Iconic Top Gear Aston Martin that Jeremy Clarkson said ‘feels like lightning’ with top speed of 200mph hits auction
A 200MPH Aston Martin that received glowing reviews on Top Gear has hit auction this week.
The stunning sportster beat out a Ferrari 575 Maranello in a head-to-head on the show and could now be yours.
The Aston Martin Vanquish debuted in 2001 to replace the Virage as the iconic brand’s flagship model, sitting above its legendary DB range.
Boasting a chunky V12 engine and boosted power, the S variant was even more premium.
Famously, it made a starring turn in 2002’s Bond epic Die Another Day, driving by Pierce Brosnan.
But this specific 2004 model had its own bit of the limelight when it was cruised around the Isle of Wight by Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear.
The motoring legend compared its 200mph top speed to “lightning” as he sent it gliding through country lanes.
He went on: “The best thing about driving a Vanquish [is that] even though it costs £158,000, everyone loves it.
“It just hurls you out of the corners.
“There’s so much power.
“That’s a properly fast car.”
And later on in the same episode, with The Stig behind the wheel, it even beat out a Ferrari 575 Maranello for speed.
Now, the very same car is up for sale through auction site Piston Heads.
Although, those with good Top Gear knowledge might remember it slightly differently.
The understated green paintwork has been swapped out for a striking “Toro Red” shade with some “minor, age-related marks”.
Also included is an unboxed, official Top Gear model of the car along with some other memorabilia items.
And the BBC hit show wasn’t the car’s only TV turn, as it was also tested by Channel 5’s rival Fifth Gear, with Vicki Butler-Henderson behind the wheel.
The car also comes with a full service history alongside its storied small screen appearances.
The only thing that remains a mystery is the price, with Piston Heads only disclosing it upon request.
The auction is set to conclude on October 30.