Aston Martin Visit

[GransportFan1]

Popped along to the Pistonheads Sunday morning meet at Aston Martin this morning; i didn't see any Masers in the car park but some very nice cars on display; i was not a huge Aston fan but i think today changed that, the V12 Vantage is stunning.

and of course a nice picture of my wheels.

Full set of pics here although this contains what was in the car park.
http://s1216.photobucket.com/user/A...tonheads SS Aston Martin Gaydon?sort=3&page=1

Unfortunately i was told not to take any pictures of the factory production line

 

[BennyD]

I did the tour last year. Didn't like Astons then and I still dont; too expensive and they all look alike.

 

[GransportFan1]

I can't tell the difference between the DB9 and DBS or has the DBS been replaced by the Vanquish ? i think the Vantage is a looker though.

 

[BennyD]

There's little or no difference between them apart from the price. A mate of mine who has owned both a DB9 and DBS says the DB9 is quicker. I can't see how that can be but he is adamant. Another guy in the SCD picked up a 3 year old black DBS that originally sold for £180-185k. It had 9k miles on it and he paid in the region of £80-85k. That's £100k depreciation in 9k miles or £11 per mile!!! If you see a big Aston parked up and listen carefully, you can hear a whistle; that's it's value dropping.

 

[npaskin]

Popped along to the Pistonheads Sunday morning meet at Aston Martin this morning; i didn't see any Masers in the car park
Unfortunately i was told not to take any pictures of the factory production line

Hi Adam. I was there! From about 8.45 to 10.15 only though as I had to zoom back home for something else (collecting a new RR ) . My QP was on the right hand of the car park at end of a row, sorry if I missed you. Spent most of the time in the building chatting to people and looking at the time-line classics plus the new ones available for sitting in. Had a fascinating chat with David Andrews, who I did not know but turned out to have been Deputy Chairman of Leyland International back in prehistory (70s-80s) when it owned LandRover - lots of inside stories about development budgets (or lack of), takeover machinations, Spen King and the RR.

Anyway, back to AM: Did you go in the factory then? I was told by the chap on the desk there wasn't a tour after all as they were working.... The Rapide (sort of a QP equivalent in intention) is truly ridiculous - you have to be a child of ten to fit in the "rear seats", I felt like I needed physiotherapy after I got out. I spoke to a few people who would have been buyers but turned it down. And the boot is about as much use as in a GranCab...The Vantage is cool but a bit flamboyant!

It was an odd event, fairly disorganised I felt, but if I missed the factory bit then that would explain why I found it a bit lacking. Still, glad I went.

 

[GransportFan1]

No I went to the viewing gallery but was told not to take any pictures, they were very strict about people with cameras so they must have had some test mule on display they didn't want people to see.

I think the organisation was quite good, it is hard to organise so many people who arrive all at once etc.... but the organisation for the viewing gallery could have been a lot better, people were waiting on the stairs to have a look and some people were taking a lifetime, I think they should have put people into groups and allocated time slots for people to go to the viewing gallery.

Second Sunday service I have been to and I have enjoyed both so will go again.

 

[npaskin]

Ah, that explains it. Would have been nice if someone had thought of that yes!

 

[Grinzzz]

No I went to the viewing gallery but was told not to take any pictures, they were very strict about people with cameras so they must have had some test mule on display they didn't want people to see.

Probably afraid that people would notice the new car looks the same as the old car. They're trying with Front engined cars the technique Porsche have perfected with rear engines.

 

[drewf]

There's little or no difference between them apart from the price. A mate of mine who has owned both a DB9 and DBS says the DB9 is quicker. I can't see how that can be but he is adamant. Another guy in the SCD picked up a 3 year old black DBS that originally sold for £180-185k. It had 9k miles on it and he paid in the region of £80-85k. That's £100k depreciation in 9k miles or £11 per mile!!! If you see a big Aston parked up and listen carefully, you can hear a whistle; that's it's value dropping.

35 grand per year!!!! £35k.... PER YEAR. The people who buy those cars new must live in a completely different world. On the other hand, I've just realised that's 'only' £100 per day. Doesn't sound too bad I've had hire cars costing close to that, and they were worth probably £15k new.

 

[BennyD]

But, generally, you don't pay full price for long term hire and you wouldn't hire a car for three years out of your own pocket. That's plus fuel, road tax, insurance, servicing, and tyres. Expensive fun.

 

[Parisien]

Drew....deep breath.......................1.....2.....3.........horrific what a rich mans chattel can be then moved on for us to gratefully pick up for 20K.....



P

 

[Parisien]

Was that a father and son car pic Adam??!!




P

 

[GransportFan1]

Was that a father and son car pic Adam??!!




P

I wish it was..........

 

[Wattie]

Some lovely cars there, no doubt, but IMO none sound as good or look as good as the Granturismo Mc.....or are as practical!
Cheers Wattie

 

[GransportFan1]

I don't think any car in the world sounds as good as a Granturismo MC.

 

[drewf]

Drew....deep breath.......................1.....2.....3.........horrific what a rich mans chattel can be then moved on for us to gratefully pick up for 20K.....



P

I'm calm...

I realise that someone paid heartily to make my QP become a £20k car, and for that I'm profoundly grateful... But still, £100k in 3 years, for a car that was barely driven. Different world....

 

[CatmanV2]

Drew. 20K for a QP is utterly incredible. I was stunned by yours.

C

 

[Ewan]

A friend of mine was looking to change his DB9 for a DBS when it first came out. A significant saving off the list price was offered immediately - so I wouldn't read too much into the theoretical £180k list figure if I was you. And let's not forget, a 2002 4200 Spyder that was £75k could be bought for £15k 6 years later (I know - I did both!). And when I looked to sell my first 2006 QP that cost nearly £90k new, the trade offers we're below £20k just 4 years later. The reality is that all these things drop a massive amount, and I personally don't think Astons suffer any worse than Masers. It could be argued that it's nice that those that can't afford these things new don't have to wait too long to get the car of their dreams!!!

 

[BennyD]

The main difference is that Aston were turning out thousands of their bigger cars whilst Maserati only ever made a slack handful and, after the biturbo era, were much more of a gamble in the secondhand market.

 

[Andyk]

Lovel pics Adam ...... I'm with you as you know the V12 Vantage is just stunning andone of the best cars I've had pleasure if being driven around in..That engine in that little body = big fun.