2003 Aston Martin Vanquish: Underrated Beauty Meets V12 Power

The 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish is a Stunning Bargain

The 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish is a true gem, and surprisingly, it’s also quite affordable. In an era filled with beautiful Aston Martins, this one stands out as the most gorgeous. It packs a massive V12 engine that sounds incredible. Many people think this original Vanquish is overlooked. Today, we’ll explore why this car is so special and look at its unique features.

First, some exciting news: this particular Vanquish is up for auction right now on Cars and Bids. It’s a fantastic example – beautiful, original, and well-cared for. If you want to own this amazing car, head over to the live auction on Cars and Bids after you finish reading. The link is in the description below.

A Design That Commands Attention

Aston Martin, the famous British luxury car maker, wasn’t at the top of its game in the 1990s. Cars like the DB7 and Virage were okay, but they didn’t really capture the excitement of performance luxury. That all changed in the 2000s, starting with the Vanquish. It replaced the older Virage and became Aston Martin’s new flagship.

What makes the original Vanquish so special? For me, it’s the design. While all Astons from the early to mid-2000s were beautiful, they tended to look very similar. The Vanquish, however, had a more muscular and aggressive look. Its signature design feature is the dramatic hip line that sweeps up towards the rear wheels. It sounds odd on paper, but it looks absolutely stunning in person. The pronounced front fenders also give the car a dynamic, leaping appearance, setting it apart from softer models like the DB9. This car was, and still is, one of the most beautiful Aston Martins ever made.

Its status was further boosted when it became the hero car in the James Bond movie *Die Another Day*. After a period with BMWs, Bond was finally back in a cool Aston Martin, and it was the Vanquish.

The Heart of the Beast: A Mighty V12

The Vanquish comes from a time before small, turbocharged engines. It features a huge 5.9-liter V12 engine that produces 460 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This was a serious performance machine for its time, especially when compared to rivals like the Ferrari 575, which had only slightly more power. The Vanquish was designed as a luxury grand tourer, but it didn’t lack muscle.

Later versions, the Vanquish S, got a power boost to 520 horsepower. Even the original Vanquish was impressively quick, hitting 0-60 mph in the low 4-second range and reaching a top speed of 190 mph. It was a beautiful, luxurious, and seriously fast car.

Quirks and Features: A Touch of Ford Influence

Opening the hood reveals the impressive V12 engine, clearly marked with “Aston Martin V12.” There’s also a cool carbon fiber strut brace. A nice touch is the plaque crediting the engine builder, like “Thomas Clark,” adding a personal feel to this handcrafted machine.

As a luxury exotic car from 25 years ago, especially one with American ties, the Vanquish has its share of quirks. Aston Martin was owned by Ford during this period, and some Ford parts found their way into the car. The key fob, for instance, is identical to those used in Ford vehicles of the era, like the Ford Explorer. Even the rear side reflectors appear to be the same size as those on a Ford GT, and tracing their origin leads back to the Land Rover Freelander, another Ford brand at the time. This is a great example of automotive globalization.

Other exterior details include a neat silver trim on the side vent that extends onto the door, showing great attention to detail. The front fog lights are also interesting; they house turn signals and small driving lights in addition to the fog light function. It’s a complex setup for a seemingly simple light.

Inside the Luxurious Cabin

The interior of the Vanquish is gorgeous, with leather covering almost every surface. The aluminum center console gives it a modern, cool feel. Engraved “Aston Martin” on the door handles adds a special touch. It’s a luxurious place to spend time, though there are a few drawbacks.

The Quirky Sequential Transmission

Perhaps the most unique feature is the transmission. All Vanquish models came with an automated manual transmission, also known as a sequential manual. This means it has a clutch, but it’s operated by a computer, not a pedal. You shift gears using paddles behind the steering wheel.

To start the car, it must be in neutral, which you engage by pulling both paddles. To upshift, you press the right paddle. The gear you’re in is clearly shown by red dots in the gauge cluster. Getting into reverse is a two-step process: press the “Reverse” button once to go to neutral, then press it again to engage reverse. Aston Martin also built in a safety feature: you cannot remove the key from the ignition unless the parking brake is engaged, preventing the car from rolling away.

Unique Interior Touches

The parking brake is mounted between the seats and operates by lifting and then pushing away, designed to make getting in and out easier. The door locks are integrated into the door handle itself – push to lock, pull to unlock – a clever design that keeps the interior clean.

The center console features a cool red engine start button, though you still need to insert the key into the ignition first. Buttons for features like the “Sport” mode and “Wheel Slip Protection” (a winter mode) are clustered together, including the reverse button, which could be confusing.

However, the abundance of plastic buttons, especially for the radio and climate controls, hasn’t aged well. The radio unit alone has 30 buttons, a cassette slot, and a small screen, making it look dated and cluttered. This is a clear area where a modern touchscreen would have been beneficial.

Other interior quirks include a small storage compartment behind a flip-up panel, likely for business cards. The heated seat buttons are oversized but only have an on/off setting. The climate controls have a screen that can show the outside temperature, activated by a beep. A neat feature is the heated windshield, with embedded coils to quickly melt ice.

Some of the switches, like the power window controls and turn signal stalk, feel like they came straight from Ford models. Despite these less premium touches, Aston Martin did add nice details, like leather wrapping on the shift paddles where your fingers rest.

The gauge cluster has a traditional, somewhat old-fashioned font. In the glove box, the owner has meticulously organized tools and manuals, showing incredible care for the car. The analog clock on the aluminum panel looks quite elegant.

The rear seats are extremely small, barely usable, but necessary for the car’s grand tourer classification. Even the seatbelt buckles are wrapped in leather for a more luxurious feel.

Practicality and Rarity

The trunk houses the CD changer and a slot for the DVD navigation system, though there’s no screen in the cabin for it. The first aid kit comes in a classy leather pouch. The owner’s manual is a unique metal binder with metal dividers, adding a touch of class.

Interestingly, the Vanquish was only offered as a coupe. When it launched, it was priced around $235,000, positioning it firmly at the top of Aston Martin’s lineup. Production ended after the 2007 model year, with about 2,500 units made worldwide (1,500 original Vanquish and 1,000 Vanquish S). This makes it a relatively rare car.

The Driving Experience

Driving the Vanquish is a special experience. The V12 engine rumbles to life with a satisfying growl. While the sequential transmission can be clunky and slow by modern standards, it offers a mechanical feel that many modern dual-clutch transmissions lack. When driven intentionally, with a lift off the throttle for shifts, it provides a smooth and engaging experience.

The acceleration is still impressive, and the car handles with surprising athleticism. It feels balanced, poised, and predictable. While steering precision isn’t as sharp as newer cars, the overall driving dynamics are excellent for a 20-year-old luxury GT.

Value and Verdict

The 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish is a beautiful, rare, and powerful V12 grand tourer. While it has some quirks, like dated interior electronics and a quirky transmission, these are part of its charm. The V12 engine sounds magnificent, and the design is simply timeless.

Considering its original price and its current market value, the Vanquish represents incredible value for enthusiasts seeking a true supercar experience. It’s a car that makes you feel special every time you get behind the wheel. If you’re looking for a stunning, engaging, and relatively affordable exotic with a V12 engine, the Aston Martin Vanquish is an outstanding choice.

Source: The 2003 Aston Martin Vanquish Is Beautiful and Underrated (YouTube)