'Manual' Vanquish v DBS...a fair comparison?

[SAGPACK]

Was contemplating life, the universe and old car mags over the weekend whilst reclined in the garden enjoying probably the last weekend of sun that we'll get this year, and came across a collection of articles on the manual conversion offered by Works Service. All the reports were universally praiseworthy but I wondered if any Vanquish owners had had it done and what their experience(s) was/were?

Then it got me thinking about whether it would be a fair comparison to the DBS, from a value for money point of view aswell as a driving experience because Vanquish prices seem really keen now so even with the £15k cost of the conversion it would still be loads cheaper than a DBS.

Any thoughts Aston fans?

[Vesuvius 996]

I reckon a manual Vanquish for £70k would be awesome!!

[Mr Beaumont]

Or even better spend £90,000 on a Vanquish S and, £15,000 on the manual conversion.

[toppstuff]

SAGPACK said:

Was contemplating life, the universe and old car mags over the weekend whilst reclined in the garden enjoying probably the last weekend of sun that we'll get this year, and came across a collection of articles on the manual conversion offered by Works Service. All the reports were universally praiseworthy but I wondered if any Vanquish owners had had it done and what their experience(s) was/were?

Then it got me thinking about whether it would be a fair comparison to the DBS, from a value for money point of view aswell as a driving experience because Vanquish prices seem really keen now so even with the £15k cost of the conversion it would still be loads cheaper than a DBS.

Any thoughts Aston fans?

A fabulous idea ! If I were in the market, it is what I would do.

I dare say that you could pick up a Vanquish for a very reasonable 60k, then send it to Newport Pagnell and not only have the manual box fitted but have it upgraded to S specification. You could even have the interior personalised and re-trimmed to your choosing . It would be like a new car and made just for you. It would also be rare in the extreme and as cool as ice.

[Murph7355]

Would the brakes "need" changing? Interesting thoughts though...I wonder if they can change the rear light clusters too.

[SAGPACK]

What would you change the rear light clusters to?

[Murph7355]

Something like the DB9/AMV8 cluster.

Couldn't, of course, be identical owing to the squarer shoulders. But the rear lights are the worst part of the Vanq IMHO,

[LongLiveTazio]

I think they look great! DB9 clusters would be totally out of place.

Would be interesting if they could retrofit the DBS' carbon ceramic stoppers to a Vanq S...

[Murph7355]

LongLiveTazio said:

...DB9 clusters would be totally out of place....

I know. Am just not keen on the std lights in terms of the rest of the design of the car (which I like very much - very muscular Aston).