aston martin vanquish s

Aston Martin has been synonymous with England’s top Secret Agent since the sixties, and that alone makes it cool. But how does the latest offering from the manufacturer stack up against the hand built crafts of the sixties.

First impressions unveil a design that could only be produced by the guys at Aston Martin. A great edgy, bulging design with flared arches and of course that trademark grille. Under the bonnet nothing short of a 6.0 litre V12 which, when started gives the most satisfying bark, increasing to a howl when on the move. Inside, brushed aluminium and hand stitched leather further the impression that this is something special.

As you get yourself comfortable inside and take in the bank of switches, you get the feeling you've seen them somewhere before. Ford by any chance? On the move you loose that wonderful sound track, muted by layers of sound deadening material which makes the car a great long distance cruiser but somehow takes something else with it.

This feeling of lacking wasn't helped by the fact we were en-route to collect a Lamborghini which, whatever model, demands attention and gets it. Next to the Lambo, the Aston begins to loose that sharpness that it originally grabbed your attention, now looking slightly dated, dare I say old. Could this be why the owner of this car changed it after only 8 months. For this money, whilst standing in the Lamborghini garage I know which I'd rather leave with.

I still love Aston Martins and will always want to own one, but this experience has taught me that I will still admire the look and sound of an Aston as it passes, and at the same time know my senses will be enjoying the car probably more than the man who paid for it.

Mark Borthwick
February 2007