Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 review plus guide to the best roads in S.Wales

[@actionarslan]

Every time I see a shot of him driving away, I can’t help but feel that he’s leaving poor Mrs. M behind. Oh Bless her heart

[@Wonky_ties]

😂😂😂 that’s always been in my thoughts as well! I hope Harry makes up for it by treating Mrs M with 🎁

[@andrewhurstcars]

Some interesting modifications, but if you’re charging Singer money, then the interior needs to be Singer quality. Old Ford parts bin switchgear won’t cut it at that level.

[@davidd4531]

Spot on!

[@MrDouchoid]

It is a prototype though. Let's hope they can do something

[@maxnex7676]

This has always been a problem for Aston Martin, supercar money for cheap parts bin parts and lets face it a cheap info-entertainment system.

[@DAGATHire]

indeed tho you forgot the detachable watch clock thingy that doesn't work.... and pause at 30:27 for a hilariously badly fitted glove box door.
Ur spot on mate. it's still a ford.

[@buggs9950]

Ah but the advantage is that when anything breaks you can say (in a snooty voice) "That is a Ford part".
I own a Jag, I am practiced at this.

[@reality-cheque]

Having bought a Vanquish new from the factory in 2002 (Chassis #0240) I can completely relate to the 'improvements'. The interior is disappointing and the dials look awful but the 'waterfall' looks good and the exterior/stance is an improvement. Shame the 'Zagato' crease in front of the rear wheels was retained. I was tempted to have my doors rebuilt to get rid of it.
I actually liked the original gearbox (which was a Marelli manual gearbox with hydraulic clutch activated by paddles (like an F1 car) with a computer auto function), but I did over 30,000 miles in my car and got used to it. I can see how a reviewer might struggle with it after only a few hundred miles. F1 drivers loved it though!
I took my Vanquish on several track days and never found a problem with its handling although the brakes overheated easily.
For those looking for an alternative, I highly recommend another Ian Callum design - the all aluminium Jaguar XK and XKR (X150) - similar performance (XKR) for a fraction of the cost with the same view through the door mirrors, better interior, more reliability and it comes in coupe or convertible 😊.

[@ReclusiveDuck]

I doubt you'll see this but I'll post it just in case, and hopefully at the very least it'll give other people some ideas too. Lived in the Brecon Beacons area for 25yrs, if you take a smaller car it'll open up a plethora of roads beyond just the A4069 and B4560, and busier main A roads.
---The back road from Brecon to Builth is great fun, turn off for Garth just after Upper Chapel for a very quiet road that goes through the ranges (no restrictions, it's always open) and a breathtaking drop down to Garth.
---A continuation of the B4560 from Bwlch to Talgarth is a real challenge.
---Llanidloes to Machynlleth via the mountain road is spectacular.
---B4358 Beulah to Newbridge-on-Wye is more akin to a roller coaster than a road.
---The back road from Rhyader to Aberystwyth that crosses the top of the Elan valley is wild and remote.
---A4215 Libanus to Defynnog is very flowing and, if heading towards Libanus, gives an awesome view of Pen-Y-Fan and Corn Du.
---The section of the A4067 between Defynnog and the National Show Caves is very scenic and ultra fast. (Watch out for occasional camera van just south of Crai).
---Abergavenny to Usk via B4598 (turn right at the Steel Horse Cafe after a few miles) is a lovely flowing road if quiet. Ditto the Chepstow to Usk road and also Chepstow to Raglan road.
--- A482 Llanwrda to Lampeter is great if clear.
---A483 Llandrindod to Newtown. Too busy in the daytime and just a drag due to lack of overtaking spots but a lot of fun at night.
Just a handful of the roads I know of plus there are countless quiet unclassified roads that are equally great fun. I have a little MR2 which is a perfect size for most situations. Currently my longest "Just going out for a spin" session is 14hrs, mostly on the very quiet unclassifieds, just to give an idea of the sheer number of quiet roads available if driving a smaller car.
*Top tip for visitors following the A40 into Wales* ....Don't turn off at the roundabout and go into Abergavenny, instead go straight on and join the A465 for a couple of miles and turn off at Gilwern. Then either take the little back road on the right to rejoin the A40 at Glangrwyney (saves at least 10mins, more if Abergavenny is clogged up), or you can follow the road to the bridge between Llangattock and Crickhowell. Particularly handy if you're specifically just going to the B4560 as it cuts out both Abergavenny and Crickhowell completely.

[@warlord195711]

Leather lining for the bonnet! That rather sums up this car - more money than sense.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Exactly, & a disgusting display of gross excess. I guess if you spend way north of half a million pounds on one of these, you are probably only going to drive it once in a while so the leather will probably last for a little while. Sadly I bet there are way more than 25 rich fools who want one of these. What a fucking waste.

[@joecooper3073]

gareth roberts, it’s a cool idea but not very well thought out. I actually saw this comment and instantly thought of the leather coming away from the bonnet due to engine heat before I saw it come up in the video and couldn’t believe it was already coming away from the bonnet! If an 18 year old A level student can tell that’s going to be a problem, surely someone at Callum design can😂

[@Zadster]

Sadly, I suspect these cars are being made to drive about 12 miles and then be laid up in a middle east or far east climate controlled garage for 50 years or so.

[@ZRXRICK]

@@Zadster At least making the instruments unreadable won't matter.

[@kavinskysmith4094]

Leather and wood used to be used to hold Bentley's together, like the sections of an aircraft, and they've held up rather well provided you keep up with the greasing to preserve the wood

[@johncollymore1697]

Superb Harry's Garage car-enthusiast's video - as always - Many Thanks indeed. Heroic Mrs Metcalfe once again with her behind-the-camera work, especially hanging on during the driving parts - as always! Many thanks for the scenic tour of SW Wales. Best wishes.

[@judih.8754]

Thank you Ms. M! I hope you don't mind all the camera work on the side of the road. Those drive by's are worth it. Cheers love!

[@stuartsmith5308]

Thank you Mrs.Metcalfe for your excellent filming. It's always nice to hear you attend trips with Harry.

[@jamesdurward866]

Buy a manual DBS and a lot of nights in five star hotels as you tour it around Europe :)

[@joecooper3073]

James Durward, amen, my favourite modern (ish) Aston and still the best looking modern one in my opinion

[@LastOnSunday]

£70/80k for a nice manual Vanquish seems to be a bargain next to this!

[@Vonstroke]

100%

[@LastOnSunday]

Dean Gibbons we all know that in a few years time, this drivers car will be sitting on a plinth in a lake with 900miles, for sale at twice the original price & described as “Great future Investment”.

[@pj9375]

Or a db7 vantage manual.... You can even take your mistress as well then 👌

[@DrFod]

New videos from Harry and Iain Tyrrell makes for the perfect Sunday.

[@morbsgti20vt83]

I was more taken with the Rover V8 than this....

[@nahidrahman]

You know Harry is an OG of the motoring journalist game when he gets to review (and road trip) a 1 of 25 limited-run car from the comfort of his own garage rather than in the studios everyone else has to do their videos

[@sparky4878]

Is that a justifiable excuse when caught speeding “I’m sorry officer, I couldn’t read the speedo as some designer let his ego run out of control and made stupid dials I can’t read”?

[@williamdrijver4141]

The sound when he closes the door....you can tell it's an old car. Great drive and terrific scenery!

[@Brookspirit]

I like the mechanical upgrades a lot, not keen on the interior design choices.

[@w-james9277]

I quite like it. Nice and retro!

[@maxo2141]

The 'life imitates art' text on the door sills are pretty horrific

[@Maurice_Moss]

Yeah looks too gaudy for me.

[@maxnicholls7254]

straight back to 1983

[@kraenk12]

Disappointing...it looks noticeably worse than the original inside and out.

[@johncollier608]

Love the styling, love the engine, love the sound. But all the re-design and re-engineering is let down with interior. It's a real shame given the price. Great video, Harry. Thank you.

[@memsybabe]

I just wish they'd taken the opportunity to smooth out that vertical rear wheel arch line that goes onto the doors. Always made it feel like an afterthought of an arch extension to me...

[@steverichards1025]

memsybabe I realise it’s personal but I think that’s the whole point of the Van styling! Not the super smooth DB9 look, something deliberately less polished

[@Maurice_Moss]

That's my favourite part of the vanquish, but each to their own I guess.

[@allanreardon]

I'm with you. They could still have a nice wheel arch but that lump on the door just looks terrible. Always has. But who am I kidding, if someone tossed me the keys I'd still have it. :-)

[@gtvrossa]

One of my all time face!!!! I've still got that edition of Evo with that car on the front. The Vanquish still is a stunner! I know it's far from perfect but so what? I'd still own one! Great review too Harry, keep up the great work!!!

[@VisionCommunications]

Harry’s reviews are second to none! I’ve been to Wales on a couple of occasions and had my own car on one occasion. The UK is quite beautiful!

[@TRJx86]

those gauge etchings are incredibly silly

[@visionist7]

They're awful. I'd spec mine without.

[@amcluesent]

MOT fail too, but of course these cars are all going to UAE etc

[@stephenswift8001]

Optional I should think and no I wouldn’t have them either.

[@markcowland5384]

Only rivalled by the silly mechanical clock/watch that wont wind itself when in place in the dash.

[@markhealy9361]

Indeed! Very naff.

[@gglasser8375]

I usually don't bother with reading comments on TH-cam, but I got carried away on this thread waiting to see a positive one. I read my limit (about 20) and have yet to see my opinion reflected. I'm in love with the interior on this car! The styling improvement is outstanding, without being so heavily modified that it looks aftermarket, inside and out. The price is irrelevant. Once you go past 300K for a car, it's funny money. Making a logical argument about what you could get for the same price is not the kind of consideration a potential buyer of this car needs to make. Tremendous vid as usual, your critique of shifter placement and gauge clarity are more examples of why I can't get enough of your material!

[@LOTUSELISE340R]

Which would you rather?
A Callum 25 Vanquish
or
a Porsche Taycan Turbo S, 911 Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe and a Cayman Gt4...and still have the cost of the donor Vanquish left over.
Great vid as always, Harry! Keep it up. Love all the details and EVO lore. I miss the heck out of cracking open my fresh new copy back in the day.

[@tillyfoxtrotter]

I suspected from the start this would be an overly favourable review and I was correct.
To not have been more critical of the frankly attrocious modifications and the general look of the interior suggests this loaner car came with some editorial control from the owner Mr Callumn. Always a threat I would guess to Harry and others - "be nice or you wont get to have it to review" Akin to Mr Crook at Bristol Cars back in the day.
I will be staggered if they sell more than four. It was only a few years ago a Vanquish would have st you back £35-40k and handling aside this hardly improves on the original.
Enjoyable video none the less. As always thankyou Harry.
Ps. What adverts? Firefox free browser removes all adds on TH-cam and everywhere else without a glitch.

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

The Monmouth to Hereford B-road is an absolute joy.

[@iiredeyeiiredeye1569]

Thanks for that...Melton Mowbray to Market Harborough if you're ever up that way?...Sssh;)

[@Dan-wz9tr]

Old road from Ross-on-Wye to Abergavenny Nuremberg esk !

[@ReclusiveDuck]

That's a good one as is Rockfield to Abergavenny, Chepstow to Raglan backroad, and Chepstow to Usk (when quiet).

[@TheOmniscientAtheist]

I thought it was gonna be like half a mil, but you have to supply the donor car as well?! That is a bit cheeky tbh

[@robertbailey8003]

Maybe they'll do an exchange system, a bit like Camberly Auto Factors used to do for clutch plates.

[@daveb5211]

Well its was 450k plus donor so you weren't far off...

[@ron56ify]

I thought 250k, but then I have an £800 Mazda Mx3
who am I to guess,
It's a v6 though

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

But a donor car and then they de-value it by doing this to it :P

[@G58]

Just realised that I saw this car very briefly when I was in Wales. Can’t remember now precisely where I was at the time, but I travelled from Bridge End to Harlech, and it was before I reached the Brecon Beacons.
The reason I’m pretty certain it was this particular Aston is because of that colour producing THAT awesome sound.
Thank you for sharing Harry. You’re the best car guy on YT by a long way. Very nicely presented, and always honest. One of the few places where integrity can still be found being practiced.

[@niichuuko1095]

glad to finally see this era of car get the "greatest hits" treatment of restomodding...a delight.

[@petergibbs]

A UK road trip - just as good as popping down to the Med. I'd like to see you do more of this kind of road trip Harry. I still like it when you do the Europe trips, but some more in the UK would be nice.

[@jinayl]

The interior of the Vanquish has never done justice to its gorgeous exterior design. And I actually still prefer the original interior to this one.

[@atom999]

Hmm, door close sounds just like my barn, centre console has the 2000 hifi looks, manual doesn't work that great. I reckon buy an original one, and visit Centre of Gravity to fix the handling, and you dont need much more. Great video, as always.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Also, you'd save over four hundred thousand pounds. Of course as someone else pointed out in another thread, these are going to the Middle East where that kind of money is chump change.

[@woooster17]

atom I had the same thought re: the door sound closing.. sounded like a 20 year old Peugeot. Beautiful car, but there seem to be so many things that are not up to the standard the price demands!

[@philt5782]

I so thought that when Harry shut the door. lol

[@mercury6765]

Prefer the design of the original vanquish - looks were never the problem with that car...

[@rossfripp4503]

Am I the only one who thinks that for that price that interior is somewhat shoddy?

[@James-oo1yq]

It's "Awful" I'd sort the suspension and take the standard car

[@rossfripp4503]

@@James-oo1yq I'd probably take a later model Vanquish to be honest!

[@ahemgee9542]

Astons interiors are all shit for the money lets be honest.

[@humanbeing1675]

No. I would expect more "britishness" instead of plastic look and weird design on the seats..

[@thetruthwillout9094]

That is the most beautiful car designed in the past 40 years. Absolutely stunning from every angle.

[@pdalia]

I could probably watch endless videos of Harry's garage without even noticing, the quality of journalism is superb only matched by other few . Well done Harry , always a pleasure watching your videos .

[@nickbitten6037]

Clicked " like" only a minute into this as i knew it was going to be so good. Class video as always Harry.

[@johnsayer116]

Harry's videos are always class. Sometimes the cars though are beyond ridiculous... as here.

[@nSpiraliArchitectb]

Would be so keen to see you do a piece on the M600. Such an interesting car.

[@thebigpicture2032]

16:40 A beautiful setting for coffee.

[@GadgetyMV]

Sounds fabulous, and hard to believe this is a car presented in 1999. It definitely has a better stance now. This is the car that took the DB4 GT Zagato look and adapted it to modern times, and set a Aston on its new trajectory for 20 years. Looks spectacular in red.

[@thomass3769]

I wish the BMW M4 designers would look at this grille as an example of great design.
Glorious engine sound and great travel video!

[@nickgoode8579]

My favourite Aston and literally my favourite part of the planet in Pembrokeshire

[@farmerlamb2372]

B4329 is right by my farm, I've always said it's an excellent road, I probably heard you.. there are a couple of Aston V12s about here though...

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

I’d give the car 7/10 and the video 10/10. Thank you!

[@ac24z]

I get that someone with the reputation and CV of Ian Callum would want to cash in on his reputation a bit and the original Vanquish surely was never perfect. But in many areas this make over seems like rip-off. Who needs all that carbon stuff and fancy materials under the bonnet? And a mechanical watch that stops after two days is a complete joke.

[@mrb4211]

Stephan Joram totally agree. Love the film from Harry as always. But cannot see the attraction of this car.

[@fraserwright9482]

Gotta love the fact that they botched up the door/vent/trim alignment on a press car 🤫.. all very British. But look it has tartan old boy you dont get that in an LFA

[@Beer_Dad1975]

It's for extracting stupid amounts of money from stupid stupidly rich people. Honestly you could buy a good low mileage vanquish and get a quality custom vehicle engineering company to make it far better than this for vastly less money - but you'd also devalue it in the process - where as these things probably won't depreciate due to the number of vastly wealthy yet vastly stupid people that are happy to pay for a name.

[@Zadster]

The bonnet insulation shows a fundamental lack of appreciation of materials, and the socket that the watch sits in could have been installed with an inductive winder to kick the rotor/pendulum every few minutes. A massive lack of attention to detail all over the place. Then again, it is a car that is being built to generate cash for Mr Callum, not push back the boundaries of automotive science or art.

[@matt821]

How much weight do you reckon was saved having carbon fibre front light housings.

[@MartinIrwin]

I appreciate the little details, such as the sunglasses Bond wears in Casino Royale. Great video Harry. Take care.

[@huckfinn9860]

Name's Garage.. Harry's Garage

[@letsflyaway1]

Wow it’s beautiful. When I was doing my apprenticeship we built a DB2 mk4 for the Pirelli classic. Things have come a long way. Great video thank you.

[@thomasjaggers3576]

Harry, you are a truely fortunate man. In spite of possessing a solid sense of humor never lowering yourself to such as "stand up". Bravo!

[@magnus.nasmark]

The worst part is the fake calligraphy on the door sill (it's just a font). Cheesy wording and, most importantly, very badly executed. Every graphic designer in the world get sick looking at it.

[@ChristopherKose]

100% correct!

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

The font is okay, but the idea is kind of "JustGirlyThingz"

[@pj9375]

Agree completely... Reminded me of this stupid house words people have over their mantle pieces.... 'love life'.... Bollox

[@matt821]

Maybe there's a selection of pretentious phrases than you can choose from. I'm still only halfway through the video, maybe this is brought up.

[@dbasq1]

Big 'Live, Laugh, Love' energy off it.
Very Tacky.

[@ydnallah1541]

“Life imitates art”
Callum imitates Halfords more like

[@maxnex7676]

Don't insult Halfords.

[@ydnallah1541]

max nex
Sorry Halfords 😅

[@johnsayer116]

Yes! What a stupid pointless thing to do. Like all those middle age women who plaster their houses with Live Laugh Love slogans and paste in onto Facebook after their divorces..

[@judih.8754]

I was surprised that you commented about the steering wheel being on the right (correct) side at 18:33. I always wondered why the UK never changed. I remember when Sweden changed ages ago. Admittedly I'm biased being from the US. I do love the color and don't find the interior as offensive as some commenters. Lovely sounds from the V12.

[@LynGriffiths70]

Never tire of the view as you drive down towards Newgale beach.

[@ES90344]

Gorgeous car, sounds great but the interior really lets the car down. Especially for that insane price.

[@julian987r4]

Those dials are ridiculously poor design. Who on Earth signed off on those dials?

[@alexroge6495]

One guy designed it

[@jon81crowe]

Callum did. He likes living in denial of speed and fuel consumption by obscuring their read outs

[@MrJimmyjammmy]

Just worked it out, the colour scheme of the interior and the 'abstract' tartan. Reminds me of a manly mid 1980s argos duvet cover.

[@jon81crowe]

30 mins and not one advert. Thank you for giving us a break on one video. Really enjoyed. 😃

[@eyesurgeon69]

rear quarter looks awkward. It's like touching up a Rembrandt, probably should not be done. Create something new.

[@sandromartins20]

The original Vanquish was already like that.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

The Vanquish has always been the thug in the lineup.

[@timgosling6189]

There's a diffuser and different lenses on the rear lights but the rear quarters are unchanged?

[@sandromartins20]

@@timgosling6189 That's right!

[@reghollisquimdribbler737]

Jesus, that interior is absolutely awful. So low rent it's beyond belief. The cheap and nasty C stuck everywhere, it just looks like a bit of it has fallen off. Aston's should exude craftsmanship and good taste. This does neither.

[@benzinapaul7416]

Yes that C logo looks crass compared to the Aston logo. Think Mr Callum has been smoking a lot of weed in his semi-retirement, must be stoned or pissed if he thinks people will pay upwards of half a million for this restomod

[@davidhall7744]

The etching on the dials os bizarre. Looks like something from the 80’s 🤷🏻‍♂️ Dont like their ‘C’ logo either, its a bit cheap looking.

[@MVD792]

the original vanquish looks so much better. those rear lights look so cheap, out of an aliexpress catalog..

[@blairbrown4812]

The last generation Vanquish looks so much better.
Hell, the Dodge Challenger Widebodies looks so much better, and some have complained that the look is carbon-dated!
But I would much prefer to judge a car by its performance, rather by its looks. Mostly because I've seen cars that are so much uglier than this....

[@LuisSanchez-hn1iq]

I totally agree with u those round fog/markers lamps and the original front is timeless if I had the money I buy a 2005 with the duck tail in green color and install a manual transmission and save 1/2 of million

[@dominicancheif117]

I agree the taillights look pretty bad, I’m also not a fan of the carbon brake ducts at the front, it looks tacky to me

[@future62]

@@blairbrown4812 performance is important, but at this level is largely inaccessible on the street, so to me the details matter and this falls short. Especially for the money. I'll take a regular Vanquish and fix whatever I don't like

[@oneeleven9832]

Designer for large manufacturer now realises why the bean counters kept saying no...beautiful but totally ridiculous price..

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Yes too many 0's at the end

[@Leamick]

Back when Evo was a great magazine IMHO.

[@Watson1973]

Love that old Aston Martin noise unlike the AMG sourced one in the new Astons which just isn’t the same.
Wales is stunning we stayed at pendine sands.
Great video as always Harry

[@HeyyyNicho]

"Life Imitating Art..."
Haha! Properly naff. Although that's the least of it's problems to be honest.

[@thegearknob7161]

It reeks of Staffy-Mae's bedroom wall art. I never expected Callum to be behind something quite so tacky. Perhaps it was just put there to see if anyone would notice it.
We have something similar on the wall in the spare bedroom as a joke, because my brother jokes a lot about that sort of thing. It's served it's purpose but since nobody can stay over at the moment nobody has bothered to take it down. I shudder every time I see it.

[@HeyyyNicho]

@@thegearknob7161 Staffy-Mae, that's brilliant 😆 "Live, Laugh, Love..." "Bathe..." "Sleep..." "Family..." in foot-high letters on the walls of Callum's semi, I bet. Classy 👌

[@theart8039]

These cars do absolutely nothing for me..and it's not jealousy speaking..interesting to watch however

[@humanbeing1675]

I really like AML but.....the plastic look of the center console is disappointing. Don't want to mention the "design" pattern on the seats..

[@ogribiker8535]

Yep, that 'design' is absolutely awful, just awful !

[@AlexQuail]

Truly a stunning car. The exhaust is a work of art, and I've never seen chimneys like that to draw air away from the exhaust manifolds. Really cool machine.

[@cme2cau]

Despite living in New South Wales, I had family in Old South Wales! (Sadly all gone) I also stayed in Pembroke Dock. If you stayed in the right place, you may see an Australian $5 note on the wall. Lovely car, and, for me, great memories.

[@marktime61]

Expensive, can think of a lot of other cars and Astons I’d rather have for the money.

[@Rassilon72]

A Rolls Royce is expensive, this on the other hand is horrifically overpriced. £450,000 plus the cost of the donor Vanquish? They are having a laugh.

[@marktime61]

Vanity project I’m afraid

[@charlie1832]

Paul W wait what ? The 450,000 doesn’t include the car ?

[@monument4852]

Money For Old Rope Comes Too Mind !!!

[@richarddavies5711]

My favourite road in Wales is the Elan valley road going from Cwmystwyth to Rhayader, absolutely epic road.

[@DM-MayBee]

One of your best Harry. Great improvements with the Callum Vanquish ............... Great roads and wonderful countryside.

[@miamimo70]

Lovely car, but the interior/dash is soo dated, white tartan?? Bit of a waste of a Bremont

[@vulekv93]

It's a resto-mod, I think it makes sense to keep it that way. Entire car is dated in many aspects but timeless in others.

[@visionist7]

Ironically the car's semi composite structure is still cutting edge.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

The dated interior design is actually a plus point for me. I really don't get on with all this electronic nonsense fitted to cars these days. Old school technology is absolutely fine by me.

[@ZRXRICK]

White tartan makes me think of Burberry meets the Milky Bar Kid. It's fucking hideous. Is the designer pissed off at AM for some reason?

[@thegearknob7161]

I wonder how that watch will cope with the magnet being used to hold it in place. Even "anti magnetic" movements still can get magnetised. Would have been beter with lugs and a strap.
If it were my car, I'd stick an averagey quartz up there. At least it would keep time while the car isn't in use, and not get magnetised.

[@joecooper3073]

Great video as always, seems like a cool idea of a car but maybe not very well thought out in some places- things like the leather under the bonnet already coming away and deteriorating due to heat from the engine or the hatching on the dials making them hard to read should have been thought of I think, especially for that price!

[@martinhall3309]

Did my own road trip a couple of weeks back in my Alfa 916 Spider.Peterborough to Tenby and did a lot of exploring the roads around Newgale and St David’s roof down not a cloud in the sky all week and came back via the A40

[@agent807]

I never was a big fan of the original design. This reimagining along with the tautness and musculature gives off vibes of the previous DBS which one of the most beautiful cars in my opinion. Nice job, Mr. Callum.

[@blackjacket_]

That interior is totally unacceptable. Even for a 90s tuner honda meet-up.
That needs to be scraped and redone.

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

Why? Much better than modern cars anyway, and for the unique car it's actually acceptable

[@blackjacket_]

@@Avrelivs_Gold the list of "so-much-wrong" things in this interior is too long to even start mentioning.
Thats before you start considering the price. After that? Oh Lord

[@aaryeshg.6526]

I bet if we looked at this interior from 20 ft away and sipping a glass of wine it would actually look alright.
And that is literally what its for. For show and investment lel.

[@christurner8062]

Great video as always. Complete vanity project of a car though - ludicrous overly “designed” interior - form follows function Mr Callum - first rule of good design - one which you’ve clearly forgotten looking at those daft instruments! Cheap Ford switchgear and a naff infotainment system are also not acceptable at this price level. I’d be surprised if he sells all 25 - maybe just to collectors, but doesn’t compare to a Singer or high end production cars.

[@bradders3535]

Just come over from The Late Brake Show's two videos with Ian Callum. Perfectly complimentary

[@juliancarter4400]

Another excellent video from Harry. Pure escapism. Stunning Vanquish. Love it ALL.

[@glideman]

It looks like it's been customised at khan's, horrible! I think my number one like about the car is, it's not in my garage. . . . . at that price it's a car for fools with no taste.

[@Roddy_Zeh]

It's pretty cool, but being very honest, I'd prefer the standard Vanquish with just a horsepower bump (a tad above the Vanquish S @ 520 hp, maybe some 550-560 hp) and a 6-speed manual conversion...and that's it. Maybe, MAYBE...an LED taillight conversion, but keeping the same schematics as the original.

[@inforobob]

Did you miss the part about the extensively reworked suspension?

[@Roddy_Zeh]

@@inforobob As a matter of fact, I did. I hadn't finished the video yesterday.
But I have a fairly high level of certainty that the original suspension would already be enough for me. Still, even if I did add all the mechanical upgrades, I'd still prefer the body to remain intact, as I like it better this way.

[@inforobob]

@@Roddy_Zeh Harry did mention the original suspension did not drive that well. As far as the body mods, I like them, but that's personal preference.

[@paulfinch5417]

I remember the London ‘motor show’ held at the Docklands and the original Vanquish was unexpectedly being displayed in the atrium of the tower ... took my breath away as I studied it from all angles ... If I had an original I’d consider the chassis and front end and aero tweaks but you can keep the somewhat questionable over designing of the interior ... new stance is spot on! Thanks for sharing Harry ... :)

[@joelhenderson4450]

Speaking of... I do so love the M600. Perhaps you'd get one in...

[@DaveVantage]

How to ruin a good car? give it to a design house. I had a look around one of these two weeks ago, the parts look like they were fitted at Halfords.

[@sparky4878]

Don’t go slandering Halfords like that. My Aston experience is limited but I’ve found the interiors poorly assembled. Might be nice when factory fresh and fancy stitching but they don’t seem built to the quality I’d expect.

[@DmitryShaporenkov]

Changing gears remind me of old Soviet cars...except you could buy a whole fleet of those for £450K

[@blairbrown4812]

Damn Товарищ, that's cold. Like Siberia cold.

[@mtumasz]

Even when when I disagree with some points, this is such a joy to watch❤️

[@richardmahoney9415]

Love this car and love the review love Harry’s Garage

[@dontcallmetraceyx]

The more one spends on cars, the more “character” they have. That’s why 90% of them have no miles on them and kept under a cover in a garage.
Buy the poster and something that’s fun to drive instead.

[@briandavidson2684]

That squared off bulge in the door, leading into the rear quarter. Just looks wrong.

[@jameshunter4026]

Noticed it in the first couple of shots - hideous.

[@Rixdog01]

Completely agree.

[@coffeelover1535]

That's just one of many styling cues that makes the original Vanquish so hideous. It's pathetic that Ian Callum thinks it's a good design at all. The Vanquish looks even worse in person by the way.

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

It looks good and unique.
Part of the brutal aura of the car.

[@Sleeper_Service]

Yep, stuck out like a sore thumb.

[@noddyR400]

I saw this out on the road behind the camera car. Looked fantastic.

[@nervo6321]

Lovely presentation as usual...the car in that colour is actually beautiful...

[@RichardJPalmer]

Prefer the looks of my second-hand DB9.2 and it was a lot cheaper!

[@MoultrieGeek]

Last time I was this early Rover was still relevant.

[@nicksokolis6343]

MoultrieGeeks That was before the invention of the internet.

[@jonholmzee1]

Great review Harry. Hopefully IC won’t be offended by the negatives and go away and work on them. At the end of the day, it’s a 500k Vanquis. It’s the fine details that will sell it. If customers get wind that Calum didn’t go all the way, they may be put off. I would. P.s. that LHS wing/door appliqué doesn’t align either.

[@WestfieldFreshAir]

Mention of Fishguard always reminds me of when I ended up being late for the ferry in my Westfield on a Saturday morning. I knew the route well as I was doing it every Friday afternoon back to the Midlands. Didn't factor in the Saturday morning shoppers to every town en-route. Made the ferry - but only just. No speed cameras in those days.

[@schore69]

the stiching on the headrest looks awful

[@nickturner2813]

It doesn't look half as bad as the spelling in your comment.

[@schore69]

@@nickturner2813 not everyone speaks english as theire first language, mister turner. ok boomer?

[@nickturner2813]

@@schore69 If you're going to make a ridiculously subjective criticism of an insignificant part of the car that you see as badly done, in English, you're not really in a position to use the "second language" excuse for your badly done comment. Ok, cheesehead?

[@schore69]

@@nickturner2813 So, commenting on particular parts of anything is making me a mother tongue speaker in wich way? I dont get it? I bet you feel better after your little internet tirade, but you know... i dont fücking care... a YEAH thats an Ü

[@FantaLaStrada]

@@schore69 This is why I read the youtube comments. Thank you Nick and Markus for the entertainment!

[@patrickhinds]

Its amazing how well youtube knows me: suggests Harrys brand new video on top line first on the left. Clicked...

[@JURASSICDIVERUK]

Never have I seen an Aston look more Aston than this. Absolutely gorgeous, with some fantastic improvements making this a very desirable car!😍

[@michaelhughes4643]

"we're a bit late, i went to rescue a friend with a truck". Thats why we like this channel, many of us of a "certain age" grew up with EVO and given a couple of million would hope to be like Harry, none of this "look at me in my new Scuderia" nonsense. Oh, and nice car, if a bit old looking from the rear.

[@trainman665]

Wish we had roads like this in Suffolk :)

[@BillyNoMates1974]

19:13 the best bit

[@jonjones1553]

It reminds me of when Dunhill fannied about with the DB7 yonks ago.

[@Casual-hw8sr]

Love that vanquish so elegant and superb design. For me, the North Yorkshire moors have some of the best roads in the country. I only have a b7 rs4 but love to take it out on them.