Ian Callum New Aston Martin Creation Brings the ‘Van’ Back to Vanquish
The company has completed the design and is now seeking a customer willing to fund its construction.
Since stepping down as Jaguar’s design chief in 2019, Ian Callum has stayed active in the world of bespoke automotive creations. He’s produced striking restomods, including a modernized interpretation of the classic Mini—unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with prices starting around $102,000—and a reimagined Jaguar E-Type. His latest vision transforms the original Aston Martin Vanquish into a stunning shooting brake, blending elegance with practicality.
Ian Callum first conceived the idea back in 2019 with the debut of a coupe version of the refreshed Vanquish. He later revealed the shooting brake body style in 2023. Now, two recent Instagram posts suggest that Callum Design is prepared to bring the wagon to life—if a willing customer steps forward to fund the build.
A Vanquish Shooting Brake
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Ian Callum, the designer behind the original Vanquish, approaches this project like an artist revisiting a past masterpiece and updating it with modern touches. Up front, the changes are subtle yet refined: the headlights are updated within the original covers, the lower corner driving lamps are removed in favor of large air inlets, and the lower fascia gains a bolder look with metal crossbars and a small splitter. The hood openings are now fitted with sleek louvers, adding both style and function.
From the side, Ian Callum’s Vanquish Shooting Brake preserves the car’s signature muscular haunches. The most significant change is the elongated roofline, stretching farther back to meet the redesigned rear deck. This update forms a sharp, distinctive point where the roof flows into the tail. Notably, the design omits a B-pillar, creating a wide, uninterrupted opening when the windows are lowered.
Transforming the Vanquish into a shooting brake meant completely redesigning its tail. The rear now adopts a more upright profile, featuring a small window and an integrated spoiler just below it. The taillights have been reworked to display a full red finish, replacing the previous clear lower strip. While dual exhaust tips still emerge from each side of the bumper, they’re now framed by a bold, pronounced diffuser that adds both visual drama and aerodynamic purpose.
Ian Callum has also updated the Vanquish’s interior to blend classic charm with modern features. The redesigned center stack relocates the analog clock between the HVAC vents, replacing the original timepiece location with a compact Apple CarPlay display. Physical knobs now simplify controls, replacing the original’s numerous buttons. The three-spoke steering wheel remains, but the new version showcases upgraded materials for a more refined feel.
According to Ian Callum Instagram, the Shooting Brake builds upon his earlier Vanquish 25 project. If it shares the same powertrain, the wagon would be powered by a tuned version of the original 5.9-liter V12 engine, delivering 580 horsepower—an increase of 60 hp over the 2005–2007 Vanquish S. Buyers can choose between the original six-speed automated manual transmission or a genuine six-speed automatic.
Not the First Vanquish Shooting Brake
Italian coachbuilder Zagato has a rich tradition of reinterpreting Aston Martin. In 2019, they produced a limited edition run of Vanquish Shooting Brakes, crafting just 99 units—only 11 of which made their way to the United States. These models featured an extended wheelbase borrowed from the Aston Martin Rapide sedan. Power came from a 5.9-liter V12 engine delivering 580 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed transaxle and a limited-slip rear differential.
The striking design highlighted the Vanquish’s prominent grille, while Zagato’s designers enhanced the look with features like a front splitter, carbon-fiber exterior accents, updated lighting, and flared fenders. The rear was transformed with a practical hatchback—perfect for those rare occasions when owners needed to haul groceries. Inside, the luxurious cabin featured premium materials, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and ventilated seats. The steering wheel was borrowed from the exclusive One-77 supercar, adding to the bespoke feel.
