Aston Martin Production news - Death knell for Pagnell - 2008

Yet another curtain was drawn over the British motor industry yesterday as production came to a halt at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell factory.

The last car to roll off the line there was a Vanquish S, driven by Aston's longest serving test driver Ken Clarke. Not that one.

The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition was one of just 50 cars built to mark the occasion and was sold for £182,095, although Aston is hanging on to the last one for its own collection.

This also draws a line under the Vanquish, which is now out of production.

However, the Newport Pagnell site will continue to serve as Aston's Works Service department, providing maintenance, tuning and restoration facilities for Astons of all ages.

Production began at the Newport Pagnell site in 1958 with the DB4 and more than 12,000 cars were built there during its 50-year life.

Aston will continue to build cars at its Gaydon factory in Warwickshire.