2006 Aston Martin Vanquish S

Originally registered in Florida on the 24th January 2006, this Aston Martin Vanquish S was subsequently imported into the UK in December 2018.

Now in the hands of its third UK keeper and showing just 21,000 miles on the clock, this is a stunning example of the revamped Vanquish S that superseded the original in 2004.

Now boasting 514bhp, the extra power is channelled by the now-standard Sports Dynamic Pack that tickles steering, suspension and brakes for an even more satisfying drive.

The most recent service was carried out by Aston Martin Manchester in July 2023 at a cost of £7,264, a vast sum that included new suspension arms front and rear followed by a geometry setup. Four new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres were also fitted.

Finished in Onyx Black with black and ivory leather interior, ‘KO55 DWD’ has been in the seller’s care since November 2023.

Onyx Black might be a great colour for the Vanquish but it highlights flaws with the ruthlessness of your ex’s divorce solicitor.

But, when it is done well, like here, there’s no better hue to show off the Aston Martin’s sublime lines.

And they are still sublime, untroubled as they are by the sort of ripples, dinks, and scratches that plague lesser examples.

The Paint Protection Film (PPF) that’s been applied to the front end has helped prevent stonechips but the bulk of the car’s retained good looks comes from what has clearly been a small number of devoted owners; after all, it started life in Palm Beach and it doesn’t get better than that, surely.

Other indicators of fastidious ownership are alloy wheels, especially when they sport such low-profile tyres as these. It’s almost impossible to avoid kerbing them, so the fact these 11-spoke, 19-inch wheels are as pristine as they are says nothing but good things about how it’s been driven.

They’re also fitted with a matching set of very good Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres, and y’all know how we feel about matching high-quality tyres by now.

The lamp lenses are clear and free of damage, the window glazing is excellent, the badges are bright and unsullied, and the limited chromework is free of pitting and rust.

As for flaws, there are a few light marks on the offside of the boot lid and the parcel shelf covering is peeling away on the nearside and around one of the speakers. This is only really visible from the outside, which is why we’ve mentioned it here.

The Vanquish is one of those cars you will always look back at after parking it but, svelte coachwork aside, you’ll spend far more time admiring the cabin than you will the bodywork.

But that’s okay because the cockpit is not only beautifully designed, it’s also been impeccably maintained.

The 210mph speedometer, with its retro font, sets the tone and that character is supported by some of the nicest seats we’ve ever seen in an Aston Martin.

Trimmed in a combination of black and ivory, they’re funky and modern with an Art Deco twist. They’re absolutely fabulous and as supportive and comfortable as they look, which is important given the performance that’s available.

Heated and electrically adjustable, we think the gentle patina they display only adds to the Vanquish’s appeal; it is, after all, a car that’s more James Dean than Justin Bieber, so a slightly lived-in look is completely in character.

The door cards are finished in the same combination of materials and they, along with the carpets, quilted headlining, and central armrest, are all in an excellent condition.

There’s a smattering of chrome inside too, plus some brushed metalwork; this is a carefully calibrated interior that treads the line between understatement and ostentatiousness with a sure-footedness that only comes with decades of experience.

The boot is very clean and still contains the Aston Martin umbrella, which is almost never the case.

Flaws, therefore, are few. There’s a scratch to the leather on the centre console near the steering wheel and another on the offside edge of the transmission tunnel. The door seal on the offside is also slightly damaged.

None of these are especially obvious, and we think all could be lived with.

NB: The plate inside the car says it was built for ‘R.W.P.’ Any guesses as to who that might have been?

The Vanquish’s service stamps record the following work:

• 23.12.2005 and 93 miles -–pre-delivery inspection by Aston Martin Palm Beach
• 06.06.2006 and 893 miles – service by Aston Martin Palm Beach
• 04.09.2007 and 3,224 miles – service by Aston Martin Palm Beach
• 24.06.2008 and 9,295 miles – service by Aston Martin Palm Beach
• 09.05.2018 and 18,848 miles – service by Aston Jag Advantage Inc
• 30.06.2023 and 19,394 miles – service by Aston Martin Manchester
• 20.07.2023 and circa 20,849 miles – service and miscellaneous fettling by Stratstone at a cost of £7,264

We are told the car’s history file also includes a Carfax US report that shows the pre-delivery inspection; six services at Jaguar West Palm Beach, Florida; four services at Keeler Motor Car Co, New York; and two services at Auto Europa.

As the video shows, it starts on the button and revs and idles with no untoward noises, warning lights, or smoke – and the exhaust note is as perfectly judged as everything else being thrilling but never intrusive.

The engine and underbonnet area are decently clean without being overly fastidious, so that’s another worry taken care of because who wants to try and maintain a concours engine bay when the road is calling and you could be driving it? #V12sarefordrivingnotdetailing

The underside is excellent being free of scuffs and scrapes and only showing the usual light corrosion on fasteners and the like.

The Aston Martin’s MoT certificate is valid until July 2025 and it was gained, like the two previous tickets, with no advisories.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for being an imported car.

The history file includes the Aston Martin Vanquish S book pack including the leather-covered handbook, the stamped service history booklet, and a recent five-page invoice from Stratstone for the most recent service and maintenance work.

Other OE accessories that come with it include an original Vanquish S brochure and the factory tool kit and first aid kit.

What can we say about this example of the ever-popular Vanquish S that you aren’t already thinking? With a great history and an even better condition, the only drawback is that the steering wheel is on the left.

But you will get used to that faster than you think and if you fancy ragging it around either a racetrack or the European continent then its location will either be irrelevant or a boon.

What cannot be disputed is the estimate, which is very accessible at between £48,000 and £52,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.