons built at Gaydon or St Athan.
hey James.....would be soooooo great to see you do a piece on any type of Vanquish vs the 550 Maranello ! .Love your videos they are so honest and give a fantastic insight into these classics through modern eyes and road conditions
I've always liked the Vanquish, to me it looks more like a gentleman's express car than the Vantage ever could, and of course it had a proper engine up front. I think I would still have the original, if I had the wherewithal, just on looks alone, despite its recalcitrant gearbox.
Many , many congratulations on a truly splendid film. You will love a later Vanquish - 2007 - shod with modern tyres and a properly working clutch.Your mastery of the gears highlights the heresies of those who never bother to research how to use them properly. Aston Martin Works is far and away the best place to ensure the right parts are fitted properly and that these cars run as they should - after all Works made them in the first place! I look forward greatly to your next chapter on the classic Vanquish! Thanks so very much for posting.
Great that you got to drive one finally! The issue with Aston not fixing the ECUs anymore and withholding the IP stopping others from fixing them is really annoying... Replacement standalone ECU, like Syvecs, not an option?
Thanks for the suggestion on the ECU, but these Visteon PTEC’s can’t just be replaced with something else. I’m the owner of this car and part of a very active Vanquish owners group within AMOC, and thanks to three very talented and dedicated individuals, they have interrogated the failing PTEC’s and worked out what is wrong and how to rebuild them with new components at a fraction of the cost AML used to charge. Several cars are now back up and running thanks to these superstars 🙏👋
That was a very professional review. I'm glad you didn't fall into the trap of referencing this car with more modern GT cars and then making it out to be not all that good. From the front this Vanquish is stunning however, for me it's from the rear and that line aft of the doors that just doesn't work. It's each to their own of course and I wouldn't say no to owning one. Being an Aston fan and owner perhaps I'm biased but going down the Mercedes route with old tech infotainment and forced induction engines has for me taken away that uniqueness... Yes I know you can hardly say raping the Ford and Volvo parts bins on the VH platformed cars was unique but it's how well Aston made it all work.
Great video, thanks. The Vanquish is such a pretty car, I think it has quite feminine shapes to it, I reckon it's Aston's peak of elegance. I really like those front indicators from the DB7, I think they suit the curve of the front corners. I knew the DB7 was related to the XK, but wasn't aware it was based on the XJS, which is my fravourite Jag, alongside the Broadspeed XJ12c. I'd love to see a video featuring a Lagonda like that gorgeous green one behind you during the intro, and maybe a 1989 Virage, like the one on the other side, those are my favourite Aston of all, they are a bit distinct from other Astons. Sort of like a goth in a roomful of new romantics.
Love to see a review /test drive of a pure Astons from Newport Pagnell , such as the original Virage, or the V550/V660 Vantage shown in 1st part of the video. Pure hand built cars of the old school. Absurdly expensive for the day, starting around $225,000 USD back in 1991.
One of the greatest looking cars ever... right up there. It goes to show that great cars can be made when car makers have no money. Infact probably the greatest cars can be made with little money.
Very beautiful and sounds phenomenal my father used to own one of these handling pack Vanquish’s from new in Grigio Titanio with a cream / black interior. It’s one of the few cars he regrets selling (that and the E39 M5). I do remember in traffic jams the clutch would start burning up and at my school there was a steep hill you had to go up to get out, it really didn’t enjoy that. And remember touring the Newport Pagnell factory when the Vanquish was in production and remember the tour guide telling how the Aston Martin owners club were not happy that Aston Martin bought a machine they bought to help with the gluing of the aluminium chassis (can’t remember if it was the drying of it or the physical gluing of the glue). But was remarkable that pretty much anyone would let it out of junctions, even white van man would slam on the brakes to let it out. If I ever won the lottery or got that sort of disposable income I would love to track that car down.
Always said someone’s favourite looking car is one that could have running gear and interior from a TRACTOR and you’d STILL want it! To me that is the Vanquish all day!
I owned a 2005 Vanquish S in gunmetal with Iron Ore (red) interior leather and really enjoyed owning it, Yes the interor was typical parts bin but the sound of that V12 made up for its short givings. But the Gearbox was awful, my car had about 8000miles and at low speed the box was clunky, making it easier to select neutral with the paddles when coasting to a traffic light, than feeling the shocking low speed gear downshift.Reverse parking wasnt great as it was difficult to judge the cars angle with those mirrors and body bulges, something i had not experienced with past cars. I would slightly lift the throttle when selecting a higher gear to make the change smoother. I sold it and bought a low mileage Bentley Continental T which had its own issues of exhaust smoke on kick down and was returned to the dealer twice before getting my money back. I later heard that my Vanquish with less than 10000 miles needed a new gearbox. Back in the late 90s i also owned a 1985 V8 Vantage which i still miss to this day, i remember taking out a V600 Vantage on a test drive and remembering how i preferred my 85 Vantage which felt lighter and more responsive!.Another great video
Great to fishy see a good honest review of one of AM's greatest cars. Like you, I always thought that the rear haunch was a bit overdone, but the rest is simply superb. Never liked the interior, though. The so called "waterfall" dash with the buttons so far away just didn't work for me. No comparison to the 550/575 interior of the same time. But that engine note is glorious. Very different to my 575s note.
These cars are very sensitive to geo set up and tyres. Even the original non S non SDP cars will be pin sharp and beautifully composed with that lotus input in the chassis. The SDP/S cars are less GT more heavy sports car. When set up with the magnetic sensors, and used properly, the gearbox is a joy with that extra interaction over the video game numb sensation of an auto or pdk. I’ve driven few cars that have surprised me more than one of these. Very very special as a rawer more textured GT car. Pretty wonderful.
Very insightful. I agree the magnetic gear position sensors transform the gear change, and if these had been fitted to the original test cars in 2001, much of the criticism levelled at the gearchange might have been avoided.
Single clutch automated manuals are a technology that probably launched a bit too early, was not properly understood and also got some very public flak which tends to get repeated a lot
Lovely sympathetic review and very fair. Well done. It took me 15 years since I first saw one, to when I was able to look for one to purchase - then I blew the budget and bought an S. The bills can be large but are forgotten as soon as you fire up the V12. Mine's in to NP for a manual conversion in a couple of month's time.
Hi ARAF64 I have a 9k miles 2007 , S model with standard gear box . No issues with the box . It works well due to the fact that it’s now driven like a classic car should . Can I ask what the motivation is to change to a manual
The car is fine on the open road but not so good in traffic. Moving to a conventional clutch set-up will not only make it more civilised in town but also make the car a lot easier to get parts for in the future. I've already struggled to get some parts to keep the car on the road so dealing with this now while AM still have the parts on the shelf made sense to me. It goes in on Monday. :)
Love my standard Vanquish. Yes the interior is a bit patchy, but the exterior is to die for, drop dead gorgeous. Super comfortable, fab noise. Set up the gearbox properly and it is ok. Owned for over 5 years, and time for a change, but I will truly miss her when she's gone.
Living in Beverly Hills, I've had occasion to stand next to the newer (mid/late twenty-teens?) Vanquish, which from outside at least is about the most spectacularly proportioned and designed cars on the road today. Like the one in the video it does have a lot of the DB's looks so at first glance it might be mistaken but from the doors back it really takes off. I think they were flirting with 3 or 400k USD new, which itself is breathtaking.
I have never driven a vanquish but it is my favourite Aston because it looks so handsome. I have owned a Db9 and Rapide. I have always wanted a vanquish but never bought one. I wish Aston done a Mk2 version with the gearboxes from the DB9.
My favourite Aston. I wanted one, was in the position to buy one (used) but the gear box (rumours) put me off. Shame really, as I still think it is one of the most beautiful cars (to look at) ever made.
I think this shows just why opinions on the looks of a car is so subjective. I love the rear arches like that, but I cannot stand the wheels. To me they look like some small cheapy wheels a modder chucks on his Fiesta and not a £160k Aston. The interior looks like it’s from a different decade compared to the exterior too. A very interesting review. Thanks, J
Lovely car. Great Review. - What more you want on a Sunday evening :-) - Hopefully we see some of the Cars from the Background in a own Video later on.
Keeping old tyres on any car, for the sake of originality, seems to be a very backwards approach - especially when a set of PS4s would very likely transform the handling and ride for the better, without any shadow of doubt! So daft that I can't even come up with a suitable analogy!! Ahah! The wise owner does indeed have such a set of alternative wheels. Maybe you REALLY SHOULD ask him for another go, with those wheels & tyres fitted?? I'd love to hear what difference that makes!
I am the owner Mark, and in hindsight I made the wrong call. I put these on because the wheels are in perfect condition and the tyres are the OE spec, but should have considered this was a road test not a Concours competition. The other wheels do indeed have 1 year old Michelin’s 👍
@@Punisher9419 Fr, its really dangerous and irresponsible to let other people drive old cars with old rubber. I'm pretty sure an investigation into Paul Walkers death found that along with the irresponsible speed of the driver, the tires on the car were not up to spec for a car of that level.
Aston Martin is a car I love to admire but never desired to own, even though I prefer what other luxury brands have to offer I appreciate the image of Aston Martin. Thanks for sharing.
Always love an Aston. 👌. James, I’ve been meaning to ask you, what is that marvellous intro music on your videos? It sounds familiar but I just can’t place it.
Pretty much sums Aston up. Everyone wants one, they look and sound great but, be gentle with the reverse button because the clips are weak! Seriously? At half the cost I'd be unhappy to hear those words. I agree with other comments, great video production, well done Sir!
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Those exterior sound clips are absolutely stunning. I've always loved this car because Die Another Day was the big bond movie when I was a kid, but I have become enchanted with it for different reasons as an adult. The incredible soundtrack being a large part of that.
I'm very happy you've enjoyed the Vanquish. Good news to hear as so many motoring journalists slate the car. I've owned mine for 4 years and thoroughly enjoy the driving experience once you've mastered the gearbox. Personally I think the Vanquish is the best ever looking Aston 😁
Ohh yes!! Happy to see this 👏🏻
Adore this car 😍
Unfortunately my own is 1,18 scale 😭😂
But those looks 👌🏻 perfect, could drive like a tractor and I wouldn’t care
24:42 shocking behaviour 😤
You're in luck, it does drive like a tractor.
@@Stratoszero *10 months later this angry stranger says*
How dare you!! I wouldn't know I only drove a Vantage S😂 and it is pretty awesome. And I drove 100's of different cars, auto auction driver
The Aston sounds absolutely amazing; when you give it 'the beans'
Doesn't it just!
What happens when you "spill the beans"? Or doesn't Aston Martin want people to know?
"Beans, beans good for your heart, beans, beans make you fart. The more you fart the better you feel, beans, beans for every meal."
The old Vanquish was so much more beautiful than the newer one.
I dont know if there are people thinking like me but , I start to like these cars instead of the new all electronic touchscreen ones..They have a personality..My next carl defintly will be an older model sports car, and the prices are reasonable too..
One of the greatest-sounding V12s in my opinion. Aural bliss.
Have you ever heard an Aston GT12?
@@johnmitchell2269 yep, I did say "one of the best", not "the best"!
17:13 sounds like the clutch is slipping under the extra load from sports mode.
Only 1,489 examples made. The last handbuilt car from Newport Pagnell. Stunning.
And around another 1100 'S' models.
Definitely the best Aston Martin ever made. This car has such a great road presence in real life. And one of the best sounding cars, ever.
Thanks!
Vanquish S with a manual gearbox conversion is a real dream car for me. Very few exist but several conversions have been carried out by Aston Martin Works Service themselves at special request. Highly expensive, but you're left with something quite magnificent.
Last I heard a few years ago is the conversion is around $40k round trip for US customers. I imagine it would be more expensive these days.
@Richard Harrold I don’t know if it’s an absolute ripoff. The conversion increases the resale by about the same amount, and I would expect the value for the manuals to go up over time relative to the sct.
Now that's an engine and exhaust sound that you want.
Glorious V12 singing to the redline.
Nice car.
All you need is that engine/exhaust note. What a sound! Don’t care if it’s fast or not.
Just a spectacular video and Vanquish was my original bond car growing up, also can't help but wonder where this is filmed..looks a fantastic dealership of some sort
It’s Stratton Motor Company in Long Stratton near Norwich. An official AML Heritage Dealer
It is really beautiful and special, but for me, Aston’s best designs (of the modern era) are the following V8 Vantages, DB9 and DBS. Even the current ones are not that elegant as those ones from the 2000’s.
I personally think they nailed the front and sides on the vanquish but the back just ages it.
I agree. I think with the DB9 they got everything right. The DB11 seems a bit fussy to me.
Those final DB9’s were just perfect in my opinion
Everyone forgets about the One-77 that’s the best looking modern Aston and I feel the DBS styling is overrated, too many vents in the front for my taste.
@@BRAINFxck10 the One77, for me seems kind of a crossover between a Lambo and an Aston. For my taste, quite far away of what an Aston should be in terms of aesthetics.
My favourite car ever
When the first Vanquish V12 arrived in South Africa , I was one of precious few to actually see it in the flesh before its first owner got to get it , if you look carefully in the engine bay , there are carbon fibre chassis legs up front , really wow in those days , we were selling two Aston DB7 V12s at the time one DHC and one Coupe , there was not much to give the Vanquish away till you opened the bonnet .
Wow 45,000miles, never failed an MOT and not even one advisory! TLC on a velvet cushion.
I love the Oxblood leather and the sound. It isn't fast, but in this day and age of cameras everywhere being able to enjoy the sound and not needing a chiropractor every Monday morning make it seem ideal.
Much appreciated. I’m the owner for the last 11 years, and have spent countless hundreds of hours and elbow grease turning it into a Concours winner and would be very upset to get any MOT advisories or fails.
It racked up much of its mileage during its first year of life as a Press and development car when owned by AML and the Jurno’s got thru several clutches, so it got a new gearbox and clutch plus suspension bushes etc before being sold to its first owner. I’m the second.
Flower drive by at 12:54 is good stuff! Another great review
JM - Haven't finished watching the actual review/Road test. The car you do the walkaround had the rear right side tyre incorrectly mounted? Looks like a directional mounted backwards? Wonder if that affected the dynamics? Might explain the poor turn in?
Well spotted! I’m the owner of the car and I’ve just been out to it this morning and you are right 😱
Being a Concours Garage Queen it spends the winter with wheels off in a Carcoon, and this was its first trip out since last Oct now the salt is off the roads. I made a bad call and put the perfect wheels with OE spec but very old tyres on it and in my hasty prep I put the rear wheels on the wrong side so both rear tyres were reversed🙄. It was a road test not a Concours and I should have put the other wheels with 1 YO Michelin’s on the car. Both the age and mounting of the tyres could have impacted James’s drive!
Just an excuse to drive it again ;)
@@JayEmmOnCars Indeed! The old girl needs a second chance
3:50 - I can't stop looking at that Lagonda behind you. A strange, but fantastically beautiful, beast!
I would like to see James in Harry`s Garage. Those two gentlemen who have so much similarities I think, could have really interesting chats about all kinds of technical and historical stuff and even philosophic deep thinking. Always interesting when people of great knowledge with a talent for anecdotal narration sit down for a chat. Garage sessions, some test driving and then sit down in the library for a cup of tea, maybe a whiskey. I´d watch this. Nice car also!
Agreed. Harry Metcalfe ex Evo and James are the 2 most authoritative and respected car Vloggers on here IMHO
@Richard Harrold Apart from Frank Stephenson
Philosophical deep thinking....
Hmmmm.
Along with the Griffith 500 this is my all time lottery win dream car….masterful video as always
Lovely. In the flesh they just look so much more special than any Aston since, IMO. Despite the superficial similarities.
Absolutely love the soundtrack! Lovley!
Vanquish is a sleeper, in ? years it will be as sought after as DB5’s remember DB5’s we’re once cheap! I’ve enjoyed 10 years ownership and this car puts a smile on my face just looking at it, it’s an occasion to drive, it’s a keeper, there’s a strong club support too forget the $ there are cost effective solutions with more to come.
This Vanquish is special to me, as it made me fall in love with cars and made AM my favourite carmaker of all. Thanks Jay for a lovely, balanced review, though I was concerned you'd be needlessly harsh on it.
Love the video, best one I've watched on your channel. Definitely needed a better interior like the 550 Maranello but high point in Aston styling for me, even went to see it at the Design Museum in London when it was launched, the cutaway showing the structure was worth a look to see depth of engineering. Prob heard Lotus did a lot of development and chassis is a bit like a big Elise minus the massive sills. If ever a British car deserved the Singer Style treatment it's the Vanquish for me, love to see you review the Callum version
Jay looked pretty terrified at times driving this lol. Man I adore this car, the looks and sound are stunning and have dated well. And it has influenced just about every Aston since with those looks. With regards to that gearbox, let's face it many people who've commented on how bad it was probably have never driven one and just listened to what Clarkson said about it. Those who have usually are surprised because it's not as bad as it made out to be! Love this car.
I love and loved that car and got to drive one of the very early ones for a day at a well known test curquit. . That gear change was beautiful imo.. Down change was beautiful accompanied by a crisp blip of the throttle. Didn't ever notice the switches.. Driving it on a banked track was awsome, Stunningly car. As you say layed the foundation for future Astons built at Gaydon or St Athan.
hey James.....would be soooooo great to see you do a piece on any type of Vanquish vs the 550 Maranello ! .Love your videos they are so honest and give a fantastic insight into these classics through modern eyes and road conditions
I've always liked the Vanquish, to me it looks more like a gentleman's express car than the Vantage ever could, and of course it had a proper engine up front.
I think I would still have the original, if I had the wherewithal, just on looks alone, despite its recalcitrant gearbox.
Love your stuff. Best road tests around. Cheers
Thanks Alan!
The love of cars "thats a Reliant pickup, thats fantastic".
Many , many congratulations on a truly splendid film. You will love a later Vanquish - 2007 - shod with modern tyres and a properly working clutch.Your mastery of the gears highlights the heresies of those who never bother to research how to use them properly. Aston Martin Works is far and away the best place to ensure the right parts are fitted properly and that these cars run as they should - after all Works made them in the first place! I look forward greatly to your next chapter on the classic Vanquish! Thanks so very much for posting.
What a line up of cars in the background 🥲🤤
Just beautiful, not many cars age like 90’s and 00’s Astons
Great that you got to drive one finally!
The issue with Aston not fixing the ECUs anymore and withholding the IP stopping others from fixing them is really annoying... Replacement standalone ECU, like Syvecs, not an option?
Thanks for the suggestion on the ECU, but these Visteon PTEC’s can’t just be replaced with something else. I’m the owner of this car and part of a very active Vanquish owners group within AMOC, and thanks to three very talented and dedicated individuals, they have interrogated the failing PTEC’s and worked out what is wrong and how to rebuild them with new components at a fraction of the cost AML used to charge. Several cars are now back up and running thanks to these superstars 🙏👋
@@doctorhouxoflemans nice one! It was actually a question rather than a suggestion and I'm really glad to hear you've got the answer 🤙
That was a very professional review. I'm glad you didn't fall into the trap of referencing this car with more modern GT cars and then making it out to be not all that good.
From the front this Vanquish is stunning however, for me it's from the rear and that line aft of the doors that just doesn't work. It's each to their own of course and I wouldn't say no to owning one.
Being an Aston fan and owner perhaps I'm biased but going down the Mercedes route with old tech infotainment and forced induction engines has for me taken away that uniqueness... Yes I know you can hardly say raping the Ford and Volvo parts bins on the VH platformed cars was unique but it's how well Aston made it all work.
Great video, thanks. The Vanquish is such a pretty car, I think it has quite feminine shapes to it, I reckon it's Aston's peak of elegance. I really like those front indicators from the DB7, I think they suit the curve of the front corners. I knew the DB7 was related to the XK, but wasn't aware it was based on the XJS, which is my fravourite Jag, alongside the Broadspeed XJ12c. I'd love to see a video featuring a Lagonda like that gorgeous green one behind you during the intro, and maybe a 1989 Virage, like the one on the other side, those are my favourite Aston of all, they are a bit distinct from other Astons. Sort of like a goth in a roomful of new romantics.
Love to see a review /test drive of a pure Astons from Newport Pagnell , such as the original Virage, or the V550/V660 Vantage shown in 1st part of the video. Pure hand built cars of the old school. Absurdly expensive for the day, starting around $225,000 USD back in 1991.
The lift off growls sound epic.
One of the greatest looking cars ever... right up there. It goes to show that great cars can be made when car makers have no money. Infact probably the greatest cars can be made with little money.
Love it Jay! Thanks 😎
Very beautiful and sounds phenomenal my father used to own one of these handling pack Vanquish’s from new in Grigio Titanio with a cream / black interior.
It’s one of the few cars he regrets selling (that and the E39 M5).
I do remember in traffic jams the clutch would start burning up and at my school there was a steep hill you had to go up to get out, it really didn’t enjoy that.
And remember touring the Newport Pagnell factory when the Vanquish was in production and remember the tour guide telling how the Aston Martin owners club were not happy that Aston Martin bought a machine they bought to help with the gluing of the aluminium chassis (can’t remember if it was the drying of it or the physical gluing of the glue).
But was remarkable that pretty much anyone would let it out of junctions, even white van man would slam on the brakes to let it out.
If I ever won the lottery or got that sort of disposable income I would love to track that car down.
Always said someone’s favourite looking car is one that could have running gear and interior from a TRACTOR and you’d STILL want it! To me that is the Vanquish all day!
It could be an EV and I’d still have one and for me that’s saying something! 😂🙈
Awesome car. Keep up the good work.
Wonderful presentation! Straight forward, odd joke, honesty, such a valued commodity these days thank you Mr. Martin!
Still one of my all-time favorite Aston Martins!
Always really liked the vanquish, and another superb review!! Was also great to meet you earlier at the RoadStr meet!
Thanks for coming Alan
I owned a 2005 Vanquish S in gunmetal with Iron Ore (red) interior leather and really enjoyed owning it, Yes the interor was typical parts bin but the sound of that V12 made up for its short givings. But the Gearbox was awful, my car had about 8000miles and at low speed the box was clunky, making it easier to select neutral with the paddles when coasting to a traffic light, than feeling the shocking low speed gear downshift.Reverse parking wasnt great as it was difficult to judge the cars angle with those mirrors and body bulges, something i had not experienced with past cars. I would slightly lift the throttle when selecting a higher gear to make the change smoother. I sold it and bought a low mileage Bentley Continental T which had its own issues of exhaust smoke on kick down and was returned to the dealer twice before getting my money back. I later heard that my Vanquish with less than 10000 miles needed a new gearbox. Back in the late 90s i also owned a 1985 V8 Vantage which i still miss to this day, i remember taking out a V600 Vantage on a test drive and remembering how i preferred my 85 Vantage which felt lighter and more responsive!.Another great video
Great review - highlighting the good, and the bad of this amazing car.
Petrolhead jealousy in full effect here! Everything about an AM car surrounded by others is just 😍
Surrounded by Aston's......I would be there for hours !
to me the best looking!! saw one on the road last summer and the presence.... just beautiful!!
please test the callum
Thanks again. I've got a picture of project vantage on my shed wall ❤
Great to fishy see a good honest review of one of AM's greatest cars. Like you, I always thought that the rear haunch was a bit overdone, but the rest is simply superb. Never liked the interior, though. The so called "waterfall" dash with the buttons so far away just didn't work for me. No comparison to the 550/575 interior of the same time. But that engine note is glorious. Very different to my 575s note.
I personally prefer the Vanquish in every way but the 575 is a beautiful and superb car
Best looking of the modern era Astons , it stops me in my tracks whenever i see one.
Enjoying your glut of recent Aston content! Great work 👏 more please
my favourite part of these videos is that you start with a good minute of pure engine/exhaust notes and drive-bys.
Much appreciated sir
These cars are very sensitive to geo set up and tyres. Even the original non S non SDP cars will be pin sharp and beautifully composed with that lotus input in the chassis. The SDP/S cars are less GT more heavy sports car. When set up with the magnetic sensors, and used properly, the gearbox is a joy with that extra interaction over the video game numb sensation of an auto or pdk. I’ve driven few cars that have surprised me more than one of these. Very very special as a rawer more textured GT car. Pretty wonderful.
Very insightful. I agree the magnetic gear position sensors transform the gear change, and if these had been fitted to the original test cars in 2001, much of the criticism levelled at the gearchange might have been avoided.
Single clutch automated manuals are a technology that probably launched a bit too early, was not properly understood and also got some very public flak which tends to get repeated a lot
Was desperate to have a quick look at that green Lagonda behind you;)
Lovely sympathetic review and very fair. Well done.
It took me 15 years since I first saw one, to when I was able to look for one to purchase - then I blew the budget and bought an S.
The bills can be large but are forgotten as soon as you fire up the V12.
Mine's in to NP for a manual conversion in a couple of month's time.
Hi ARAF64
I have a 9k miles 2007 , S model with standard gear box .
No issues with the box . It works well due to the fact that it’s now driven like a classic car should .
Can I ask what the motivation is to change to a manual
The car is fine on the open road but not so good in traffic. Moving to a conventional clutch set-up will not only make it more civilised in town but also make the car a lot easier to get parts for in the future. I've already struggled to get some parts to keep the car on the road so dealing with this now while AM still have the parts on the shelf made sense to me.
It goes in on Monday. :)
Do you mind me asking, approximate costs for me to consider
A better looking car than my db9 bar the dash and rear lights in my opinion, I'm actually a fan of the rear quarters, more aggressive than the db9
Loved the intro and the sound of this car. The intro could have been ten minutes long and I would have been happy.
I used to love yokohama tyres surprised they giving up on this.
The tires were probably much better when they were new
@@Alejandro_BoniIIa and mounted the right way round!
One of my bedroom posters and looked even better with the s version. I remember when Clarkson put the vanquish s vs 575
I seem to remember a couple of celebrity twin tests - Steve Coogan and Damon Hill
Caparo T1 review please!! make it happen!!!!
What a noise!! V12 is beautiful!
Love my standard Vanquish. Yes the interior is a bit patchy, but the exterior is to die for, drop dead gorgeous. Super comfortable, fab noise. Set up the gearbox properly and it is ok. Owned for over 5 years, and time for a change, but I will truly miss her when she's gone.
Childhood hero right there 😍 those looks and that noise!
Living in Beverly Hills, I've had occasion to stand next to the newer (mid/late twenty-teens?) Vanquish, which from outside at least is about the most spectacularly proportioned and designed cars on the road today. Like the one in the video it does have a lot of the DB's looks so at first glance it might be mistaken but from the doors back it really takes off. I think they were flirting with 3 or 400k USD new, which itself is breathtaking.
The gaydon cars really did step the game up
I have never driven a vanquish but it is my favourite Aston because it looks so handsome. I have owned a Db9 and Rapide. I have always wanted a vanquish but never bought one. I wish Aston done a Mk2 version with the gearboxes from the DB9.
If you haven't already, being an AM fan you simply MUST review the Lagonda!
If I can find one I will!
@@JayEmmOnCars There was one right behind you in that dealership's carport!!! :-)
It's not available for review!
@@JayEmmOnCars dammit!!!
!!!
Remember passing this garage many times over the years and everytime I strain my neck to look at their wonderful cars.
The only Aston I would even consider
I'd love to see a manual converted Vanquish S, now that would be something special.
I spy with my little eye, not one, but two original series V8 Vantages (red and black/dark blue). PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review one of these!!!!
My favourite Aston. I wanted one, was in the position to buy one (used) but the gear box (rumours) put me off. Shame really, as I still think it is one of the most beautiful cars (to look at) ever made.
I think this shows just why opinions on the looks of a car is so subjective. I love the rear arches like that, but I cannot stand the wheels. To me they look like some small cheapy wheels a modder chucks on his Fiesta and not a £160k Aston.
The interior looks like it’s from a different decade compared to the exterior too. A very interesting review. Thanks, J
the sword fight was pretty good.
James, A very fair and interesting review as ever.
My V12 dreamcar when I was child 😍🇬🇧
Lovely car. Great Review. - What more you want on a Sunday evening :-) - Hopefully we see some of the Cars from the Background in a own Video later on.
Keeping old tyres on any car, for the sake of originality, seems to be a very backwards approach - especially when a set of PS4s would very likely transform the handling and ride for the better, without any shadow of doubt! So daft that I can't even come up with a suitable analogy!!
Ahah! The wise owner does indeed have such a set of alternative wheels. Maybe you REALLY SHOULD ask him for another go, with those wheels & tyres fitted?? I'd love to hear what difference that makes!
I am the owner Mark, and in hindsight I made the wrong call. I put these on because the wheels are in perfect condition and the tyres are the OE spec, but should have considered this was a road test not a Concours competition. The other wheels do indeed have 1 year old Michelin’s 👍
Throughout the video, whenever James was commenting on lack of steering feel or poor turn in, I kept shouting 'old tyres!'
You would be surprised with how many owners of super expensive cars do this. I don't understand it at all it's just fucking stupid.
@@doctorhouxoflemans Thanks for the clarification, I appreciate you taking the time to do so!
@@Punisher9419 Fr, its really dangerous and irresponsible to let other people drive old cars with old rubber. I'm pretty sure an investigation into Paul Walkers death found that along with the irresponsible speed of the driver, the tires on the car were not up to spec for a car of that level.
I love the V8 Vantage that Dalton drove in Living Daylights
Beautiful to behold, charismatic, powerful engine, a peerless heritage and crappy everywhere else.
Nothing's changed then?
Aston Martin is a car I love to admire but never desired to own, even though I prefer what other luxury brands have to offer I appreciate the image of Aston Martin. Thanks for sharing.
Nice video ..jayaemm.
No Mercedes Benz engines where used in the making of this video
Just a Real Aston Martin noise
I love your videos, you’re up there with Savagegeese
Thanks, I love those guys!
You haven't filmed this very close to Diss by any chance, have you?
I’m the owner and we did it all around SMC at Long Stratton, so well spotted!
Thanks :) And congrats on this beautiful car!
You can literally see the money flying out of the tailpipes
Always love an Aston. 👌. James, I’ve been meaning to ask you, what is that marvellous intro music on your videos? It sounds familiar but I just can’t place it.
Pretty much sums Aston up. Everyone wants one, they look and sound great but, be gentle with the reverse button because the clips are weak! Seriously? At half the cost I'd be unhappy to hear those words. I agree with other comments, great video production, well done Sir!
Beautiful car 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👍
Last proper Aston. I missed a golden opportunity to buy one of these at the right money a few years ago. Beautiful car.
Selling mine to get a gt3. They have dropped in value, so I will be making a large loss as paid more 5.5 years ago
Lovely vid thank you, though I must say "the best bit" of Die Another Day is Money Penny getting together with Bond.
Haha virtually if memory serves!