Aston Martin introduced the Vanquish model at the Geneva Motor Show in 2001. This grand tourer appeared with a V12, 6.0-litre engine and was the base model from which a number of derivatives have subsequently been produced.

The first-generation model of the Vanquish appeared in the James Bond film, Die Another Day, in 2002, before the first of the evolution models, the Vanquish S, was introduced at the 2004 Paris Auto Show, increasing the horsepower from 450bhp, to 520bhp. Subtle visual design changes were also made, including new wheels, a larger integrated spoiler and new front splitter.

The production of the Vanquish S came to an end in July 2007, which coincided with the closure of the company’s Newport Pagnell factory after 49 years.

At the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Vanquish Volante was introduced as the convertible version. It includes a triple-skin, lightweight fabric roof, and is 13 per cent stiffer torsionally than the model it replaced, the DBS Volante.

Car displayed courtesy of Aston Martin Lagonda Limited

Photography by Martyn Goddard