450 bhp, 5,935 cc DOHC alloy V-12 engine, six-speed paddle shift transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with upper and lower wishbones, coil springs, and gas dampers, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted Brembo disc brakes. Wheelbase: 106 in.

• Second Vanquish prototype constructed by Aston Martin

• Featured in Aston Martin publicity photographs for the launch in 2001

• Full dealer service history

The Vanquish was well equipped no matter the client’s wishes. The heart of the car is the smooth, high revving, all alloy 12-cylinder engine. Combined with state-of-the-art fuel injection, the car produces an astonishing amount of torque for its startling off-the-line performance. The breath-taking horsepower also made for exceptional top-speed performance. Power delivery was paramount, and consequently, the car was fitted with one of the world’s first paddle-shifted six-speed gearboxes, adoringly nicknamed the “flappy paddle gearbox” by the presenters of the hit show Top Gear. The close ratio transmission works in concert with advanced electronics to match gear ratios and engine speeds.

The car on offer is the second Vanquish prototype constructed by Aston Martin. It was used in publicity photographs and driven in many of the contemporary road tests when the Vanquish was introduced in 2001. The coachwork is finished in Skye Silver, as was the “James Bond” Vanquish, and trimmed with a two-tone grey leather interior. It is a true two-seater, or ‘2+0’, as it was officially known. As the prototype and publicity car, it was fitted with every conceivable option. Included with its history file are a number of photographs of Aston Martin MD, Dr Ulrich Bez, and Vanquish designer Ian Callum standing with this example. A number of contemporary road tests by What Car, Top Gear, Telegraph Online, Tiscali, and many others that featured this car are included in the file as well. First registered on 26th June 2001, this majestic Vanquish has covered just 35,716 miles from new and has been properly maintained with a complete Aston Martin dealer history.

Considered by many to be the last truly hand-built Aston Martin, the Vanquish stands out among modern supercars with its elegant yet aggressive Aston Martin styling. In addition, this particular car is presented in outstanding condition and has exceptional and documented provenance. The V-12 Vanquish has often been credited with the renaissance of this classic British brand. Traditional design cues, such as the signature grille opening, wide fenders, and a low hood line, make this the most striking and masculine Aston Martin, perhaps of all time.