What would Ian Callum do to tweak "his" Vantage?

[nickv8]

Jonny Smith's new YouTube vids are very good, and his latest is this; "Car designer Ian Callum's life of cars part 1 - Idol Chat // The Late Brake Show"

Interesting comment by Ian at this point: https://youtu.be/llzQ1RqIacM?t=1745

I wonder what his original Vantage design was like and what he's do now?

[Dewi 2]

I have only watched the part of the video which you referenced, but will watch the complete film.

To answer your question, I would need to look up the arrival date of Henrik Fisker, but if it was after January 2003, perhaps Ian Callum was referring to the concept version of the Vantage. There is however so little bodywork difference, fuel filler is one, that he might have been talking about a different design, which perhaps has never been made public.

To have designed the majority of the Vantage makes him a hero of mine, and it is perhaps disappointing that the whole credit for that car is given to Henrik Fisker, simply because he was in charge when the production version was launched.

Have you seen information about Ian Callum's original Vantage design, the mid-engine car? Dr. Bez stopped it within days of his appointment. Don't think I would have bought one of those.

As for how could it be improved. I had always thought that would be a very difficult task, although Ferrari have recently had quite a pleasing go at modernising the original Vantage body shape (Roma). Cheeky. They have even incorporated the hint of an Aston Martin side stake in the headlights. Surely not a coincidence?

[nickv8]

I got the impression he was referring to an un-seen version? Could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

Saw the mid-engined prototype. I think I first saw it in this DriveTribe video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeFKwFE-6wM (don't recall it in period!).

[AICB]

[Dewi 2]

AICB said:

Thank you, that is very interesting. Perhaps I had better not ask, how you had access to the photo.

My Ian Callum hero status changes from 10/10 to 9/10.
I prefer the final production design.

It is sometimes said, that every detail of the Vantage body design is present for practical reasons.
The earlier proposed added details that we can see, do not fulfill essential functions.
I particularly dislike the ugly rear brake air intake.


Edit - A full size clay model I presume.

Edited by Dewi 2 on Thursday 12th November 08:52

[Emilio Largo]

Dewi 2 said:

My Ian Callum hero status changes from 10/10 to 9/10.

More so if you remember who created this automotive culture crime (just for balance):

[AstonV]

Emilio Largo said:

More so if you remember who created this automotive culture crime (just for balance):

I agree. The old XJ was so beautiful and elegant. This one is hideous. The interior is really nice, but that exterior, yikes!

[V8V Pete]

AICB said:

Very interesting and I agree that it is not as beautiful (or timeless) as the final Fisker refined Vantage design. It is lacking the high waistline down the door that continues back from the side strake. For me this feature gives the Vantage its more muscular stance and helps differentiates it from the DB9.

[ds666]

nickv8 said:

I got the impression he was referring to an un-seen version? Could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

Saw the mid-engined prototype. I think I first saw it in this DriveTribe video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeFKwFE-6wM (don't recall it in period!).

The pictures in the video of the AM305 are nothing like the car I saw back in the day as a key supplier (chassis) to Aston Martin . It was a much more simple car( and pretty) with no stupid rear wing. I’m sure the correct pics have been in some magazines . It is true that Bez stopped the mid engines project that Bob Dover had started.
Aston had a project initially called V05 which we joked was the hairy supercar ( after the shampoo )

[nickv8]

Interesting to see and hear of other styling avenues. A bit like Porsche’s revealing of its never-released styling models this week, I’m sure Aston has a few creative skeletons in the cupboard.

Must admit the picture of the earlier Vantage styling buck, above, looks quite wrong to me. If Mr Callum was referring to that, may be best to keep it buried...