One to Buy: ex-Carlo Buora 2004 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
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Originally designed by Tadek Marek, Aston Martin’s legendary V8 engine had a remarkable career that saw it used in an array of iconic models between 1967 and 2001. For its final fling, during 1992, a twin supercharged version was released which powered the epic Virage-based V550 and V600 Vantage. However, by this stage it was clear that, to comply with modern emissions legislation, a replacement unit would soon be required.
What Aston Martin created was a 5.9-litre normally aspirated V12 first used in Vantage-badged versions of the beautiful DB7 from 1999. 18 months later, a further uprated, even more powerful version of the new engine found its way into a flagship replacement for the V550 / V600 Vantage: the V12 Vanquish.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2001, the Vanquish was a true 21st century rival to Ferrari’s 550 Maranello. One Italian industrialist who preferred the British Grand Tourer was Pirelli CEO, Carlo Buora, who commissioned this car currently on offer at The Houtkamp Collection showroom in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, The Netherlands.
Ordered through Royal Cars, the Aston Martin agent based in Milan, Carlo Buora requested the elegant combination of British Racing Green over a combination of Saddle Tan and Dark Green upholstery. First registered on March 15th 2004, the car was supplied with a dedicated sill plaque inscribed “Handbuilt in England for Mr Carlo Buora”.
Carlo Buora retained ownership of his Vanquish until February 2015, by which time it had covered a little under 9500km and undergone six services as evidenced by the accompanying book pack. According to The Houtkamp Collection: “Following its export from Italy, the service history records a January 2016 service at Nicholas Mee & Co., the renowned independent Aston Martin specialist in London. At the time, the car had covered 14,487km.
The Vanquish was subsequently re-registered in Germany on February 22nd 2016 to Mr Hans Schmidtke. In approximately 2019 the Vanquish passed to a Dutch collector, where it formed part of a private collection and was primarily kept on display rather than regularly driven. Over roughly the past decade, it has covered less than 1000km, and today shows approximately 15,000 km from new.”
