2007 ASTON MARTIN Vanquish S

Background

Styled by Ian Callum, the man responsible for the DB7, the Vanquish was developed with assistance from Aston Martin's parent company Ford using constructional techniques more advanced than those of any contemporary road car. The monocoque tub was made of heat-cured bonded aluminium, braced by a central tunnel of carbon fibre to create a lightweight structure of exceptional rigidity, thus enabling the chassis engineers to develop suspension combining excellent handling and roadholding with unrivalled ride quality.

The 5.9-litre, 48-valve engine developed 460bhp at 6,800rpm, with 400lb/ft of torque available at 5,500 revs. The six-speed gearbox was controlled by F1-style paddles and could be operated in either of two modes: fully manual or computer-controlled automatic, with a 'sport' setting available on both. The inventory of standard equipment included almost everything the discerning connoisseur could wish for, while the performance - 190mph and 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds – placed the Vanquish firmly in the supercar class.

Offered here is an example of the revamped Vanquish S that superseded the original version in 2004. The chief upgrade concerned the engine, which now produced 514bhp, an output good enough to make the Vanquish S a genuine 200+mph car.

The previously optional Sports Dynamic Pack of enhanced steering, suspension and brakes came as standard with the Vanquish S.

The Vehicle

This car is offered from outside of the European Union. It has been imported under temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to Dutch import tax (9%) on top of the winning bid price. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% Dutch import tax plus 21% VAT on the hammer.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their proof of purchase.

This vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and the documented history available is limited to that displayed in our photography section.

We have not tried to drive the car, and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality.

It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

As CARS Europe BV is the guarantor of all customs duties and taxes for vehicles within Dutch customs bond, the car cannot be released to the buyer or transporter immediately after the sale. For all enquiries relating to Customs, please contact CARS Europe BV.

Purchases will only be released once cleared funds are received. All vehicles must be collected after the payment of funds.

All storage charges must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation. Storage charges payment must be arranged with the storage company. Collection is strictly by appointment only.

Please send a booking email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection.

Collection either by buyer or third party is only possible for vehicles within customs bond if applicable import taxes paid are paid to import into country of bonded storage location.

As soon as The Market by Bonhams receives your payment, the accounts department will send a release note to the manager of the storage facility where your car(s) is stored.

CARS Europe BV will contact you just after the sale to confirm onward transport requirements. Direct contact at CARS for enquiries is as follows; Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, joanna@carseurope.net.

STORAGE CHARGES - €30 + local VAT per motor car per day commencing from the sixth day following the auction end.

CUSTOMS CHARGES - €500 per motor car (plus applicable permanent import taxes from bond).

VIN: SCFAC24317B502513.

Engine No: 19170.

Odometer Reading: 472 kms.

We believe the car was bought new on behalf of the vendor through an Austrian Aston Martin dealership in 2007 and entered the vendor’s static display collection in 2012.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with no history or service records.

With the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic condition, we think this LHD semi-auto (flappy-paddle) Vanquish S is a virtually unused example of a rare, hand-built supercar from one of the world’s great marques.

Aside from one or two minor cosmetic issues and a rather dusty interior, it is in more or less brand-new overall condition and appears to be entirely authentic and original.

On the Outside

The exterior of the car appears to be in excellent overall condition.

The panels are straight and even, the bodywork is free of any significant flaws, and the panel gaps and shut lines seem consistent and even.

The ‘Onyx Black’ paint finish has retained all of its shine and lustre.

The chrome work, lights, lenses and badging all appear to be in first-class order.

The wheels are excellent.

There are some scratches on the bonnet, some scuffing to the passenger side headlamp cowling, and one or two scratches on the rear bumper section below the boot.

There is also some discolouration visible at the base of the rear screen and a little paint rubbing away on the edge of the bonnet on the driver’s side.

On the Inside

As you would expect of a car that’s barely ever been used, the interior is every bit as impressive as the exterior, although it is rather dusty and in need of a thorough clean.

The ‘Obsidian Black’ upholstery with ‘Quail Grey’ stitching is in fine condition and, unsurprisingly, there are no creases or other signs of age or wear on the leather seats – which are as comfortable and supportive as you might hope.

The door cards are excellent, as is the headlining and the carpets and mats.

The dashboard and centre console are equally good.

We can’t vouch for the full functionality of instruments, dials, buttons, knobs, switches or levers because we haven’t driven the car.

Underneath

Everything in the engine bay seems to be in its right and proper place and entirely as you’d expect to find in a car that’s probably yet to make much of an impression on its second tank of petrol.

The undersides of the car similarly reflect this car’s lack of familiarity with road surfaces, weather or dirt.

Accordingly, everything we can see appears to have a good deal of structural integrity.

History Highlights

This car doesn’t come with any history or service records.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

None of the paperwork shown in the gallery in any way constitutes any kind of licensing or registration certification.

What We Think

In its 15 years of life, this car has been built, left the factory, been transported to Austria, added 337 kms to the 135 kms it had on the clock when it arrived in Salzburg, and then entered a static display collection where it’s lived ever since.

In other words, it’s effectively a new car, in virtually new condition bar the odd scratch and scuff here and there.

Provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals are as good as the rest of the car, we think you might struggle to find an example of this age that’s in much better condition and has fewer kilometres on the clock.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of €50,000 - €80,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in a bonded warehouse in Amsterdam, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Video Review