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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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”?

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 😊.

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.

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

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

16:40 A beautiful setting for coffee.

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

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.

those gauge etchings are incredibly silly

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

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...

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!!!

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!

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

I usually don't bother with reading comments on RU-vid, 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!

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

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.

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

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 .

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

Name's Garage.. Harry's Garage

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.

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

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.

Back when Evo was a great magazine IMHO.

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

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

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

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.

“Life imitates art” Callum imitates Halfords more like

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.

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.

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

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

Lovely. A work of art, so pleased Ian did it.

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

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

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...

Nice review & good to see another Road Trip!

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

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.

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.

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.

Awesome Harry! Love your reviews around your area but this location was amazing. Nice change of scenery.

19:13 the best bit

Money For Old Rope Comes Too Mind !!!

GREAT JOB AGAIN, HARRY!

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

Wish we had roads like this in Suffolk :)

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

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

Great seeing you around my local roads. Abergavenny and Crickhowell are my back garden. I just need a super car now Harry!

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!

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

Your presentation on this work of art is as pleasant as the engine note 👍👍 as always and Thank You

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!

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

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.

I have swapped my V8 Vantage standard wheels for GT9 20" with 4Ss and lowered with Nitron road series adjustable dampers. Transformed handling, ride, grip!

Amazing video as per usual Harry! Really makes my day, keep it up!!

Last time I was this early Rover was still relevant.

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

What a pleasure to watch. Thanks Harry. ✌🏼

Thanks for the overview, Harry! Seems like they really did focus on functional and aesthetic design with intent on this one.

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

The watch housing should rotate to wind the movement.

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

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

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.

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 RU-vid and everywhere else without a glitch.

Really enjoyed that Harry. Thank you.

Love the soundtrack from the stereo exhaust pipes!

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

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..

Thanks for the great content Harry. More, please!

Such a beautiful car. The Astons designed by Ian are some of my favorites.

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

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

Great video. Excellent test. Give us more. I think Harry is the best on this area.

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 ... :)

That rear tyre fit is very tight.that must be affecting the ride comfort.

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.

A proper bit of Harry Metcalfe journalism ... took me back to the days of reading EVO

Looks like a fantastic drive!

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

This is one of those video titles where your thumb just clicks it automatically.

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.

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

taillights look like celica

well Harry has a new video, I guess I can start work 30 minutes later

It looks so perfect

Wow. Manual gearbox. Perfection.