ASTON Martin Lagonda Ltd has donated the first of its new Aston Martin V12 Vanquish range (similar to the new James Bond car) to the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon in Warwickshire.

Ian Minards, general manager of sales and former chief programme manager of Aston Martin Vanquish, handed over the keys to Stephen Laing, curator of the Heritage Motor Centre museum.

"I am delighted to accept this superb car on behalf of the museum. It will take pride of place within our large collection of British cars," said Mr Laing. "I am sure it will be a very popular exhibit with visitors to the museum, giving an unusual opportunity for the public to view a dream car at very close quarters."

The V12 Vanquish is a superb example of contemporary British craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art composites and material. It is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 190 mph with a 0-60 mph in less than five seconds. The six-speed, Formula-One style transmission is operated by an electro-hydraulic gearshift that operates with a flick of the paddle shifter on the steering column the system changes gear in approximately 250 milliseconds, in other words at the blink of an eye.

The Vanquish, which is now on public display, will sit alongside the 1934 Aston Martin Ulster racing car also on show in the Heritage Motor Centre museum.

The Heritage Motor Centre museum is one mile from junction 12 of the M40. Current entry fees: adults £8, senior citizens and students £7, children 5 to 16 years £6 (under five years free); family tickets two adults plus three children) £25.