Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. 2001–7 (prod. 2,000 approx., incl. 1,000 approx. for S). 2-door coupé. F/R, 5935 cm³ (V12 DOHC). Heavy, range-topping Aston, built at Newport Pagnell (last car from this factory), and initially criticized for its paddle-shift gearbox (some drivers wore it out by treating it as a manual, rather than a semi-automatic). Base model with 343 kW, Vanquish S from 2005 with 388 kW. More aggressive styling by Ian Callum than svelte DB7, evolving that model’s curves into more angular, creased forms. S possibly fastest production Aston at the time, with over 200 mph top speed.

Manufacturing location: Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, England

Marque: Aston Martin | Predecessor: Aston Martin Vantage (1993–2000) | Successor: Aston Martin DBS (2007–12)