Discussion
“Yes”. But I am biased.
Put it this way - what was your opinion on the DB7 when the DB9 and/or V8V appeared? To me, it remained beautiful but was instantly from a different (XJS) era.
Today, having seen the real images for the first time of the new Turbo Vantage (V8VT ?), I’m still enamoured with my V8V because it’s timeless, zero-gimmick, manual and NA.
In a few more years, will I have upgraded? It’s a fine line between “classic” and “old”. Time will tell...
Put it this way - what was your opinion on the DB7 when the DB9 and/or V8V appeared? To me, it remained beautiful but was instantly from a different (XJS) era.
Today, having seen the real images for the first time of the new Turbo Vantage (V8VT ?), I’m still enamoured with my V8V because it’s timeless, zero-gimmick, manual and NA.
In a few more years, will I have upgraded? It’s a fine line between “classic” and “old”. Time will tell...
I had a V8VS (fine car), and a V12VS for the last three years.
The V12VS is completely on another level from the V8 in just about every respect.
Would I do a straight swap of my V12 for one of the new Vantage V8 turbos? Not in a million years. (Well it wouldn't be a straight swap, it would be my car plus GBP50k or so - not a chance).
Looking at the pics I think the new car is pretty good - not 'WOW I want one!' Need to see one in real life.
The V12VS is completely on another level from the V8 in just about every respect.
Would I do a straight swap of my V12 for one of the new Vantage V8 turbos? Not in a million years. (Well it wouldn't be a straight swap, it would be my car plus GBP50k or so - not a chance).
Looking at the pics I think the new car is pretty good - not 'WOW I want one!' Need to see one in real life.
I have never heard anyone talk of dislike of the now old vantage ever (although I dont know anyone in AMOC). I think its already a classic and the special editions with the original v12 (especially the roadster), the v12s manual, AMRs, 'N' Cars topping the classic boards. I think I'll remain purchase happy in the years to come....
This thread is useless without pictures...
There was the E-Type, DB5, first gen Camaro, Ferrari 250, BMW 2002 and Mercedes Gullwing - cars that look as good now as they did at launch. The Mk 1 Vantage sits in that group. Very few cars retain a timeless appearance, it could perhaps be the last sports car to join that group.
My little V8VS
In an age where designers have to produce a car that fits in with the fashion of the time, designs will often appear only current for a short period of time (a matter of a couple of years in some cases). Aston have historically been very good at blurring the line between tradition (of their own brand identity) and relevance to that time in question. The DB11 is a grower, I wasn't keen on it initially but the more I see them, the more it makes sense.
The new Vantage might be the same, for those who aren't swung by the looks. The point here though, crucially, is that I don't think there was ever a question at the launch of the Mk 1 Vantage about it not being a wonderful piece of design, at the time, let alone a decade later. That's why it stands out and why we're all fond of it I guess.
There was the E-Type, DB5, first gen Camaro, Ferrari 250, BMW 2002 and Mercedes Gullwing - cars that look as good now as they did at launch. The Mk 1 Vantage sits in that group. Very few cars retain a timeless appearance, it could perhaps be the last sports car to join that group.
My little V8VS
In an age where designers have to produce a car that fits in with the fashion of the time, designs will often appear only current for a short period of time (a matter of a couple of years in some cases). Aston have historically been very good at blurring the line between tradition (of their own brand identity) and relevance to that time in question. The DB11 is a grower, I wasn't keen on it initially but the more I see them, the more it makes sense.
The new Vantage might be the same, for those who aren't swung by the looks. The point here though, crucially, is that I don't think there was ever a question at the launch of the Mk 1 Vantage about it not being a wonderful piece of design, at the time, let alone a decade later. That's why it stands out and why we're all fond of it I guess.
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