Aston Martin Vanquish 25 By CALLUM: A Legend Returns | Carfection

After an outstanding career in automotive design, Ian Callum is back reworking one of his greatest hits, the Vanquish. Alex Goy takes an in-depth look at what Ian's new company, CALLUM, is doing to these iconic cars.
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[@domtorque]

Ahh I missed you baldy.

[@forfun5130]

domtorque isnt he the best

[@campkira]

why both of them wear tight jean.... ?

[@timjones2450]

Here's hoping they fixed the awful gearbox

[@tris7]

I was thinking the same!

[@Eidrian111]

Just manual swap it and that’s the end of the problem.

[@bcmstfilms]

@@Eidrian111 Budget and extra 30k for that!

[@Pandamasque]

AM has been offering manual swaps for Vanquish owners for some time now.

[@stubones]

Tim Jones why? Are you going to buy one? The gearbox doesn’t affect you AT ALL.

[@darrelltuttle8298]

I like that more companies are taking beautiful older models and breathing new life into an already beautiful car.

[@niahakoneko8892]

I hope he redo the DB7. Such a beautiful timepiece car. Just imagine with modern technology.

[@trihardcx6743]

My thought exactly.

[@MDDeGrande1994]

I remember seeing it for the first time in Midtown Madness 2. Was one of the quickest cars in the game.

[@Skydrag.V60]

MDDeGrande1994 holy shit I haven’t thought about Midtown Madness 2 in years. I have loads of nostalgic memories driving around Paris in a Renault 5

[@TheMasterNasty]

Why isnt this guy on this channel anymore? He IS Carfection in my opinion.

[@SaKuLification]

Xcar

[@devanshgupta9860]

Although he is very good but Henry is in a class of his own in my opinion

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

@Hendrix How is he right..

[@riemjann1]

He came back to Carfection after a short stint at Motor1 UK. Motor1 UK seems to have disappeared which may be why he returned to Carfection - though unfortunately his spot here seems to have been taken over by Henry. Would love to see some more Alex again!

[@mickwrinkles2318]

Well, he was the one who left. He WAS Carfection but then took himself out of the picture just to realise he went wrong.

[@donjuan150]

The tacky tire stickers throw my eye off. Thought the front end of the original was it's best part...especially with those large fog lights.

[@Eidrian111]

They are a bit tacky indeed. The front end looks like the Mansory version.

[@campkira]

@@Eidrian111 but this time it was done by Ian Callum... the guy who design it on first place... unlike mansory which don't add any value to the car by the way.... this will add value to vanquish since that thing was a broken POS...It not just about the look it also the work that when in it... Yes some of those are not necessary but they did it so one... they can make money... but two it help when go to auction... and cleanly he had auction in mind when he did this... vanquish price will drop in time but this will had strong value...(don't know how much it will go 10 years from now... but only 25 you only can get it at auction...)

[@SmallBlogV8]

The wheels look big enough already without their diameter being exaggerated like that.

[@jeton924s]

Don Juan150 I totality agree with you tha beautiful and agressiviness of the original car was the best part, those huge fog lights/markers are one of my favorite designs cues, even Zagato used the same fog lights in the DB7 Zagato.I use to admire him but this is horrible the only things are good is the lights

[@lmc333]

If it is good enough for Ian, then it is meant to be... Don't question the guy... He is one of the auto design Gods...

[@ZedNinetySix_]

I love the rework they done with the old Vanq, but I must confess, from a visual perspective of the exterior, the original Vanquish is just absolute automotive perfection, it cant really be improved (visually). [in my opinion] But this is a great thing, it just shows that no matter what is done to it and how much time has passed, it is forever a true beauty carved from the metallic elements. Timelessly cool.

[@SayakMajumder]

If only they included the DB9 style headlamps, then this would have been perfection. Just my opinion. Never liked the original's headlamp shape. Prefer the post DB9's ones.

[@kofib3]

I think they just needed to improve and update the interior. There was nothing much wrong with the exterior in my opinion. Maybe just update the head and tail lights.

[@ZedNinetySix_]

@@kofib3 The stock interior was not that nice, so glad they made it great now

[@MultiTopgearfan]

Have they done anything to the paddle shift gearbox though? I think that's the true weakest link in the car.

[@shogun2215]

Considering they've not mentioned it.... probably not.

[@brentpowell7889]

I doesn’t give a wow factor tbh, but it’s all about the drive , so having my brother in laws a few years back , let’s hope they sorted the gear box and upgraded the breaks , especially with the increase in power .

[@ardijanuar2036]

Looks like manual swap also can be done if the customers wished so. Aston martin itself offering manual swap for around 50k iirc

[@jansillanpaa41]

"Callum will offer a new six-speed automatic gearbox, while the car’s original automated manual will also be available." www.motor1.com/news/368421/aston-martin-vanquish-25-callum/

[@campkira]

this one still had old gearbox... but if you willing to get manual done and take it to them... they are happy to .... it cost half a million for the work anyhow....

[@jzmmm]

Always loved the vanquish. This one looks even better. That back end with the new taillights is hot af.

[@STRAKKERSTECHNO]

I worked Alongside Ian in Miami 3 years ago on the F- pace jaguar launch and what a great man very very down to earth.

[@kristianolsenlarsen]

First of all, I absolutely love that Ian guy, second of all, (AND I MEAN THIS IN THE NICEST WAY POSSIBLE) To me that vanquish looks like an expensive GTA 5 dlc

[@grecoconduris6716]

Hmmmm not sure how I feel about this., some bits feel a bit tacky

[@brandonaporter]

Greco Conduris totally seconded

[@Devilman666]

The white lettering on the tires really doesn't fit the personality of an aston.

[@colinwatt00]

I love the concept, but I agree so far as I feel some of his design choices are as dated as the car itself.

[@geirarnesen6531]

VANQ so CAMP!

[@mufflejoy]

I am with you, perhaps it is the extra wide rear stance that gives it almost a Corvette Stingray of the 70s hip

[@edmaluf]

So, are they buying used Vanquishes, doing the mods and then reselling it for £550,000? Or do you bring your Vanquish, and they charge you £550,000 for the mods? Either way, great business model, considering a Vanquish is hovering around the £70,000 mark. There's always a sucker... (Cough, cough) I mean, a rich guy out there. Always.

[@09NXN06]

Right!

[@ardijanuar2036]

Looks like 550k is all in price including the car.

[@brentpowell7889]

edmaluf I am amazed how many rich people which you would presume have a high level of intelligence , actually spend obnoxiousness amounts of money on something that’s not worth a fraction of the cost they are asking. While people with more money than sense exist, companies like this will try and exploit there stupidity 😂

[@luisk6007]

I think they're buying new Vanquishes or used ones in the best conditions, refresh them, modify them and then selling them. Half a million is way too much imo, sure Aston Martin enthusiasts would love it, but outside of that, who else would buy it?

[@luisk6007]

@@brentpowell7889 You have to consider in engineering, labor work and exclusivity which is why Callum ups the price. They are handmade and I doubt they will make too many because it's a small market for them.

[@tom4626]

Front end still looks good, rear and interior looks stuck in 2002

[@vaughnsigal4560]

for the love of god, they need to bring the steering wheel and transmission (and the entire interior tbh) up to 2019 standards. Pretty disapointing

[@Maurice_Moss]

The rear lights look like the aftermarket lights you can buy on ebay for literally every car.

[@eternalbattle1438]

2018 Vantage rear looks updated and IMO better than the front end.

[@wreesceren3242]

Ahh man no one gets what this cars about

[@mohammeduwais1423]

Wrees Ceren thank you ✊it’s not about the age it’s just the nostalgia 🙏

[@hens2260]

Great to see you back Alex! you’ve been sorely missed 👊🏻

[@tonywong303]

Damn you are back!!! You were the reason why I subscribed this channel. I love your initial review on the Pagani!

[@ezrapardede1921]

I'm not blaming him or anything, but it would be better if they remake the DB9, which is a more favorable car and honestly, a better looking car from the start

[@donjuan150]

You are spot on!

[@Eidrian111]

It isn’t.

[@rokcetscience]

Indi Dog opinions, opionions.......lol......nothing beats the brutal look of the vanquish from that time period......except the callum now...lol

[@SayakMajumder]

Exaclty! Never liked the Vanquish's's headlamp shape. Prefer the post DB9's ones. Maybe a future project?

[@ezrapardede1921]

@@SayakMajumder hope soo

[@signorpippistrello]

Whatever is done to it, it’s pleasantly timeless.

[@Sigrafix]

I've always loved the Vanquish.. such a gorgeous car, the epitome of what I think of in my head when I think Aston Martin.. that and the DB5. One of these with the manual swap would be a dream to own.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Good to see my man Callum hard at work. ✌️

[@wareidav]

When you're in the presence of greatness, you can only observe. In silent awe

[@porscheguy09]

I think it looks great. Has a much more muscular look to it. Perfect stance. Very good job at updating the look without messing it up. 👍

[@SolidSoul]

The goat. Beautiful remaster as they said on this car. Can't wait to see what he does next.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Splendid! Takes a classic to a modern level!

[@senshibat8920]

Monsieur Ians Smashed his Test Target.. the Dash Dials are amazing.

[@Maurice_Moss]

The Vanquish s looked perfect to me. But this... I don't like: The orange bits The tail lights The interior The wheels The tyres And it still has the same awful gearbox!

[@SayakMajumder]

The orange bits acts as highlights. The tail lights are actually ok. The original ones were pretty boring. Could've included the DB9's ones. The interior should've been updated more. The tyres do look tacky. IMHO, they should've included the DB9 style headlamps. Never liked the original's headlamp shape. Prefer the post DB9's ones.

[@RyuTsuchiya]

Agreed

[@BHBeckenbauer]

Moss I agree with you - the orange bits and wheels/tyres aren’t great. I believe they can change the gearbox to a 6 speed auto or you can keep the existing one :)

[@SayakMajumder]

@@BHBeckenbauer nup, same gearbox Only you can install an optional torque converter

[@johncarlodelamasa3214]

Thank God I'm not alone. The tires and wheels doesn't really make sense at all for a great GT car, and as for the interior, sure the stock Vanquish or S model doesn't have a fancy or nice interior but this modification is no better. I don't know if they're really trying to make it look good and sporty at the same time but it didn't work

[@caerroma]

this car definitely deserved all those upgrades, it now looks like a true jewel car I would only remove the tyre writing and great to see again Alex goy on carfection, please Alex review the new 718 Spyder, you have such an amazing understanding of Porsche`s mid engine car

[@technologic21]

Gorgeous car. The blue paint really show off the lines.

[@izuaff04]

hard to see how this design is better than the old one..maybe the front looks better...the rear...argggghhhhh

[@Bittertokken]

The rear is so high and wide.

[@davect01]

Agreed. The rear is odd

[@dannyr2976]

The rear looks very dated to me!

[@VinchenzoC]

Well, I assume they're fixing the shit transmission and that's not really visible in pictures.

[@lionyleftwich4418]

Yeah that rear end looks pretty cheap😕

[@hhharada]

I admire this guy and his vision. This generation Vanquish is one of my all time favourite cars and I agree the interior was the weakest part of the package. Ian is terrific!

[@CrusardModding]

When I think of an Aston Martin, the first car I think of is this Vanquish. Next is the DB9 and then the DB7.

[@KevAlberta]

My favorite Aston of all time is the DBS. (Which I’m pretty sure is just a slightly faster db9?)

[@outsidethepyramid]

Rebel Rebel on the fuel cap - I absolutely love it !

[@afgpielover]

I got goosebumps looking at that car.

[@Chris2010H]

I love the redesigned front bumper, it looks like the offspring of the Vanquish and a DBS 😍

[@AngelManuelPerez]

I really missed this presenter. Always been my favorite on Carfection. :D

[@jonathanb1471]

Another fine video from Alex!

[@WayneB27]

Beautiful job, love that new interior, front fascia and the headlights/tailights. It just has the right ballace of beauty, Class and aggression unlike the current Aston Martins that are covered in exaggerated out of proportion design cues.

[@ReplicantBattyman]

my favourite aston. nice to see it getting some attention

[@stevenagy88]

Fabulous car, fabulous man, fabulous video!

[@lostgleammedia]

Absolutely stunning car and an absolutely stunning remake.

[@RetiOrchid58]

Really nice. Really good design pairing with Bremont, my favourite watch company, too.

[@soubido]

Many will disagree but to me, this is THE Bond car. Even today the Vanquish still looks so good!

[@markscars1069]

When I first saw the thumbnail and saved this to ‘watch later’ I thought it was a special edition of the current car. Then I realised what it actually was. Interesting realisation.

[@FixItRyan]

I missed this guy! Reason I subscribed!

[@norwegiantechnolover]

Strange to see the 1st generation return after the 2nd generation already has been out for a couple of years. Fun to see the old Aston Martin design back though and the new design touches work well! :)

[@Amandahugankiss8888]

HE'S BACK!

[@Al-of3zp]

Absolute artist!

[@kurtismelrose]

Fabulous!!!!. I need to get my order in.!!

[@Mr.k3n]

Worth every penny.

[@ryansyl]

OMG!!! Alex is back!!!!!!

[@ronservice1708]

Looks GREAT!!

[@JDStoneCreations]

LOVE the original Vanquish. I knew that some changes could make it look even better, but not THIS much better! (maybe turn the orange accents into silver or white for true perfection!) I think this is helped by Gran Turismo 3, my Vanquish was this exact blue and has been my favourite colour on the car ever since!

[@ferrariscuderia4290]

The Vanquish is my favourite Aston Martin / Callum :) but I hope above all the mechanics have been improved over the original one. I remember a Fifth Gear episode where Vicki Butler-Henderson drove the then new Vanquish S and a simple over steer maneuver caused an engine belt to dislodge itself. But super excited nonetheless to see this epic classic having been a given a new chapter.

[@MRVSKIN]

Stunning stunning stunning

[@dimhundred]

In that slowmo-shot @0:33 : is that a plastic part from the bumper sticking out and the hand trying it to push back in? Why is that shown in a close up?

[@henryhol8538]

I did not realise just how good this car is, until I saw (and filmed it) at the London Concours. There you could compare the 25 against the original that sat opposite.

[@vaibhavsharma7136]

old Astons having the crystal key was the EPIC THING that happened to Aston Martin & now they have removed it 🙁🙁🙁🙁

[@Real_MisterSir]

Yea I don't get why they removed that and just made a tachy regular key instead. The old one had so much class to it, which seems to be a philosophy that is also slowly phased out by Aston in general. They seemingly care much more about performance specs and appear more generic, instead of having that passionate attention to detail from older times. Back then they actually thought about how people interacted with their cars and how to increase the experience for the driver. Now all the edges are shaved off and the cars are becoming more bland in every regard, just so that they can jump on the Twin turbo high horsepower race like everyone else.

[@malcolmar]

Beautiful!

[@lostgleammedia]

The Vanquish is an excellent design.. totally iconic

[@kezboy1]

Looks stunning

[@Trendyflute]

It's a fantastic visual update of one of my favorite cars to look at (though I'm not sure that shortened rear with the more aggressive diffuser looks better...probably functions better, but I liked the look of the original car's chunkier rear end), but that transmission is unacceptable!

[@expat0077]

Just stunning.

[@pippipster6767]

As JC once famously said ‘you’d have to have a flappy-paddle head to pay that’ ! 🤣

[@mrturnup9185]

Yay Alex!!! Great job man!

[@roberteverett7348]

What an utter legend.

[@sanghoonlee5171]

8:43 Whoa!

[@senshibat8920]

the bespoke is seen at those wonderful pipes sir.. thats a nice classy touch for a GT Lux ultra. the retro modern abstract classical aspects intertwine so well in small details.. the design team 1 offs for the 25 would be fun to see.. Vantage S Spitfire 80, comes to mind.. wood spirit heart.. victory.. The bonnet taper is following a smart line there sir.LED fog lamps could spoil the lower look see why you took to the black package minimalist in quality Cf. one would not tear their dress egressing either.

[@TheLRider]

The roof is not a stressed component therefore could you produce a convertible? It could be stunning. Love the Vanquish and was so fortunate to be part of the team that developed and produced it. Lucky boy ha ha. Mr Callum is a very special man.

[@SupercarsinGreece]

Awesome!!!

[@fabiorodrigues890]

my favourite car of all times, and the most beautiful in the world for me so, thank you Sir, thank you Very Much for the love those precious deserve ;)

[@kristianspencer1978]

The best ever Aston Martin in my opinion is the 1992 twin supercharged vantage. Hand built 5.3 litre v8 with twin Eaton superchargers and 550 bhp, also 550 ibft of torque. The most powerful car in the world in 92. Beautiful car. The vanquish was poor replacement.

[@vincentparascandolo3697]

BEAUTIFUL

[@paulthomson9709]

I like the idea of this , always wondering how difficult it would be get a mid to late 2000s dbs fitted with twin Eton superchargers from the old virage vantage

[@smsm-wo6ty]

That Ford Focus is awesome!

[@marksaxby607]

Just rewatched this - Does the automatic mechanical watch get properly wound by driving it or do you have to wind it separately? I'd guess this won't be a daily driver for most people, so it'd be the latter even if there's enough movement driving!

[@joe5boost]

really beautiful

[@ronservice1708]

I always Loved the 2003 but never got one. Just had to many other ones lol. Nice Job maybe one yet.

[@777kingofkings777]

aww you get a clock that you can take with you! awesome

[@richjohn9356]

Great to have Ian back at work with an Aston.Wish he replaced that blind Reichmann

[@tdotkn9]

He's back 😃😃😃

[@atastefortheroad4475]

As a statement of purpose and intent, the Vanquish 25 hits some high notes and I'm sure there are 25 owners who would love Callum's treatment. Then reel customers in with new ideas over time.

[@michaelsternberg1274]

A joy to see you back Mr Goy and many congratulation to Mr Callum on his CBE - it should have been a knighthood -but this project runs acute risks of seriously worsening an iconic car. Making it even lower will make speed bumps a catastrophe; sitting lower in the seats runs risks the driver can’t see where the bonnet ends - which is what happens in the new DBS; failing to fit a manual or automatic gearbox, means not addressing a real problem and not providing a Volante version is more than a pity!

[@pspk94]

there are bits about it that i like a lot, like the front, the lights, the sidemirrors and things i am not thrilled about it like the interior and the weird patterns. i think the color-scheme might do it a bit of a disservice, it might work better with more modern AMR color-schemes, but that's just my opinion.

[@renatodumaresq]

Very indulgent 👍👍👍

[@ignaziorabboni7131]

WONDERFUL, RACE, POWEREST!🏁 🇬🇧

[@davevandyk2988]

It's a small detail, but I loved the idea of being able to take the mechanical watch with you from the dash. It's like taking a piece of the car with you, and then coming back and connecting it back with the car. Very neat touch. Nice looking Vanquish too.

[@tyler9703]

I never liked how the Vanquish looked, but they made it look so much cooler

[@TLRDL-pb2kc]

Nice enought for a £50k upgrade on your old vanquish, absolutly NOT a £550k car They’d better look what Singer does to 911s. Thats the way to better something that IS great already

[@tom4626]

Spot on!

[@Pimcslyrics]

Those aren't 50K for an upgrade aswell

[@sheumais63]

Reading another interview, it seems Ian Callum is happy with the original gearbox, after Aston Martin updated the software, so he hasn't changed it. An auto is available, but he reckons if you treat the original like a manual, using the paddles, it works well.

[@klasseact6663]

Less is more really applies here, sorry and yes, I'm a pee-on but my eyes work! The original is a thing of beauty, period!!

[@peanuts2105]

Absolutely epic. Where do i sign

[@suttonsplash14]

Good job Alex

[@brianswille]

8:22 " MADEYOULOOK" written under the exhaust tips, that's Mega!

[@edjack1993]

Gorgeous.

[@dbaperth9491]

He hasn't done a bad job at all !! :)

[@jallalabadreturns]

“There’s many designs out there where it feels the front and back are broken in half “ yep... the new Aston range! Especially the new vantage!

[@spdrcrj]

Ian........what a pleasant chap he seems to be.

[@martinhubinette2254]

Things I would spec onto the car: Lower blinker should stay... I absolutely adore those. The rear chrome strip, because it looks good. Change the pattern on the grill, make it look like the DBR9 front grill, with two "pillars" near the sides of the grill. Otherwise I like the design, not that anyone here has enough money to buy one.

[@st3achd464]

I do love the Vanquish. It is an absolute icon and will probably be one forever. I fully respect the attempt to create the ultimate Vanquish and I also respect the man behind this program. He is a mastermind and his success just substantiats that. He is probably more successful and also tasteful than I will ever be, but I don‘t like this car. Don‘t get me wrong, I love Siger Porsches and reimaginations of old cars. Singer nails every aspect of a reimagination: fun and exitment, looks (interieur and exterieur) and rarity. I try to give my opinion as structured as I can. I want to start with looks and I have to say the old car looks better in my opinion, but opinion is personal. What isn’t personal is the fact that a car with lots of vents looks more modern but lacks in terms of class. You can clearly see that pheonmen with the Maserati GrandTurismo. The modern car looks way too busy and lacks in elegance. The Vanquish is also a grand coupe and these cars, unlike supercars, live because of their apperance and class. The front grill is nice, but these side intakes and the hood were overdone. Instead they should have focused on making the car slightly wider. The back end looks like it’s not made for this car. The diffusor looks like it‘s wider than on the Valkyrie. Way too big. The exhaust has no class. The color matches the accents, but a colored ehaust? Instead a subtile akrapovic would do it in my opinion. Aprops colors. If i want a classy Brit, Idefinitly would go for British Racing Green or at least a modernized version of the color. I also would spec different inlets for the vents. History and taste aside, these look messy. The interieur is, in my opinion at least, also not fitting to this car. I know it is difficult to change the interieur, but you pay 500 grand, so it should be possible. The center console looks to flat and aftermarket, the buttons look like they were bought strait from ebay (like the taillights), the center screen looks cheap, the colors dont match that well and the stitching looks like it’s made in 2005. The stitching on the panels looks off by the way. If I want a perfect interieur I‘d go neidfactor and have my own choosen materials in perfect quality. Also the interieur is quite dark. Combined with the limited space it doesn’t look like you would love to spend time in it. My favourite would be a nice white or beige, maybe with wood trim. That has class and looks like a proper grand tourer. Exterieur wise I also dislike the tires. I remember playing midnight club as a kid. There you could color the text on your tires. I did it back in the days because it looked sporty and cool. In reality it looked stupid af., like on this car. Enough for the looks. What I also dislike is the fun you get. This car isn‘t more fun then an original Vanquish. The powergains don‘t help nor does the fact, that this car probably still uses the automatic. This transmision was bad and even aston was the same opinion so they offered a swap to manual. A grand tourer should have an automatic, but in this case I wouldn‘t buy this car without a manual swap. Singer offers a complete new car compared to the specbumbs this Vanquish gets. Maybe I dislike this attempt so much because of the time it‘s made. The Vanquish is too new to remaster it and if you remaster a car, please don‘t just make it look “nicer and more modern“ but also improve it’s inner values. English isn’t my native language, especially not writing it on a mobile device. Have a nice day!

[@tomlangton123]

That is a huge nut. Mans got a bobble head