Since retiring as Jaguar’s design chief in 2019, Ian Callum has been reimagining automotive classics with a modern twist, and his latest work pays homage to his legacy with Aston Martin. Callum is preparing to build a shooting brake version of the original Aston Martin Vanquish, a project first teased as a concept in 2023 and now edging towards reality. This latest restomod effort blends the original Vanquish’s muscular lines with contemporary design and technology, promising a unique blend of classic elegance and modern performance.
Exterior Design
Building on his experience designing the original Vanquish, Callum’s shooting brake features subtle yet impactful updates up front, including revised headlights housed within the original covers, the removal of corner driving lamps replaced by larger air inlets, and a more aggressive lower fascia with metal crossbars and a spoiler-like splitter. The hood now sports louvres that add both visual drama and functional cooling.
The signature transformation lies in the roofline, which extends rearward to create the shooting brake’s distinctive elongated silhouette. The design eliminates the B-pillar, enabling wider openings when windows are lowered, giving the wagon a spacious, airy feel. The rear has been completely redesigned with a more upright tail, small rear window, integrated spoiler, and all-red taillights instead of the original two-tone layout. Dual exhaust pipes emerge on each side of the rear bumper, framed by a prominent diffuser, completing the sporty yet refined look.
Interior Design
Inside, Callum modernises the Vanquish cabin with a revamped centre console where an analogue clock once resided, replaced now by a small Apple CarPlay display for seamless connectivity. Physical knobs replace the older button array for a more tactile interface. The steering wheel maintains the classic three-spoke shape but uses superior materials, reflecting modern luxury standards while honouring tradition.
Powertrain
The shooting brake builds on Callum’s earlier Vanquish 25 project, utilising a tuned version of the original car’s 5.9-litre V12 engine, now delivering 580 horsepower, 60 HP more than the Vanquish S models built between 2005 and 2007. Buyers can choose between the original six-speed automated manual transmission or a genuine six-speed automatic, preserving a balance of classic feel with modern convenience.
Historical Context
Callum’s shooting brake isn’t the first of its kind, Italian coachbuilder Zagato crafted a limited run of 99 Vanquish Shooting Brakes starting in 2019. Zagato’s versions featured an extended wheelbase based on the Aston Martin Rapide sedan and packed the same 5.9-litre V12 producing 580 HP and 465 LB-FT of torque, paired with an eight-speed transaxle and limited-slip differential. Their striking design included carbon-fibre panels, flared fenders, and a hatchback rear, rare for true luxury coupes. The interiors shipped with high-end materials, Bang & Olufsen sound systems, ventilated seats, and steering wheels borrowed from Aston’s One-77 supercar.
Final Word
Ian Callum’s Vanquish shooting brake project is a compelling blend of heritage and innovation, offering a fresh interpretation of one of Aston Martin’s most iconic models. By combining classic V12 power, modernised design touches, and refined interior upgrades, it promises a shooting brake that both honours and evolves the legacy of the Vanquish. Enthusiasts eager for a rare mix of style, performance, and exclusivity will be keenly watching for this bespoke masterpiece to move from concept to creation.
