Tales of a V8V (illustrated)
Discussion
Well, the Vantage is officially on the market.
I listed it a couple of weeks ago here in Switzerland, and it has been quite the process of coming to terms with the fact that such a s
t year as 2020 can rapidly dent the dreams and aspirations that took many years to realise. I am sure I am not alone with this dilemma but fingers crossed that we all come out the other side well and happy.
During my five-plus years of ownership, my whole approach to the Tungsten Terror never involved selling, so it meant that I had to relinquish it mentally, and now that I have done that, I just want it gone. Sounds terrible, I know, but needs must, and while I relish a reprieve I just want to move on and find all of us in a more secure and recognisable world, and then start to plot my return to AM ownership!
I could look at my Vantage forever and appreciate its timelessness, its design. I walk back to it sometimes even knowing it`s a work of art and think "Damn, that looks good" in a way that is astonishing even to me. These cars have the ability to get under your skin, of that there is no doubt. I have approached this car with zero regard to what its resale is, as I have driven it to the shops, across borders, on a track, over mountains, taking my son to kindergarten, my wife to dinner, and just for the hell of it. It`s a better car now after my 50,000km than when I bought it. I hope a driver finds it and continues to enjoy it the same way.
I`ll keep you posted.
I listed it a couple of weeks ago here in Switzerland, and it has been quite the process of coming to terms with the fact that such a s
t year as 2020 can rapidly dent the dreams and aspirations that took many years to realise. I am sure I am not alone with this dilemma but fingers crossed that we all come out the other side well and happy. During my five-plus years of ownership, my whole approach to the Tungsten Terror never involved selling, so it meant that I had to relinquish it mentally, and now that I have done that, I just want it gone. Sounds terrible, I know, but needs must, and while I relish a reprieve I just want to move on and find all of us in a more secure and recognisable world, and then start to plot my return to AM ownership!
I could look at my Vantage forever and appreciate its timelessness, its design. I walk back to it sometimes even knowing it`s a work of art and think "Damn, that looks good" in a way that is astonishing even to me. These cars have the ability to get under your skin, of that there is no doubt. I have approached this car with zero regard to what its resale is, as I have driven it to the shops, across borders, on a track, over mountains, taking my son to kindergarten, my wife to dinner, and just for the hell of it. It`s a better car now after my 50,000km than when I bought it. I hope a driver finds it and continues to enjoy it the same way.
I`ll keep you posted.
Edited by Mr.Tremlini on Tuesday 22 December 14:36
Thanks for the kind words people! Better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved, etc etc 
Mind you at this stage it still belongs to me so these words are maybe a little premature, especially as it is a rotten time of the year to sell a car of this nature, particularly in Switzerland.
Life is good, the year has been productive from a home and family perspective and we`re far better off than many, but the work has been slim and sporadic at best, and as the next few months are typically down time, after 12 months of downtime it seems that the four-wheeled Tungsten sculpture in the garage begins to resemble a pile of cash more and more!
Don`t worry, If it does move on I am sure I will stick my nose into the forum on occasion
Steve*B, yeah... I am in constant contact with sundry bods and it seems nearly normal. If 2020 had been regular, myself and the family would have been there for the last five weeks or so! (face/palm)
Mind you at this stage it still belongs to me so these words are maybe a little premature, especially as it is a rotten time of the year to sell a car of this nature, particularly in Switzerland.Life is good, the year has been productive from a home and family perspective and we`re far better off than many, but the work has been slim and sporadic at best, and as the next few months are typically down time, after 12 months of downtime it seems that the four-wheeled Tungsten sculpture in the garage begins to resemble a pile of cash more and more!
Don`t worry, If it does move on I am sure I will stick my nose into the forum on occasion
Steve*B, yeah...
I am in constant contact with sundry bods and it seems nearly normal. If 2020 had been regular, myself and the family would have been there for the last five weeks or so! (face/palm) Emilio Largo said:
But how much could you get for it? I imagine your biggest concern are your current running costs, am I wrong? Should this be so, what stops you from laying off the car for a year or so (supposing you are able to garage it)? Now that the vaccines are arriving, isn´t there (economical) hope ahead?
Running costs are minimal and not the issue at all. I paid for the car in full, so it has a total value that I could get a return on, in light of the fact that going forward we have a mortgage (having bought a house in 2018 which involved a hefty Swiss deposit that left us a little exposed), insurances, school fees etc etc to pay and the coffers are slowly drying up. Laying it out, both my wife and I are self-employed sport and event photographers, working mostly on projects internationally. We earn pretty much all of our income from April to November and are now in the down-time part of that cycle. Covid-19 effectively shut down all of our scheduled work for 2020, and 2021 is just speculation. This means that by April next year we will have had the best part of 18 months with just occasional jobs here and there from existing clients, that have popped up mostly locally, or that we have been sniffing around for. I am usually taking around 40 flights or more a year, this year zero! Believe me, I would welcome the economical light on the horizon! Thanks for the sentiments people! This forum can still be quite a good and friendly place to be if we`re not discussing the new Vantage...
On the other side of things, happily or sadly, I`m still not sure, I bid farewell to the Tungsten Terror this afternoon. Watching it rumble down the driveway and head up the road, I thought I never saw it looking or sounding so good, exacerbated by my somewhat melancholy mood no doubt.
It all happened quite quickly considering the time of the year. Last week on Dec 30, a gentleman from Zurich came to check it out and take it for a spin, and after 30 min we shook hands and agreed on today as a change over. The day dawned with -4 degrees and had only crept up to -2 when he arrived at 2pm with a friend, loaded up his Audi A4 allroad with the summer wheels and original parts that I had swapped out, put the car cover in the Vantage boot, and after giving him a quick tour of the Vantage`s little quirks, providing past receipts, owners manual and what not, that was that and off he went with what was now my old car.
My son who is 5 and was not yet born when I got the Aston, shed a few tears, not only when it departed but also a couple of days earlier when we passed on the news. I have to say that while prepping the car this morning, the saddest part was removing his seat from the passenger side. We had some fun times, laughs and interesting discussions while cruising around, he loved being up front, and I always pictured him driving with me as a passenger one day.
I am very pleased with the man who bought it, of similar age to myself (in fact today was also his birthday so I felt compelled to give him a decent bottle of wine on departure) and who is involved in the car industry, currently very near the top of the ladder at a large Swiss company. He worked for 15 years at Ford and was working at the Aston Martin Engine Plant in Cologne, separate to but part of Ford’s Niehl Engine Plant. He has previously owned a TVR, and also currently has a 964 which he is modifying somewhat in the style of Singer.
He was the first to come a view the Aston and commended me on the improvement`s I had made, saying it was very stylish and the best Vantage of it`s type on the sales platform... Should have listed it 5k higher!
As if the world was out to rub salt into the wounds, today the postman also delivered the latest copy of "Vantage" magazine, complete with my photo of my car on the back...
.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
So, it seems this Tale of a V8V comes to a close. It has been nice to know a few folk have found my scribblings useful in their own search for a car of just because. The five years and three months of ownership has been without doubt the highlight of my car ownership, and quite a decent highlight generally. 49,233km driven, including two trips to the 24hr of Le Mans where each day driving in past the merch tents and display tents to park in the designated car park, saw the car attract no end of looks and photographs; One excellent squirt to Belgium for Spa WEC and back, the return trip being a rainy Sunday so I had the road to myself a lot and was the only time I really wound the car out, hitting 240km/h which was slow really, I`d done more in my old Audi S6 wagon!
Also Austria, France and Germany on a few occasions, and not forgetting three drives up to the UK. The Burghley House Festival of (600) Aston Martins was a special thing, the Rockingham Aston track day where I met some outstanding, like-minded individuals, some of whom I have seen since when they have ventured to this neck of the woods, which has been wonderful. The second of three visits to Bamford Rose was also quite memorable.
Too many happy, waving children to count, and people whose heads turned when they heard me coming, or offered comments or questions in car parks. I enjoyed the attention the car got, for the car`s sake, not my own. Some times it was a little embarrassing as I like to fly under the radar in life but owning an Aston somewhat precludes this option, but every time I was out in the car I felt as if I was performing a public service.
While this has not ended how I dreamed, I did actually dream another time, and that was what played out for the last five years, so at the end of the day I have no complaints, as we lucky few who get to own, experience and enjoy these machines can count ourselves extremely fortunate in the scheme of things and I will look back on the memories and no shortage of photographs fondly, and who knows, with the right circumstances, maybe I`ll be back with "Tales of a DBS (Illustrated)" ...
Thanks one and all for your inputs and comments. I shall not disappear entirely, as I can still get some experiences vicariously!
Cheers, beers, and all the best for 2021 and beyond!
This forum can still be quite a good and friendly place to be if we`re not discussing the new Vantage... Ken Figenus said:
Love JohnnyCJ's suggestion Dean.
Yes, Johnny`s idea is not so silly! I have been considering, if 2021 heads down a similar pathway as 2020, putting a feeler out for guiding and/or photographing tours around the Swiss passes, as I know my way around these roads quite well, restaurants, hotels etc. I would need to up my game with video so as to offer some moving footage as well, and then I think we could be onto something, for people coming from other countries, but also as regards local folk as well. Let`s see... first people have to be able to travel, and hotels etc need to be open!On the other side of things, happily or sadly, I`m still not sure, I bid farewell to the Tungsten Terror this afternoon. Watching it rumble down the driveway and head up the road, I thought I never saw it looking or sounding so good, exacerbated by my somewhat melancholy mood no doubt.
It all happened quite quickly considering the time of the year. Last week on Dec 30, a gentleman from Zurich came to check it out and take it for a spin, and after 30 min we shook hands and agreed on today as a change over. The day dawned with -4 degrees and had only crept up to -2 when he arrived at 2pm with a friend, loaded up his Audi A4 allroad with the summer wheels and original parts that I had swapped out, put the car cover in the Vantage boot, and after giving him a quick tour of the Vantage`s little quirks, providing past receipts, owners manual and what not, that was that and off he went with what was now my old car.
My son who is 5 and was not yet born when I got the Aston, shed a few tears, not only when it departed but also a couple of days earlier when we passed on the news. I have to say that while prepping the car this morning, the saddest part was removing his seat from the passenger side. We had some fun times, laughs and interesting discussions while cruising around, he loved being up front, and I always pictured him driving with me as a passenger one day.
I am very pleased with the man who bought it, of similar age to myself (in fact today was also his birthday so I felt compelled to give him a decent bottle of wine on departure) and who is involved in the car industry, currently very near the top of the ladder at a large Swiss company. He worked for 15 years at Ford and was working at the Aston Martin Engine Plant in Cologne, separate to but part of Ford’s Niehl Engine Plant. He has previously owned a TVR, and also currently has a 964 which he is modifying somewhat in the style of Singer.
He was the first to come a view the Aston and commended me on the improvement`s I had made, saying it was very stylish and the best Vantage of it`s type on the sales platform... Should have listed it 5k higher!
As if the world was out to rub salt into the wounds, today the postman also delivered the latest copy of "Vantage" magazine, complete with my photo of my car on the back...
So, it seems this Tale of a V8V comes to a close. It has been nice to know a few folk have found my scribblings useful in their own search for a car of just because. The five years and three months of ownership has been without doubt the highlight of my car ownership, and quite a decent highlight generally. 49,233km driven, including two trips to the 24hr of Le Mans where each day driving in past the merch tents and display tents to park in the designated car park, saw the car attract no end of looks and photographs; One excellent squirt to Belgium for Spa WEC and back, the return trip being a rainy Sunday so I had the road to myself a lot and was the only time I really wound the car out, hitting 240km/h which was slow really, I`d done more in my old Audi S6 wagon!
Also Austria, France and Germany on a few occasions, and not forgetting three drives up to the UK. The Burghley House Festival of (600) Aston Martins was a special thing, the Rockingham Aston track day where I met some outstanding, like-minded individuals, some of whom I have seen since when they have ventured to this neck of the woods, which has been wonderful. The second of three visits to Bamford Rose was also quite memorable.
Too many happy, waving children to count, and people whose heads turned when they heard me coming, or offered comments or questions in car parks. I enjoyed the attention the car got, for the car`s sake, not my own. Some times it was a little embarrassing as I like to fly under the radar in life but owning an Aston somewhat precludes this option, but every time I was out in the car I felt as if I was performing a public service.
While this has not ended how I dreamed, I did actually dream another time, and that was what played out for the last five years, so at the end of the day I have no complaints, as we lucky few who get to own, experience and enjoy these machines can count ourselves extremely fortunate in the scheme of things and I will look back on the memories and no shortage of photographs fondly, and who knows, with the right circumstances, maybe I`ll be back with "Tales of a DBS (Illustrated)" ...
Thanks one and all for your inputs and comments. I shall not disappear entirely, as I can still get some experiences vicariously!
Cheers, beers, and all the best for 2021 and beyond!
EVR said:
Man, I shed a tear too! 
Maybe I`ll start writing dramatic, rom-com novels. Moonpie said:
Beautiful writing and imagery. Thank you again for sharing your journey.
Thank you! Wonderful driveway you have by the way, it some how makes me think of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I can imagine your terrific car amid that speckled light. BlackV8 said:
Thank you for sharing your ownership experience and lovely pictures here Dean. All the best and looking forward to your „Tales of a DBS (Illustrated)" ...
Cheers Anthony
Thanks Anthony, more of a pity that we didn`t catch up in Innsbruck a couple of months ago, than it seemed at the time. Keep enjoying your nearby playgrounds!Cheers Anthony
V8V Pete said:
Dean. So sad to see your AM ownership end for now but please come back strong when the world finally sorts itself out.
I very much like the idea of Deans Independent Illustrated Swiss Mountain Tours. Can't make a decent acronym out of it but maybe it works better in German.
DBS? Really? My hunch is it will be a V12V but make sure you get one with proper seats next time.
Cheers Pete! I do like the DBS (previous gen) a lot, but lets see... I`ll probaby test drive EVERY model extensively if and when I make the jump again! Please advise of future Swiss visits!I very much like the idea of Deans Independent Illustrated Swiss Mountain Tours. Can't make a decent acronym out of it but maybe it works better in German.
DBS? Really? My hunch is it will be a V12V but make sure you get one with proper seats next time.
8Speed said:
Hope you're back before too long Dean - your inputs have been just the sort that make this forum worthwhile.
Best of luck in 2021.
Thanks very much, Rob. I`ll surely still interject here and there.Best of luck in 2021.
squirdan said:
a brilliant thread, even if without a "hollywood ending" - although you seem quite sanguine about it. A few years back I had to sell a Tuthills built 1972 911 hotrod that had consumed my life for 12 months of planning and speccing... so I share your pain but they are only cars after all
the irony of the magazine arrival is brilliant but equally a nice souvenir of some happy times
good luck and maybe we will see you back on here soon enough
Thank you, Dan, I`m sure you haven`t seen the last of me the irony of the magazine arrival is brilliant but equally a nice souvenir of some happy times
good luck and maybe we will see you back on here soon enough
Those early seventies 911`s are so classic & simple, especially love the RS look from back then.
baconsarney said:
Dean, you’re a legend.... have a great 2021 and get back to the fold soon...
Highest regards,
Richard
Highest regards,
Richard
Too kind, Richard. I`ll be back as fast as I can!Graze01 said:
Well said Richard
Don't be a stranger Dean
We will all miss the photos of your stunning car
Graeme
Cheers Graeme. I`ll still enjoy seeing pix of your Ultramarine Monster out and about in sunny Queensland!Don't be a stranger Dean
We will all miss the photos of your stunning car
Graeme
I did do a little phone video when I turned the car around to prepare for the new owners arrival, which made me realise I should have tried to shoot more video of the car, if just for the aural pleasure.
https://youtu.be/x5ID0dj3GMM
https://youtu.be/x5ID0dj3GMM
JB65 said:
Dean
Echoing all the comments made - a big thanks for all your inspiring stories and pictures, for me you are the embodiment of the passion that many of us have for the brand and certainly pushed me over the edge when it was time to take my jump towards ownership. Most of all a big thanks for your companionship and unbelievable pictures during the Furka stretch of our 2019 Alps trip which left lasting memories for myself and the gang - unforgettable. Failing Mr Stroll reaching out to you for guidance on how to (re)create the so much needed passion for the AM brand I would certainly recommend that as a business model to pursue
I am certain this will not be a goodbye but rather a see you later, until then wishing you all the best
Jurgen
Echoing all the comments made - a big thanks for all your inspiring stories and pictures, for me you are the embodiment of the passion that many of us have for the brand and certainly pushed me over the edge when it was time to take my jump towards ownership. Most of all a big thanks for your companionship and unbelievable pictures during the Furka stretch of our 2019 Alps trip which left lasting memories for myself and the gang - unforgettable. Failing Mr Stroll reaching out to you for guidance on how to (re)create the so much needed passion for the AM brand I would certainly recommend that as a business model to pursue
I am certain this will not be a goodbye but rather a see you later, until then wishing you all the best
Jurgen
Thanks Jurgen.
So, a few weeks ago I get a message, that persuaded me to go and check out a Vantage, and in the wake of that I agreed to buy the car. The first week of May was chosen for the hand-over. This was certainly not in the plan for 2022 but with a bit of creative justification and some scratching around I was able to get it to make sense, to me at least! It was an easy decision in many ways as the car has great history and ticks most of my boxes, but then it would, because it`s my old car. Funny old world. The gentleman I sold it to is a bit of a 911 enthusiast, and had a 964 C2 that he was resto-modding when he picked up my car last year. Then in the subsequent months he added a 964 C4 and a 993, and decided he had too many cars, and having done a couple of thousand kilometres in the Vantage last summer and ticked it off of his bucket list, decided to sell it and as agreed, offered to me first.
In the time he has had it he added 11mm wheel spacers, and reupholstered the steering wheel and gear lever in leather, and the side and centre armrests and seat centres in alcantara, Vantage S style. All very tasteful. Spacers is something I considered but it`s a ball-ache to do in Switzerland as you need to go through a check and approval process and carry a certificate of compliance, but he`s had that done. The drivers seat was showing a bit of slackness in the cushion and what seemed to be a slightly enthusiastic spring, nothing that concerned but I had been aware that it would need doing at some point in the future. I had wondered how I would do it, as it was an opportunity to inject a bit of contrast into the all black cabin, so I approve of the style and white stitching. Personally, I probably would have done the steering wheel and gear leaver in Alcantara also, but it`s all good.
The agreed price was the same as what I sold it for, plus 50% of the receipts for the above work, so very fair and positive. In the year or so since selling the car I have looked at the sales platforms, and realised that when the opportunity came I couldn`t buy another 4.3 without then going through all the modification processes I had already done, and no manual 4.7`s ever came up with a spec I liked and are always well priced from the sellers perspective. V12? I did take one for a drive but I feel it`s just not as suited to how I like to drive, not as inherently chuckable as the V8, and if I am honest, probably more car than I need or can handle. Plus they cost significantly more. So, here I am back where I started, with the car that I wanted. Win win? I don`t know, but I will be happy to get it back and spend some time out driving, and sometimes having my son sitting there next to me. He`s going to freak when he finds out!
In the time he has had it he added 11mm wheel spacers, and reupholstered the steering wheel and gear lever in leather, and the side and centre armrests and seat centres in alcantara, Vantage S style. All very tasteful. Spacers is something I considered but it`s a ball-ache to do in Switzerland as you need to go through a check and approval process and carry a certificate of compliance, but he`s had that done. The drivers seat was showing a bit of slackness in the cushion and what seemed to be a slightly enthusiastic spring, nothing that concerned but I had been aware that it would need doing at some point in the future. I had wondered how I would do it, as it was an opportunity to inject a bit of contrast into the all black cabin, so I approve of the style and white stitching. Personally, I probably would have done the steering wheel and gear leaver in Alcantara also, but it`s all good.
The agreed price was the same as what I sold it for, plus 50% of the receipts for the above work, so very fair and positive. In the year or so since selling the car I have looked at the sales platforms, and realised that when the opportunity came I couldn`t buy another 4.3 without then going through all the modification processes I had already done, and no manual 4.7`s ever came up with a spec I liked and are always well priced from the sellers perspective. V12? I did take one for a drive but I feel it`s just not as suited to how I like to drive, not as inherently chuckable as the V8, and if I am honest, probably more car than I need or can handle. Plus they cost significantly more. So, here I am back where I started, with the car that I wanted. Win win? I don`t know, but I will be happy to get it back and spend some time out driving, and sometimes having my son sitting there next to me. He`s going to freak when he finds out!
JB65 said:
Am passing through your lovely part of the world again en route to the Dolomites with the boys this summer, will drop you a note in case you want to join if only part of the route!
Cheers Jurgen, & yes, let me know! I have a reasonably full summer schedule and unfortunately had to turn down a nice offer of a drive with a friend and company in September.JonnyCJ said:
If it’s not trade secrets, could you share how you take your pics when you do them, so us amateur snappers can try and improve our skills ?
I notice you seem to use tilt shift at times which blurs the background a tad ? Similar to Portrait mode on an iPhone to my uneducated eyes.
While I am not a "car" photographer, I am a photographer so I can provide a bit of my methodology. I notice you seem to use tilt shift at times which blurs the background a tad ? Similar to Portrait mode on an iPhone to my uneducated eyes.
There are two "tilt-shift" shots on these pages, the car cover shot on page one which was a mobile phone filter just to cut the peripheral clutter, and the photo of the car in the pit garage at Rockingham. This I did while just having a play around while editing, as all the sharp, angular lines were a distraction from the awesome Aston.
As a general rule I don`t use filters etc, certainly not for my paid work as this is not part of my MO. I am a dinosaur in so far as I like to take photos with the camera rather than what I like to call "photoshopography" - the madly manipulated images created in post-processing which have become a normality - and I like to limit my editing to fairly basic colour, contrast, light and shadow adjustments, and cropping where necessary.
Photos where there is not much in focus beyond and in front of the car, is because at an early age I developed a liking for images with a shallow focus, (This was partly because I often like the look of the subject being separated from the background, and partly as a differentiator with other photographers, most of which who go for more overall sharpness) either by using a longer lens where it happens naturally, or a prime (non-zooming) lens with a wide aperture, where I could blur the surroundings as much as I liked.
The aperture (or lens opening) allows you to control the depth of focus beyond the point of focus, and this requires a camera where you have some control on the exposure process. Mobile phones don`t allow this so a multitude of filters have sprung up, to allow a replication of certain things that you can achieve yourself with a decent camera/lens combo.
Mobile phones are what people seem to photograph with 90% of the time, as we usually have one on hand, but regardless of how techy they become there is no substitute for a decent piece of kit. Mobiles usually have a wide angle lens (28mm or wider) and a tiny image sensor, which means you get lots of focus, and also distortion if you are close to your subject. I am sure you`ve seen the weird angles you get from your phone sometimes. Occasionally you can use this to accentuate something positively, but more often than not it is undesirable, so it is a good idea to move back and centre your subject to decrease this effect, and then crop into your photo afterwards if necessary.
Otherwise, with shooting cars... I find that when the car is on an angle towards the camera, the front wheels should be straight, or, turned to show the wheel (rather than the tyre tread). The turned wheel tends to make the shot look a little more dynamic, but typically not full lock. Conversely if the car is on an angle facing away from the camera, the front wheel should be turned outward for more wheel visibiltiy, or straight.
If the car is shot directly from the front/rear, straight wheels is best. You also don`t always need to put the car in the centre of the frame.
Light is important. Avoid shadows all over the car unless it generates an interesting look. The angle of the sun/time of day makes a big difference to how a car shows off its lines and curves, so walk around the car and determine which angle has the most appeal, and shift the car if necessary to suit that best angle. If you are unsure, as you walk around take photos and then look at them to determine the best look, cameras left to their own devices will change the exposure and create a different appearance to what you may expect! A light coloured car with dark wheels that is shot backlit (with the light in front of you & behind the vehicle) will almost certainly not give you any wheel detail, for example.
Of course I realise that the issues and advantages created by sunshine may be a moot point in the UK... moving right along!
Background is also important, it sets the scene. I think that often people don`t see all the background in their photos as they just focus on the subject. Open garage doors with visible clutter inside, rubbish bins, signs and lampposts, other cars, people wandering around. It`s all a distraction. Take nice photos in nice places. If you are forced to shoot with undesirable objects in the background, try crouching down which eliminates some things, or moving to a different angle.
When using a camera with an optical zoom you can easily change perspectives by moving backwards and shooting longer. It allows you much more flexibility.
I would estimate that most of my car photos are shot in the range of 35-70mm, so the typical zoom that comes with most cameras covers this. I usually carry my 24-120mm which is great for most situations. I very rarely go wider than 35mm for cars unless they are smaller in the frame and I want to capture more scenery or ambience.
Obviously the ability to see a good photo makes a huge difference, and often people have it, but are used to just going click and they don`t take the time to walk around and consider the options. With digital it costs nothing but time to take numerous photos so have a play around and see what you can achieve. I hope some of this is of interest, and if so I can try and shoot some examples of the differences between certain lenses, positions etc when I have a chance, to give more visual pointers...
.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Jon39 said:
I was at Burghley, but failed to visualise the creation of the wonderful picture below. I came away without something, which when I saw Dean's photograph, I wish I had taken a shot like that.
(Note the small artistic details - slight left lock.)
Haha, cheers Jon. I should have set up a little kiosk and for 20 quid shot everyone quickly posed up as they drove past on their way out, what was there, 400 Astons? 8k would have been a good couple of hours work! (Note the small artistic details - slight left lock.)
Here`s the original, taken on a rather good Nokia Lumia 1020. Colours are a bit exaggerated but it was a great camera for a phone.
Slight lock, well spotted. Crucial ingredient. I always cringe a little inside when I see what would have been a nice car shot with a tread pattern front and centre.
Nine weeks into re-ownership, and I washed the car for the first time yesterday, then went for a drive. It was not totally clean when I picked it up and it has stayed that way, collecting more filth, bug splatter and cat footprints for nearly two months. My care factor has been low, but it looked much better after a wash, shining in the sunshine an looking all "Aston-ish." Of course by the time I drove around then found somewhere to park it had clouded over.
Now it`s tucked up in the barn with the car cover on!
Getting back into ownership of the car has been interesting for lack of a better word. In these nine weeks I have only ("only") done around 600km (It just clicked over 80,000km, a smidge under 50,000 miles) and they have been predominantly necessary trips, not just driving for the sake of it. This is partly as I`ve had work gigs to Boston, Paris and Turkey in that time, plus family visiting from New Zealand for four weeks. The other thing has been I have not felt the previous pull to the car and I am not sure why that is. Has anybody else had this re-buying a car? I think it is because the "new car" buzz is not there as you are just getting back into something you know and are familiar with, so it does not seem so special... I still like it very much, it looks great and the new interior touches give it a lift. I`m thinking to do the door inserts with alcantara & white stitching too.
.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)
Driving is also the same as previously, but with one exception, the interim owner removed the 3-way exhaust switch. He said it was not working and was too loud (What??) so had it removed. Now it is in standard factory mode with the valves opening/closing as usual. I liked driving around with the valves open, not accelerating madly, but listening to the burble at normal speeds. Could this be the missing dimension? I have it booked in next week to get the switch reinstalled, and the following day have a trip to Stuttgart so we`ll see...
What is also in the back of my mind is the fun I had last year fanging around the Swiss passes in a 175PS Caterham 7 in a stella shade of Arancio Argos. Totally different to the Aston, but wow, what a thing! While I`ve always loved the classics, and the pre-war single/double seaters, this modern classic was a complete hoot and so engaging that I couldn`t help thinking that an Aston and Caterham would be a pretty ideal combo to have in any garage. Obviously it`s no where near as usable as the Vantage and, I suspect, would not be masses of fun during a torrential downpour, and would probably be garaged for most of the winter, however it is a blast and I need to get out in one again later this summer. It is hard to look at it and think that it is worth more than the Vantage, but for smiles per miles it`s hard to beat!
Now it`s tucked up in the barn with the car cover on!
Getting back into ownership of the car has been interesting for lack of a better word. In these nine weeks I have only ("only") done around 600km (It just clicked over 80,000km, a smidge under 50,000 miles) and they have been predominantly necessary trips, not just driving for the sake of it. This is partly as I`ve had work gigs to Boston, Paris and Turkey in that time, plus family visiting from New Zealand for four weeks. The other thing has been I have not felt the previous pull to the car and I am not sure why that is. Has anybody else had this re-buying a car? I think it is because the "new car" buzz is not there as you are just getting back into something you know and are familiar with, so it does not seem so special... I still like it very much, it looks great and the new interior touches give it a lift. I`m thinking to do the door inserts with alcantara & white stitching too.
Driving is also the same as previously, but with one exception, the interim owner removed the 3-way exhaust switch. He said it was not working and was too loud (What??) so had it removed. Now it is in standard factory mode with the valves opening/closing as usual. I liked driving around with the valves open, not accelerating madly, but listening to the burble at normal speeds. Could this be the missing dimension? I have it booked in next week to get the switch reinstalled, and the following day have a trip to Stuttgart so we`ll see...
What is also in the back of my mind is the fun I had last year fanging around the Swiss passes in a 175PS Caterham 7 in a stella shade of Arancio Argos. Totally different to the Aston, but wow, what a thing! While I`ve always loved the classics, and the pre-war single/double seaters, this modern classic was a complete hoot and so engaging that I couldn`t help thinking that an Aston and Caterham would be a pretty ideal combo to have in any garage. Obviously it`s no where near as usable as the Vantage and, I suspect, would not be masses of fun during a torrential downpour, and would probably be garaged for most of the winter, however it is a blast and I need to get out in one again later this summer. It is hard to look at it and think that it is worth more than the Vantage, but for smiles per miles it`s hard to beat!
Well, seems I forgot about the large dip on the left hand side of the driveway and the resulting drag broke the chin scuff guard. This`ll be the second time I`ve had to buy one of these. They really are very lightweight plastic so breaking them is clearly not too difficult. I kind of like the idea of a small, subtle carbon replacement but with my history best I stick with the plastic version!
I have found a replacement on AM Bits for £160, which is about what I paid last time, and with post and import duty I think it ended up around 200. Just for a laugh I thought I`d ask a Swiss dealership what one would cost, £533!
I have fixed the exhaust switch issue, although now it is a more simple 2-way version, standard or loud, with no fully quiet option, which was certainly the least used. The burble definitely brings a missing ingredient back to the car!
My trip to Stuttgart last month went well, despite the many trucks on the road. On the first day I went to visit the Porsche museum, which is rather cool, lots of nice road and track hardware to peruse. The following day I went to the Mercedes museum, which is a much bigger and more historic experience, and the building atrium has a very 1930`s vision of the future look about it. Both museums are well worth a look for a paltry 10€ entry fee.
In both underground carparks the Aston was stared at and photographed while driving the rows and while parking, obviously there`s many car orientated people in these car parks. Drove home in the afternoon, roads again fairly busy but did squeeze 230km/h out of fifth gear. MPG was diabolical.
I`ve been getting out in the car a reasonable amount, as the weather has mostly been glorious, but recently noticed a clicking/ticking sound at regular intervals coming from what seems the front left when turning right, CV joints or one of the myriad of steering/suspension components I guess. Ring any bells?
I have found a replacement on AM Bits for £160, which is about what I paid last time, and with post and import duty I think it ended up around 200. Just for a laugh I thought I`d ask a Swiss dealership what one would cost, £533!
I have fixed the exhaust switch issue, although now it is a more simple 2-way version, standard or loud, with no fully quiet option, which was certainly the least used. The burble definitely brings a missing ingredient back to the car!
My trip to Stuttgart last month went well, despite the many trucks on the road. On the first day I went to visit the Porsche museum, which is rather cool, lots of nice road and track hardware to peruse. The following day I went to the Mercedes museum, which is a much bigger and more historic experience, and the building atrium has a very 1930`s vision of the future look about it. Both museums are well worth a look for a paltry 10€ entry fee.
In both underground carparks the Aston was stared at and photographed while driving the rows and while parking, obviously there`s many car orientated people in these car parks. Drove home in the afternoon, roads again fairly busy but did squeeze 230km/h out of fifth gear. MPG was diabolical.
I`ve been getting out in the car a reasonable amount, as the weather has mostly been glorious, but recently noticed a clicking/ticking sound at regular intervals coming from what seems the front left when turning right, CV joints or one of the myriad of steering/suspension components I guess. Ring any bells?
NickXX said:
I had the ticking on mine which seemed to stump everyone who looked at it. It did go away after I had the geometry adjusted - but never sure what the problem was.
The conclusion was that it wasn't a problem, although did annoy me a bit.
Geometry is a good call, thanks, as I`ve often thought about getting it done, and in this instance they may be able to eradicate the issue or tell me what it is.The conclusion was that it wasn't a problem, although did annoy me a bit.
This is a very good point!I had the geometry checked 10 days ago, and everything is tip top evidently, nothing needing fiddling with. The wheel bearings appear to be the source of the clicking, so sorting them out will now be added to a general service sometime before year end. I have an Exige S driving friend with a BMW "track-bh" at the Nordschleife and we plan a trip together towards the end of October /November, so I was thinking to book the Vantage in with Valiant-Ecosse who are based up there. Quite a bit closer to home than BR and when tacked onto an existing trip it seems to make sense.
My oldest son is visiting from down-under for a couple of months and last Thursday I took him for a spin through some passes, Glaubenberg, Susten, Grimsel, Furka and Gotthard. It was fair weather, and there were still a reasonable amount of cars on the roads, plenty of motorbikes, quite a few cyclists, and a couple of campers straggling at the back of the summer herd that has since plodded back to Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In amongst the traffic we saw two Astons, a dark grey V8 Vantage and a silver with black trim DBSS. Both waved. Very civil.
Shortly before a road works red light on the Susten I noticed I had a black 718 Spyder on my tail. When we stopped and engined-off, the driver yelled out in German "Your exhaust is very loud" to which I put my hand out the window and gave the wobbly hand gesture (so-so) to which he yelled out "It`s mega!" The passenger enthusiastically gave the thumbs up.
With the light green I continued on with the 718 barrelling along behind me for a few more minutes, then pulled over at a small gravel spot where I wanted to take some photos, and the Cayman pulled in behind me. The driver was from Hamburg and often travelled through the Swiss passes. He told me his route and I gave my recommendations so in consultation with his partner decided to take my advice. They were thrilled with the noises my car was making, and also couldn`t believe it, saying he had recently been stopped and quizzed exhaustingly by German police and his car, while tweaked and switchable, was still fairly tame, he felt. He revealed he had previously owned an V8 Vantage with SSII, but said he could never get along with it especially as a daily with quite a bit of city driving so moved it along, but still thought they were the most beautiful car.
Whilst parked up on an unofficial side road (see photo with rock tunnel) taking photos, a car came driving toward us. The occupants were a young Israeli couple on holiday and the man was agape, "Astun Martun?" he half asked, half exclaimed as he pulled up next to me. His English was limited, but the girl spoke quite well and asked if he could take a photo of the car and then sit in it. I was quite happy to oblige, and she told me he was living his dream and judging by his facial expression throughout, this was quite accurate. I love the effect this marque has on people, never a bad experience.
It`s always a great drive around these roads, & I`ll be back at it in less than three weeks with a couple of friends. Can`t wait!
Typically, here are some photos from the day!
h" at the Nordschleife and we plan a trip together towards the end of October /November, so I was thinking to book the Vantage in with Valiant-Ecosse who are based up there. Quite a bit closer to home than BR and when tacked onto an existing trip it seems to make sense.My oldest son is visiting from down-under for a couple of months and last Thursday I took him for a spin through some passes, Glaubenberg, Susten, Grimsel, Furka and Gotthard. It was fair weather, and there were still a reasonable amount of cars on the roads, plenty of motorbikes, quite a few cyclists, and a couple of campers straggling at the back of the summer herd that has since plodded back to Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In amongst the traffic we saw two Astons, a dark grey V8 Vantage and a silver with black trim DBSS. Both waved. Very civil.
Shortly before a road works red light on the Susten I noticed I had a black 718 Spyder on my tail. When we stopped and engined-off, the driver yelled out in German "Your exhaust is very loud" to which I put my hand out the window and gave the wobbly hand gesture (so-so) to which he yelled out "It`s mega!" The passenger enthusiastically gave the thumbs up.
With the light green I continued on with the 718 barrelling along behind me for a few more minutes, then pulled over at a small gravel spot where I wanted to take some photos, and the Cayman pulled in behind me. The driver was from Hamburg and often travelled through the Swiss passes. He told me his route and I gave my recommendations so in consultation with his partner decided to take my advice. They were thrilled with the noises my car was making, and also couldn`t believe it, saying he had recently been stopped and quizzed exhaustingly by German police and his car, while tweaked and switchable, was still fairly tame, he felt. He revealed he had previously owned an V8 Vantage with SSII, but said he could never get along with it especially as a daily with quite a bit of city driving so moved it along, but still thought they were the most beautiful car.
Whilst parked up on an unofficial side road (see photo with rock tunnel) taking photos, a car came driving toward us. The occupants were a young Israeli couple on holiday and the man was agape, "Astun Martun?" he half asked, half exclaimed as he pulled up next to me. His English was limited, but the girl spoke quite well and asked if he could take a photo of the car and then sit in it. I was quite happy to oblige, and she told me he was living his dream and judging by his facial expression throughout, this was quite accurate. I love the effect this marque has on people, never a bad experience.
It`s always a great drive around these roads, & I`ll be back at it in less than three weeks with a couple of friends. Can`t wait!
Typically, here are some photos from the day!
Edited by Mr.Tremlini on Thursday 8th September 17:20
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff