At the 2004 Paris Motor Show, “the fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin” was unveiled—the Vanquish S. While this title has since been taken over by the One-77 and the V12 Vantage S, at the time the claimed maximum speed of 200 mph was jaw-dropping. In order to reach the magical 200 mph mark, the 6.0-liter V-12 engine was fitted with new cylinder heads featuring fully machined inlet ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised engine mapping, and new fuel injectors. The result was an increase in power output to 520 bhp and 425 ft lb of torque.

In addition to the engine upgrades, the optional Sports Dynamics package offered on the Vanquish was fitted as standard on the Vanquish S. These upgrades included stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms. Revised steering geometry provided a 20% quicker response, allowing the driver to apply more precise input and receive more accurate feedback from the chassis. The brakes on the Vanquish S were upgraded to account for the higher performance—larger six-piston calipers were fitted, and the rear discs were wider to improve heat dissipation. A new brake-pedal assembly enhanced pedal feel.

The changes made to the Vanquish S were not just mechanical—a redesigned boot lid improved balance and stability and achieved a lower coefficient of drag. The revised deeper-profile front grille was given six horizontal slats instead of the previous nine, and an added splitter improved high-speed stability. At the rear, the larger windscreen improved visibility.

Aston Martin continued tradition with Bridge of Weir leather, seen here in two-tone Black and Red with red accent stitching. The center console, previously painted as standard, was now covered in leather. As seen here, the Vanquish S featured a large, fixed full-color DVD satellite navigation screen, set beautifully in the platinum-and-leather console. Although a 2+2 option was available, this example was specified in the far more sporting two-seater configuration. Included is a clean Carfax report, service book, two sets of keys, Vanquish car cover, Aston Martin battery tender, Lamy pen, and original umbrella. Furthermore, the car recently received an up-to-date dealer service for $10,000.

The pinnacle of the first generation of Vanquish, the Vanquish S is a quintessentially British grand tourer and the last of the truly hand-built Aston Martins. This special example, with its unique serial no. 007 and spectacular colors of Jet Black over two-tone Iron Ore and Black, certainly cannot be missed.