While Aston Martins’ future under Ford’s PAG umbrella is a tad clouded, the British carmaker’s present beholds a new limited production version of the… astonishing Vanquish S. And when we’re talking limited in Aston’s dictionary, we mean it: a mere 40 examples of the Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be handcrafted at the company’s Newport Pagnell production facility.

Apart from the sill plaques denoting the limited edition number, the Ultimate Edition will be painted in a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ exterior color with its cabin boasting semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings. Not much I know, but what did you expect for 273.578 EUR /354.611 USD / 182.095 BP.

And oh yeah, existing Vanquish owners will now be able to order a transmission conversion from the car’s existing Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system, to a conventional stick-shift manual for about the price of a… Nissan 350Z in the US 25.800 USD - 19.900 EUR - 13.250 BP (+ VAT). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE: Aston Martin has announced two exciting developments for both new and existing customers of the company’s flagship Vanquish S.

Just 40 examples of a new Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be handcrafted at the company’s Newport Pagnell production facility in Buckinghamshire. The model represents a luxurious and unique limited edition befitting the Vanquish S’s status as the ultimate Aston Martin and also celebrates the skilled craftsmanship of the team working at Newport Pagnell.

The Ultimate Edition will be available by special request to customers wishing to celebrate the last of a significant car in Aston Martin’s history. Initial feedback suggests the whole allocation of this special edition will be sold within weeks of launch.

The Ultimate Edition centres on changes to the Vanquish S’s renowned colour and trim. On the exterior, these changes include a unique ‘Ultimate Black’ – a striking new colour which will only be available with this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings. Each car will also be fitted with personalised sill plaques denoting the limited edition number.

The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition retains all performance capabilities of the standard Vanquish S – and accordingly its position as the fastest ever production Aston Martin, capable of a top speed in excess of 200mph (321km/h). No additional charge will be made for the Ultimate Edition, available only with the 2+2 seating arrangement, priced at £182,095.

For existing Vanquish customers, Aston Martin’s world renowned Works Service department are to offer a new transmission conversion for owners of the company’s flagship model, adding to their reputation for an unparalleled level of personalisation.

Serving as a further example of the depth of bespoke services available via Works Service, existing Vanquish owners will now be able to order a transmission conversion from the car’s existing Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system, to a conventional stick-shift manual.

Working in conjunction with the company’s Special Vehicles Operations team from Gaydon, Works Service has developed the system over the last 12 months, before previewing the conversion to selected Vanquish customers.

Kingsley Riding-Felce, Director, Customer Care and Works Service, said: “This project underlines our commitment to adapting to customer requests, whether they are for Aston Martins from the past or modern cars such as the Vanquish S.”

Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has been equipped with fingertip controlled, Formula 1-style paddles which enables almost imperceptible gear changes in under 250 milliseconds. Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically.

Drivers with a preference for a conventional stick-shift transmission will now have the option of this new Works Service-only modification which is available to order immediately, with prices commencing from £13,250 (+ VAT).

Established as a modern classic, the Vanquish’s muscular 2+2 epitomises Aston Martin's core values of power, beauty and soul. It is the ultimate sports car for the discerning owner. Since its launch, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 2000 cars delivered to customers around the world. In 2002 the Vanquish graced the screens of millions, starring alongside 007 in the James Bond film ‘Die Another Day.’

Located at Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin Works Service offers a factory-backed workshop with the experience necessary to care for any Aston Martin or Lagonda with unparalleled skill and attention to detail. With more than 40 years experience, the Works Service team offers accident repair, servicing, maintenance and even full restoration capabilities to Aston Martin and Lagonda owners. In 2006 more than 2000 customers called upon Works Service expertise, a number which is expected to be surpassed again in 2007.

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