Does It Get Better Than This? 2005 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S *WORKS MANUAL*

[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@ascarii25]

If you don't loose weight you might not enjoy these cars for much longer

[@chariskainx5447]

can you somehow get your hands on a DB12?

[@QuentinBargate]

I agree. I own an AM Works manually converted 2002 V12 Vanquish, not the "S", but that hardly matters once converted. The conversion I had done by AM works was based on a car from the middle East and added new Satnav, amplification and Alpine header, SatNav, Android and CarPlay with Bluetooth connectivity, new speaker drive units, and its all superb. Goodbye early flappy paddle nonsense, its now a spectacular and beautiful V12 monster!

[@borisyurinov4822]

Question. What's the point? It's so uncomfortable on traffic and in the city. Isn't the auto better?

[@IdiotRace]

@@borisyurinov4822 I don’t think people buy a Vanquish to sit in traffic, also people who want a manual one most likely not the type to show off their sick new supercar by taking it into the middle of a city

[@leostreat3573]

@@borisyurinov4822 I'd hazard a guess at no .

[@josephkelly4893]

Sounds like an absolute dream build, well done

[@lbnewell23]

⁠@@borisyurinov4822definitely not the old early naughties auto boxes are just awful. They were trying to sell them as “the same technology as an F1 car” but they were jerky, not actually that fast at shifting and very easy to catch out and be left floundering with the wrong gear. Simply the worst of both worlds, you get none of the advantages of a manual with driving pleasure but also none of the advantages as a refined smooth auto 😂

[@reality-cheque]

Thanks for the video. I bought a Vanquish, new from the factory in 2002, which replaced a Ferrari 456M GTA. After a couple of weeks, I thought I'd made a terrible mistake and simply couldn't get on with the gearbox. I was losing sleep and eventually called AM, who offered me a day out with one of their test drivers. We drove the car for almost a whole day - at the MIRA test track and on roads around Newport Parnell. By the end of the day, I was so familiar with the gearbox and how it worked, I began to love it! I did over 45,000 in 3 years, making me the highest mileage Vanquish driver in the world (according to Aston Martin) and I drove it on trips round Europe and track days at Goodwood. Clarkson hated the gearbox but he never put in the time, or willingness to learn. It is a 'third' way of driving:- mechanical manual, automatic and hydraulic manual. F1 drivers liked it, because it was the same as the Mario Magnetti gearboxes in their cars and they were OK with left foot braking - which you need to do in certain circumstances. I could do a 3 point turn in my Vanquish, on a hill, without any problems - and change gear faster than anyone else in a manual car. Something, Clarkson, never managed to master.

[@djm_852]

Good post. It gets quite fun learning how to drive around their quirks.

[@geraint8989]

Very interesting. Sounds a little like aviation - one learns how to fly planes, but then they are all very different. If one intends to ‘invest’ in flying a particular type for some years to come, one takes instruction on how best to pilot that specific type well beyond what is necessary for licensing requirements.

[@t3hgir]

awesome comment. Clarkson is funny to me, he drives a Ferrari F50 and goes "it's like my spine is bolted to the chassis" , hey bro got some news for ya...

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Now THAT’S what a V12 should sound like… not the nasally honk that many supercars exhibit today but that deep, Merlinesque bellow with those wonderful harmonics as the revs build. Bravo!

[@carlosandleon]

V12s in general don’t sound very good - this is not an exception

[@michaelgriffiths7937]

Childhood memories of 007 Nightfire ❤️

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Great game

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Loved that game!

[@AMSillje]

Thanks, now I have to get my ps2 from the attic..😅 Great memories indeed!

[@Buuster1999]

Underrated gem!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

I forgot about that game! What was the one that 007 had a cayenne?

[@dadcars]

The original Vanquish is the finest of wines 👌 I can’t wait to check out the rear seats on one, there’s no transmission tunnel meaning it’s a nearly flat rear bench, that will open things up for certain child seats 🙌 awesome video 😎

[@cafe405]

The sound of that thing is just delicious and the styling is so muscular. The DB9 is achingly pretty, but for me the Vanquish is aging the better in terms of looks and kerb appeal....probably due to its rarity.

[@t3hgir]

Vanquish also has the Bond factor

[@tonkinesenchill4240]

This is my dream Aston Martin. There’s just something about the look and sound, and finally available as a manual 🔥

[@bicyclist2]

This is one of the cars I would buy if I ever won the lottery. I love the look of Aston's. I'd love to see them bring back manual transmissions. Thank you.

[@jamessheehy4895]

My absolute all time dream car right there

[@lptomtom]

My dream Aston since 2002... what a magnificent machine

[@Pato-ot3hf]

I prefer the DB9/DBS but man that thing is gorgeous as well.

[@Kalepsis]

Wish I had a manual in my 2015 Vanquish. That would make it a perfect car.

[@josephkelly4893]

Great video JM. Love this engine, what a monster. Funnily enough the boys from the KZbin channel ‘Stay Tuned’ are just starting a build with this V12, they are shoehorning it into a FoxBody Mustang.

[@ThunderChunky101]

Great thanks to the owner! Thanks for giving us this wonderful review.

[@travismarshall1481]

Love the V12 sound in the intro ❤

[@dallasstang2818]

My all time list puts this just under the 2009-2012 DBS. 09 DBS 06 Vanquish S manual

[@AnnatarTheMaia]

An Aston Martin with a manual. Now you're feeling me, and I love you back!

[@coreykononchuk]

I’ve been waiting for someone to do a review of this car! Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire owns one but I still don’t think he’s reviewed it yet, despite owning it for years. Thanks for sharing this awesome car with us!

[@watchman2263]

Excellent truly excellent review. Thinking of taking the plunge - this was JM at his best.

[@adambodhi431]

Check out Ian Callums reimagining of the Vanquish called the Callum 25 ..even more beautiful

[@apostolis2939]

Fantastic car and video i've always idolised this car, i'm glad it doesn't seam to suffer from other manual vh cars problems, makes me want it even more!!! The last piece of the modern manual aston puzzle for you to review would be the dogleg vantage v12 s, a car that seams to divide opinions on it's gearbox. I wish you review one soon and find out your thoughts!!!

[@conner.9262]

Sensational car, great overview, and by far one of the greatest AM’s. Do not forget the designer of this car Ian Calum have now brought out a limited addition revamped manual costing near £500K so this manual conversion is a give away in comparison…..?

[@AMSillje]

This Aston has such an amazing presence on the road! The esiest way to tell whether it is a vanquish S is the addition of a 3rd brakelight on the spoiler (in my opinion ofcourse).

[@Abarthgo]

The best looking Aston without a doubt.

[@kevincoombs7348]

My next door neighbour had two new DB9's before going over to Continentals and I really miss the sound on start up!

[@leostreat3573]

It's ageing better than the DB9 in my humble opinion. The design is more similar to the brand new ones than the DB9 I'd say. The haunches over the rear wheels look meaty and make a sleek car look slightly muscular and aggressive ish , just enough. Lovely.

[@scarletmacaw]

Not all. Disagree 💯%

[@n0w3lly90]

Amazing sounding V12s that Aston make

[@richardelson3261]

That sound. Those looks. ❤

[@johnsim3722]

Ian Callum is a design genius. Surprised its taken so long for you to realise.

[@HarveyJohnWillmott]

absolutely excellent video mate.

[@richardheath3923]

Alongside the Vantage V600 this is the ultimate version of my ultimate Aston, and that’s a hard fought list. Utterly spectacular!!

[@KevinWhite-cx9st]

Friend of mine has the Vantage V12 Manual…beautiful car

[@acalthu]

Finally, a video on what is probably still the most sought after modern Aston Martin unicorn spec.

[@euronymous93]

the db7 era vanquish is my ALL TIME dream car, not sure why, but the looks and sound just make up for any and all downfalls. and honestly, if i was to buy one, i would rather have the auto manual, just as piece of mind, that i cant money shift it. its a real shame ill never be able to afford one

[@panoply1886]

I love this car and always dreamed of owning one, but knowing a mate's Dad with one it was an absolute nightmare.

[@stephendavies6949]

Lovely looking car. Good to see a review of a manual, although I'd still buy the auto.

[@sleebanger]

my dream car from highschool.... in silver or forest green.

[@drumnbass8]

Nice Hertfordshire road that one, I know it well. Nic Mee are very pleasant to deal with in my experience

[@JamesDean2112]

You certainly know how to make an intro to a video 😍 that sound 😭

[@jedi666sith]

I love this car so much! I fell in love with it since the 1st time I saw it in the 007:Nightfire videogame but If I buy one, it will be the DB9 GT Bond Edition because I love everything about it and I imagine that the parts are easier to get and maybe less expensive? Hehe Great video man! :D

[@Biosynchro]

That was a cool game. I never got around to finishing it though. I think I got bored at the hotel level (or am I thinking of a different game?).

[@jedi666sith]

@@Biosynchro Yeah I believe you're refering to a diferent game because there isn't a hotel level on Nightfire. This beautiful Aston appears in the first mission of saving Paris on New Year's eve, Another where you escape from the bad guys in a very similar place as Die Another Day with the snow and frozen lakes and finally you use it like a submarine, that last one is very boring haha 😝

[@DFM-oq7op]

If you go onto buy one of these, look for the ‘Ultimate’ version. All black at I think only 250 produced.

[@santipedros6908]

Thanks for the video! I love that car

[@richiedudding7671]

Great video. You need to get a manual V12S. You will enjoy the gearbox😝

[@TheBS80]

Sometimes I really miss my ex 2006 Vanquish S. That sound is still unique and the modern Astons...well..

[@titicaca.]

Liked for the NM coversion

[@CX06]

For an engine that started life as a 1.8 V6 in the Mazda MX-3, it's still lovely. A shame that modern V12's don't sound as good.

[@ZondaF355]

The sound of a Vanquish in person leaves a mark that I have never forgotten. The sound is special

[@fabiorodrigues890]

My dream car 😍😍😍 Vanquish

[@computerhelpcc]

Great review

[@kevinnicholson7722]

nice car . Ian callum's finest. Nice haircut too!

[@mikeypv6]

Just the intro with the sound of the V12 reminded me of watching James Bond Die Another Day at the cinema... awesome film and car but think i prefer the green Jag XKR in the film but this for sure sounds better

[@LPVP123]

James .....Can you please give us a update on your Honda S2000 ?.....Im not sure you even still own it ?.....You look happiest to me when your driving roadsters every time in every video !...... I love seeing you driving your S2000 mate !

[@rogermarcon6050]

I have an ‘05 Vanq S with the conversion as well. Great car and besides the regular tuneup (spark plugs and coilpacks) it has been fantastic. From my research there are around 100 cars that have been converted to manual out of 2600 total vanquish production. Some were shipped back to the factory, and some were converted by AM here in the states (including mine) in batches… but they no longer offer this. I keep track of the conversion vins on vinwiki if anyone is curious. Have tracked down 20 so far. If anyone has any vins they would like to share please let me know!

[@benpenagonzales6014]

I think this is one we’ll look back and say do you remember these at 60-80k

[@chrisblay]

It is a beautiful looking car, even today.

[@StuntmanMike88]

Yes it does get better! With the DBS!

[@Krezo200]

Dreamcar The sound, v12, manual In such a beautiful car 10/10

[@andresguerin7162]

Vantage V12 manual is the one to get!

[@leongiles3496]

Thank you again

[@AndyRRR0791]

The Vanquish S had a shorter final drive because the reality was you couldn't actually feel the extra 40hp in the real world so something had to be done to make it feel quicker. I think you'll find that the acceleration times were better in the S. I have mixed feelings about the loss of the automated manual. It's part of the technological era of the car although it was, for sure, underdeveloped. The system was a Marelli thing and the application documentation had Selespeed written all through it so the origins are clear. I'm sure FIAT shared with with Ferrari too, rather than the other way 'round. I had a great time engineering the vehicle and OBD MY calibration update that became the S, including a fine trip to the Dolomites and Stelvio to suss out some altitude cold start problems that customers were reporting in earlier cars. Well, someone had to try to fix it...

[@katieprice2]

Hi, I heard that AML went for a "cheaper" solution than Ferrari. Not sure what that means. Is there less metal on the Marelli gear changer or is the Tremec gear box of less good standard? In any case it seems predictable that in combination with some Ford software it became a bit of a mess :)

[@AndyRRR0791]

@@katieprice2 It wasn't really a mess nor was the software to blame for anything. I've been involved with Ford software from EEC-V in the Mk1 Focus RS and the AML Vanquish. IMO Ford did software really well. There is, however, a limit to what you can do with a single-clutch automated trans and much of the results rest on the calibration effort expended. Much of the code or at least the algorithm appeared to be borrowed wholesale from Marelli even though it was running in the Ford/AML controller (x2)

[@katieprice2]

Intersting, love it, thank you. Provides for great insight in the production/ selection process. It's all always similar except that you never get to know it with the bigger brands (just like the reuse of switches and mirrors and all the other stuff that does not really matter if it would not be repeated on KZbin each and every time). There is also an interesting (at least for layman) video by Drivetribe on the "real" history of the Aston V12. In total, you seem to have gone through many steps to build a functioning car that was only produced in ca. 2000 units. Cool stuff, great dedication! And if Dr. Betz only cared about the Ford Ka airwents, he certainly missed a lot😂

[@simonjago9611]

Just superb!!

[@gstavrou]

It was a close run but Halle Berry in a bikini just nudges it.

[@theswissdriver]

I was waiting for this video! Need to test drive one of these. I wonder if AMW will still do the conversion today if I brought them one.

[@douglasjames4905]

Works is at Newport Pagnell, retaining the legacy facility. They service on all the NP cars, and full restorations. Rusted DB5? 100-year old trials sports cars? DB2 Mk III dropheads, DB4 GT Zagato? Yes. ALL. edit:sp

[@anonymous_bot_bot]

Every angle was good apart from the back. It was sad looking from the rear. Which is the only angle you should be looking at. Edit, too many people go on about how the interior looks. I look out of the windows, all I care about inside is ergonomics and ease of operation.

[@richardsmith9509]

OMG James, such a gorgeous car.....

[@harveytr7106]

Have a V8 Vantage Roadster manual. Clutch: ridiculously easy to stall ✅ Gear lever in the wrong place: ✅ Still love it: ✅

[@katieprice2]

ACTUALLY James, I was told that the cars with "flappy paddle gearbox" have various preferences when it comes to shift sequences: Some accelerate better from 0-60 while others are better on the move. Apparently the unique mix of Tremec gear box, Magnetti Marelli sequential gear changer and Ford software being the source of some complexity ... anyhow, I like the idea that each car has its individual characteristics. Fits the brand in its (original) form and increases personal bonding 😊 Also, some manoeuvres with the paddles can become a real challenge (simple red light on a small incline) and no matter how you have to stay focussed the whole time and transpire a lot 😅 007 training for beginners!

[@katieprice2]

Also maybe of interest: the original non-S seats leave more elbow-room for shifting than the S-bucket seats, just like some of the center consols have to be reclined and in case of the 2006 center console rearranged to make for additional room for the forward movement. Still cramped, like the third pedal.

[@TML34]

Sounds durrrrty! I love it. 🔥😈

[@paultucker1272]

Glorious!

[@Suprahampton]

Next you'll have to drive the Vanquish by Callum, Ian Callum's re-engineered version

[@07BlackSpecV]

My all time favorite car but the transmission...pushed me to a V8 Vantage 6 speed to reduce risk. Don't regret it but I still pine for a Vanquish.

[@deaks25]

I adored the Vanquish from the first time I saw it, and for me the best Aston line-up was the Vanquish/S, DB9 and V8 Vantage, because they were all distinct and unique, but still instantly recognisable as a modern Aston. Since then, where everything became a DB9 derivative, it detracted from the magic. I genuinely didn't know Aston did a factory manual. I can see the later edition appealing; being able to fit a modern in-car entertainment system is often the only mod-con truly missing from these early 00's cars. At which point, modern cars that are heavy, ugly and expensive just don't make sense.

[@matthewlynch5645]

Whoo hoo....first in 😊 Good work J !

[@ThunderChunky101]

The interior is just a Ford Cougar with posher stitching. But manual?! Perfect car.

[@WhiteMouse77]

....I can't believe this manual version impressed me so much that I would consider it as an alternative to renovated BMW 850CSi....

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Brilliant!!!!

[@samr2332]

As I have said in one of your previous videos, I think this is the most beautiful Aston ever and I was in the market for a used one. The gearbox and rumours of it, put me off and the manual that I saw was converted by "someone", not Aston. Hence, I did not buy it. Still a beautiful car though.

[@JFord44]

@jayemmoncars love that shirt! Would you share where you got it?

[@TheSgtsMess]

I would love to get one, but wary of the costs when it goes wrong

[@graygamingps4503]

Another brilliant review Jay and what a car. I have to disagree though about your comments about this being the last time Aston could challenge Ferrari and the DBS not being up to the F12 etc. After the 575, Ferrari went down a completely different path and basically created a super car with an engine in front of the driver. Aston stuck to their roots so the following cars aren't as comparable as the 575 & 550 is to the Vanquish

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That sounds a lot like you are agreeing with me but using different words

[@graygamingps4503]

@JayEmmOnCars So you mean they can't compete in specific areas rather than the overall package? If so I agree in the performance aspect but I think looks, noise, interiors and steering/brakes in certain models the Astons don't only keep up with Ferrari they beat them

[@ManxAndy]

The one Aston I would love to own…..it might give you a pain in the wallet….but it will give you a lump in you’re throat, and a jump in you’re heart everytime you walk out the door to drive it…..👍🇮🇲👌😉

[@Fioravanti.80]

I was speaking to a Ferrari Specialist recently, and he said manuals in later V12 Ferraris like the 612, 599, do not work that well either. The cars were designed with the automated manual systems, (and granted these were much better resolved systems by the time of the 599/430scud) so the manual versions are clunky and not that sweet to use, yet they demand a huge premium, ever since the craze over "must have a manual gearbox!".

[@markgtrheyes]

Beautiful thing

[@KonstantinosKandiliotis]

And let us not forget Ian Callum's Vanquish conversion, though super expensive 😬

[@arizonaridersclub]

We're riding with ya.

[@desertwindauh]

How firm is the clutch? Please compare it with your Maranello 550. Thanks

[@adam_s2k]

Since having a baby, I’ve realised how much you remind me of “Mr Tumble”

[@davidarter6271]

Is this the ultimate Aston Martin? It would be very collectible if it was.

[@Jdjfbficjenenwk3736]

This or 2007 era DBS?

[@sidelnie]

Can you review the 2018 Vanquish S?

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Sublime.

[@peterobertson1457]

Christ, that noise.....❤

[@lukamilic]

Instantly reminds me of Johnny English

[@jemtugwellauthor6062]

I owned a manual Vanquish S. converted by AM works in period to show what was possible. I love manual cars but the gear change didnt suit the car and could keep up with a Ferrari 550. 550 box so much better. If you want a Vanquish stay with the paddles

[@surplusstock8778]

What price do we think these will bottom out at?approaching 40k now.Can't be much lower.

[@enwins]

Definitely the spec they should have been

[@londonman8688]

still have a V600

[@stiffmeister0hYeah]

"it is the best thing about Die Another Day". Thanks for the good laugh!

[@drstevej2527]

If AM could agree to design a car for Porsche it would be the greatest looking best sports car on earth.