During the 52 years that Aston Martin sports cars were made at Newport Pagnell, just over 13,300 cars left the factory destined for customers all over the world. Among the many iconic models designed and built here are: DB4, DB5 & DB6, V8 Vantage, the William Towns Lagonda and the original Vanquish.

The factory at Newport Pagnell was a hotbed of hand craftsmanship and traditional skills. Rare and sought-after, these contributed to making Newport Pagnell such an iconic name in the automotive industry.

In March 2008 the company announced a partnership with Magna Steyr to outsource manufacturing of over 2,000 cars annually to Graz, Austria. A move that alienated many loyal Aston Martin customers and fans. The car that marked the end of an era at Newport Pagnell was the V12 Vanquish, the last car came off the production line on 19 July, 2007. The Vanquish is deemed by many to be the last of the ‘true’ Aston Martin’s, handcrafted with pride in Britain and different from the generic, mass produced cars on the market.

Aston Martin announced that the manufacturing of their new car, the DBX, will take place in South Wales. This great news for the British automotive industry will create 750 highly skilled jobs, although it will be interesting to see if this factory can create the same iconic legacy as Newport Pagnell.

Aston Martin still have a presence at Newport Pagnell, the same artisan skills that have been passed down through generations are still proudly maintained at Aston Martin Works. Aston Martin Works is now the largest, best equipped and most knowledgeable heritage restoration centre in the world. Many of the original tools that made the cars are still being used to service and restore them.

Do you consider the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish to be the last ‘True’ Aston Martin? Or are you excited for what the future may bring for the company? Let us know in the comments below.

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Aston Martin V12 Vanquish for sale at DD Classics

• One owner from new
• Only 7,708 miles
• Considered by many to be the last ‘True’ Aston Martin
• Handcrafted V12, 460 bhp engine coupled to a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox
• 1 of 973 LHD manufactured

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish entered production in 2001, having been developed from the 1998 Project Vantage concept car. It marked a large step in Aston Martin’s vehicle engineering as the company combined a bonded aluminium chassis with their traditional craftsmanship. This was a new era for the Aston Martin brand.

In 2002 the V12 Vanquish became the latest Aston Martin to be driven by James Bond. Featuring as 007’s car in the 2002 film “Die Another Day”, earned the V12 Vanquish number 3 on the list of Best Film Cars Ever.

Aston Martin’s V12 Vanquish features an extremely rigid and safe body shell made from aluminium and carbon fibre, this shell was then fitted with hand-finished, Superformed aluminium panels. Under close examination it is clear that our Vanquish is still as perfectly straight as the day it left the factory.

Underneath the bonnet sits a 460bhp version of the Aston Martin V12 engine, hand crafted with pride by Stuart Bull. The engine delivers its power via a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox that is smooth and effortless, even under load. The engine bay is beautifully detailed and in immaculate condition. This is a spectacular vehicle to drive and is highly rated by our experienced staff.

Our car is fitted with unscathed 19” multi-spoke alloy wheels and a matching set of Yokohama tyres. A personal favourite of ours are the Aston Martin embossed red brake calipers that enhance the appearance of the car.

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish for sale at DD Classics is finished in a Royal Blue metallic coachwork with Light-stone Connolly hide, quilted inserts, Royal Blue Wilton carpets & matching top roll. Beautifully stitched leather piping completes the carpets and adds that extra touch of luxury. The Alcantara headlining remains in immaculate condition, the seats are fabulous and the carpets show no sign of wear. It is clear that our car has been lovingly maintained, having had only one owner from new. In that time span the vehicle has completed a mere 7,708 miles.

Considered by many to be a future classic, this is a fantastic investment opportunity for any car enthusiast.

The Aston Martin is available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 3355 to book an appointment.