Used Aston Martin Vanquish models are increasing in value — and it's thanks to a new gearbox

There’s a new Aston Martin Vanquish. The nameplate returns for this decade as the marque’s flagship coupe, along with a newly developed V12 that’s draped in a cocoon of leather and a gorgeous body in typical Aston style.

The downside is that it costs an eye-watering $429,000. That’s about the same as a Ferrari Purosangue, which throws in an extra pair of doors, more seats, and four-wheel drive. It’s a technical masterclass compared to the Aston. That said, the Vanquish is going for a more relaxed vibe, reflecting on its capabilities as a grand tourer.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin

A British grand tourer has pedigree. Not racing pedigree, but pedigree of a different kind. One that allows you to enjoy what’s in front of you in sumptuous comfort, while a heavenly soundtrack whistles by your ears playing its twelve-cylinder tune, unhurried in getting you to your destination. It’s about the journey, with exotic looks to let you know you’ve arrived.

To make you feel like James Bond is Aston Martin’s specialty. The best part is you don’t need to buy a brand new one to enjoy it. And if you go for an Aston, why not try the Vanquish? And if it has to be a Vanquish, why not go for the one that allows you the chance to make it your own?

By which I mean, there is a dedicated company designed to provide a singular service for precisely one model. If you get the service done and somehow get tired of it, you have a guarantee of getting just about double the return on investment. Best of all, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to acquire it.

The Aston Martin Vanquish is a lasting legend

2004 Aston Martin Vanquish S

Aston Martin

Prior to this year, there have been two generations of the Aston Martin Vanquish. The Vanquish of the 2010s, and the Vanquish of the 2000s, the latter of which appeared in Pierce Brosnan’s final Bond film Die Another Day. This has some brand significance as well since it was the final model built at the Newport Pagnell factory before it shut down after half a century of operation.

The 2002 – 2006 Aston Martin Vanquish is a classic, with timeless proportions and elegant lines that run down the side to its muscular rear bulges. It wasn’t quite a supercar back then, weighing in at just over 4,000 pounds. However, it was lauded for its well-tuned chassis, hydraulic-assisted steering, and the exhaust note that bellowed out of its 5.9-liter naturally V12. It was critically well-received with one notable exception: the gearbox.

All Vanquish models relied on a Tremec T56 six-speed transmission that was operated through Magnetti-Marelli’s ‘Auto Shift Manual’ paddle system. For such an integral function of the car, it was terrible. Shifts were delayed and hindered the Vanquish’s acceleration. The automated gearbox was an early victim of supercar makers jumping into the foray of automatics vying for better performance.

2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Badge

Aston Martin

Aston Martin knew this, and before production ended in 2007, sought to change that with a service through its Works division. The job consists of stripping out the gearbox, reworking the internals, and installing a shifter and clutch pedal to the Tremec six-speed. All signs of the flappy paddle system are removed in the interior, thanks to custom dash and center console surrounds, giving the Vanquish cabin an OEM-like interior.

The transmission cure is relatively inexpensive while increasing the car’s value

Aston Martin Vanquish – Manual conversion

Aston Martin Works

Deleting the automated components gives the Vanquish a new lease of life. Road & Track calls the manual Vanquish “a more timeless experience, freeing it to age gracefully. It also puts one of the greatest 21st-century Astons on an even higher pedestal, edging it closer to the title of Greatest Aston Martin Ever.” That high praise is just how close Aston Martin came to perfection when the was first released.

Aston Martin Vanquish Interior – Manual conversion

Aston Martin Works

Best of all, it costs about $25,000 to convert and the service seems to still be offered to this day. That’s a deal when you consider just how cheap Vanquish models have become. Even a later Vanquish S example with extremely low miles can sell for less than a certified pre-owned Lexus LC 500. With the service complete, the total sum still comes in less than a new Lexus LC 500.

It’s a unique proposition and manual-swapped cars are capable of selling for upwards of six figures. It’s unclear just how many units have been converted to clutch pedal use, with one source claiming 90 services were carried out by 2013. They sporadically come up for sale in the US through dealers and well-known auction sites.

Final thoughts

Should you get a chance to try one yourself, you’ll be able to get the Aston Martin experience uninterrupted. Ian McCallum, who styled it back then, even commissioned a special run of 25 cars to elevate the Vanquish to its full potential.

The Y2K-era Aston Martin Vanquish is one of the British marque’s greatest hits, and this key service upgrades its status to legendary.