What Makes the Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake So Special?
If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about a car that blends British elegance with a dash of rebellious flair, the Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake might just be your fantasy on wheels. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill wagon. It’s a hand-built, V12-powered masterpiece that reimagines the classic Aston Martin Vanquish as a rare shooting brake—a body style that’s as alluring as it is elusive.
The brainchild behind this transformation is Ian Callum, a designer whose fingerprints are all over some of the most iconic cars of the last few decades. With a resume boasting stints at Aston Martin, Ford, and Jaguar Land Rover, Callum’s independent studio has become a playground for automotive artistry. His latest project takes the 2001 Vanquish and morphs it into a two-door wagon that’s equal parts sculpture and speed machine.
How Does the Design Set It Apart from Other Luxury Wagons?
Let’s be honest: most wagons are practical, but rarely do they make your heart skip a beat. The Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake flips that script. The front fascia gets a bold update with a larger secondary grille and new air intakes where the fog lights used to be. The headlights are sleeker, now featuring modern DRLs, and the hood has a more aggressive stance.
But the real showstopper is the panoramic glass roof. It stretches from the windshield all the way to the subtly raised rear, bathing the cabin in natural light and giving the car that unmistakable shooting brake silhouette. Throw in bespoke black and silver alloy wheels, smoked taillights, and a redesigned rear diffuser, and you’ve got a car that looks fast even when it’s parked.
What’s Under the Hood—And Why Should You Care?
This isn’t just a pretty face. Underneath, Callum envisions an upgraded 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12. Thanks to a carbon fiber intake, revised camshafts, and updated engine mapping, output jumps to a robust 580 horsepower—about 60 more than the original Vanquish. That’s not just a number on a spec sheet; it’s the difference between a car that’s quick and one that’s downright exhilarating.
Handling gets a serious upgrade, too. Bilstein dampers, carbon ceramic brakes, a wider track, and stiffer sway bars all work together to sharpen the driving experience without sacrificing the Vanquish’s legendary grand touring comfort. It’s the kind of setup that lets you carve up a mountain road on Sunday and cruise to dinner in total serenity that evening.
Is This Just a Concept, or Could It Actually Hit the Road?
Here’s the catch: the Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake is, for now, a design concept. But it’s not just a flight of fancy. Callum has made it clear—if someone’s willing to write the check, he’ll build it. Given the level of craftsmanship and exclusivity on offer, it’s the sort of car that could tempt serious collectors or anyone with a spare bay in their climate-controlled garage.
This approach isn’t new in the world of ultra-luxury vehicles. Coachbuilt cars—bespoke creations tailored to a single owner’s whims—have seen a resurgence in recent years. According to a 2023 report from Bloomberg, the market for custom, hand-built vehicles has grown by nearly 20% over the past five years, driven by collectors seeking something truly unique. The Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake fits that mold perfectly: rare, meticulously crafted, and destined to turn heads at any concours event.
How Does It Compare to Other Modern Shooting Brakes?
Shooting brakes have always been a niche within a niche. Think Ferrari FF, Mercedes-AMG CLS Shooting Brake, or even the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Each offers a blend of performance and practicality, but few can match the sheer exclusivity of a hand-built, V12-powered Aston Martin wagon.
What sets the Callum apart is its blend of old-school craftsmanship and modern engineering. While the Ferrari and Mercedes options are mass-produced (relatively speaking), the Callum is a bespoke creation—one that could be tailored to the owner’s exact tastes, from paint color to interior trim. It’s the difference between buying a suit off the rack and commissioning one from Savile Row.
Who Is Ian Callum, and Why Does His Name Matter?
If you’re not familiar with Ian Callum, think of him as the maestro behind some of the most beautiful cars of the last 30 years. He’s the designer responsible for the Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish, the Jaguar F-Type, and the modern Jaguar XJ. His independent studio, CALLUM, has tackled everything from reimagined classic Minis to a modern take on the Jaguar E-Type.
Callum’s reputation isn’t just built on aesthetics; it’s about substance, too. He’s known for blending timeless design with cutting-edge technology, creating cars that are as enjoyable to drive as they are to admire. When someone like Callum puts his name on a project, collectors and enthusiasts take notice.
What’s the Real-World Appeal—Is It Worth the Investment?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: a bespoke car like the Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake won’t come cheap. We’re talking about a price tag that could easily reach into the high six or even seven figures, depending on customization. But for those who can afford it, the value goes beyond numbers.
Owning a car like this isn’t just about transportation—it’s about making a statement. It’s about owning a piece of rolling art, one that reflects your taste and your willingness to stand apart from the crowd. And with the current trend toward electrification and automation, a naturally aspirated V12 shooting brake might just be the ultimate expression of automotive passion before the world goes fully digital.
The big takeaway? The Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about making smarter, more personal choices in the world of luxury cars. Start by imagining what your dream car could be, and you might just find yourself behind the wheel of something truly unforgettable.