New member from Kuwait, Aston Martin Fanatic.

[VantageV550]

Hello,

My name is Mohammad and I have been a lurker for quiet sometime on this forum, I really like it here and thought I should introduce my self. I am a big fan of super cars mostly 80-90's generation as I think they were beautiful in design and performance. Think of it this way, this(now 20 years old Vantage V550) that I own has 15 horsepowers less than a 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish and has a real gearbox which is a 6speed manual that is really engaging to drive.

I absolutely adore this car, it has a charm that the newer gaydon era Aston that miss. It has a few quarks but the car feels more special and more hand made, the design is also unique and much more "masculine" I could say. I own two british cars, this British Bruiser and a Land Rover Defender 90 which is my daily vehicle to commute from Point A to B.







I will post more pictures soon, getting the car detailed and if you notice the reg plates I am a big fan of James Bond and love the movie soundtracks.

The other two cars that I have are a 87 Vantage X Pack which I am currently getting converted to LHD and painted in Rolls Royce Royal Blue and the other one is a 89 Lagonda Series 4 which is one of the last 12 cars to leave the production line.

[VantageV550]

Both of them are running fine.

[VantageV550]

The Lagonda has huge presence, I remember seeing them when they were new it was a rolls royce alternative to many wealthy people back then.

Its a great car to drive, the leather smell is just phenomenal its like a perfume. I like that the car has two horns similar to a Merc 600, one a very "I have arrived" sound and the other a cool "Ferrari" like trumpet sound.

[VantageV550]

The Lagonda isn't a project car, you've assumed that because the bonnet is open. This picture is 2 years back when it was at the local dealership for servicing, the car has around 6,000km which is quiet a low mileage.

[VantageV550]

Hello again,

It has the SuperSports exhaust system and was installed by Aston Martin Michelis this winter. It took Aston Martin Works a couple of months to produce them, I like how it sounds and I used my original car exhaust tips for a authentic look. It has the 6speed gearbox.

[VantageV550]

Here it is, actually it had just undergone a LHD conversion. AM only made roughly 40 X packs in LHD. I am currently having it painted in Rolls Royce Royal Blue


Its state couple of months back.



Summer 13 changed
Now LHD

[VantageV550]

Yep, 80's Lagonda is cool but not as appreciated. This is also not everyone cup of tea.

[VantageV550]

mikey k said:

you really put some effort in to your Astons!
Love the V550 and Vantage
That Lagonda really does show its age, very 80's!

They are an investment, when you try to get the best examples and address their issues they become really something amazing to enjoy for the weekend.

[VantageV550]

Yes, thats true.

[VantageV550]

Thank you for the compliment.

[VantageV550]

The V8 Vantage X Pack in its new colour, Rolls Royce Blue

[VantageV550]

I like to attend concours and these type of events in person to walk around see the cars, get to know fellow enthusiasts but not enter with my cars. I don't own a concours quality car and I believe the era is different.

I am glad you like the colour, its a very classic colour which really has stands out in sunlight. Yes thats the current stage, it needs another month at least for the car to be re assembled ,service and detailed before having it leave the U.K

The X Pack is no 12554 and is a very early X-Pack, you can tell easily it has no dashboard mounted sensor. This Car was supplied 15th June 1987 through Aston Martin Sales, Cheval Place, London. S.W.1. Originally intended for export but never left the country and yes, like most Vantages at that time, it was equipped with the MWS 16'' wheels, prior to owners being offered the retro fit of Ronals. Not everyone took up the offer. Factory replicated Ronals now fitted. The 24k miles is fully documented and the car has been very well maintained. I like how it looks with Ronals right now,

[VantageV550]

Here is how my V8 Vantage X Pack looked before,



It was a nice colour, just too bright for my taste. The Rolls Royce Blue is a nice shade, its dark hue but rich in texture and is more formal/discreet.

The car came originally in Salisbury Blue, only 4 were ever made in this colour but its not for me too light.

[VantageV550]

Thank you, I am glad you like the Lagonda it was such a car back in the day too advanced for its time. It is a grand entrance car, something you show up late to and to be park upfront at a Ritz carlton or the Monte-Carlo Casino in Monaco. Unfortunately those days are over.

Here is what my v8 Vantage X pack should look once its done,

[VantageV550]

Thank you, I previously had a DBS it didn't feel as Aston Martin it felt different(not in a bad way) just always thought Aston Martin were old school in a way these New Port Pagnell produced cars were.

My Vantage V550 is not the best car I own, but its a pleasure looking at it from different angles, washing the car my self and seeing every little detail before a weekend drive. What I like about the older Astons is the interior, it has a lot of wood which is a thing I miss in todays Aston Martin which has a sort of Bang & Oulfeson design approach for the interior.

[VantageV550]

LM002 are fantastic, they are not as bad as they might of been in car reviews. They are bad once your stuck in traffic or a small street in a village.

I am fortunate to have 2 LM002's, one is a older model with the Countach Carbertaor engine and the other one (60 only produced) later model with a Diablo fuel injected engine. I prefer the older one, it has a larger bonnet scoop and the sound of the carbs are just amazing(popping and smoke at Wide open throttle)



Also my Black LM002 looks better than the gold LM002 that I have. Like Aston Martin, I have a conniption to the 80's Lamborghini's. I think the clients were much more classier back in the day, the new Lamborghini's are too cliche'd as footballer car.

[VantageV550]

MollyGTi said:

Hello VantageV550 & welcome to the forum

George - you're not going to believe it but I had a ride in a LM002 last summer too

I believe the LM002 your in is the later model "America" edition as it has side skirts. Thank you for the warm welcome, I enjoy meeting up with like minded individuals online discussing what interests me the most "car passion".

[VantageV550]

Thank you for the correction

[VantageV550]

delays said:

Very tasteful, classy and cool collection - if I had the means, I would assemble a similar group of cars myself.

Also great to see enthusiasm for the Aston marque is truly international.

Thank you, that means a lot to me

[VantageV550]

My V8 Vantage X-Pack is ready, here is a youtube clip done by nicholas mee and company

V8 Vantage X-Pack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4MM8woDmc&fe...