It’s not often a designer gets to refine and revamp a car after it has already been launched, but that is exactly the case with famed British automotive designer Ian Callum and the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 – reworked nearly two decades after the original V12 Vanquish made its debut.
The reimagined Vanquish is a joint project by Ian Callum and R-Reforged, the same bunch that is building the 38-unit limited-edition V12 Vantage Zagato and the Valhalla, conjured up after the designer left Jaguar last June. The changes aren’t just aesthetical either; showing off the final production-specification car, the firm says that more than 350 engineering, material and design changes have been made to the luxury grand tourer.
For starters, there’s the new Bilstein dampers that drops ride height by 10 mm, along with upgraded bushings, stiffer anti roll bars, “specific” Michelin Pilot Sport tyre, and a 60 mm wider track, all of which should result in “noticeably more agility and control”.
The 6.0-litre naturally-aspirated V12 engine has been tuned to produce 588 hp, partly thanks to a new bespoke carbon intake system tuned equal length stainless steel primary collectors. Buyers can opt between a six-speed manual, semi-automatic, or even a normal torque converter if you prefer.
R-Reforged says that the Callum Vanquish 25 is tested on over 20,000 miles of UK roads, as well as multiple sessions at Michelin’s Ladoux proving ground. As a result, the company argues that the reborn Vanquish can be capable of both a comfortable 300-mile road trip or a “20-minute run to meet friends at an informal cars and coffee meet”.
On the styling changes, the Callum Vanquish 25 introduces a revised front bumper featuring a bigger lower grille and new side air inlets, while the rear bumper gets a mild tweak for a wider stance. The lights – both front and rear – also get LED illumination for a more modern overall appearance.
Handbuilt in Warwick, customers of the new Callum Vanquish 25 will get a choice between three bespoke 20-inch wheels, along with an “infinite” number of exterior body colour and eight exterior trim colours.
Inside, R-Reforged fitted the revamped Vanquish with a slimmer steering wheel to improve steering feel, while the lower seating position is meant to provide a more engaging driving experience. The posh “Abstract Tartan” leather upholstery is now sourced from one Bridge of Weir Leather Company, while the metallic trim pieces have been replaced with brushed or polished dark chrome details.
As a further option, customers can opt for a walnut veneer option for the main interior surface material, aside from the standard carbon-fibre look. A bespoke removable pocket watch from Bremont sits proud and centre on the dashboard, and there’s even a specifically-designed Mulberry luggage set that will fit snugly in the cargo space at the rear.
Only 25 units (naturally) of the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged will ever be made. Of course, something so special will never be cheap – with some suggesting that the it’ll cost USD655,000 just for the base car. But then again, how often will you get the chance to own a car that’s been perfected by the original designer, two decades after penning the first design draft?
The Callum Vanquish 25 will go into production in September, fully endorsed by Aston Martin, with the first batch of vehicles destined for Europe and Latin America.
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