New Arrival (Long and Pic Heavy)

[hashluck]

So after popping out for a few days and decided to change from my V8 Vantage S (see history here

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

.....I am popping back in with my new arrival. Another daily driver and one that required careful consideration.

My shortlist was short. I looked yet again at the Maserati Granturismo (this time the last of the MC Stradales) but it became clear to me that I really would not be able to live with the technology which is more ancient than the Vantage and the Stradale is not perhaps a daily driver proposition much as I have a soft spot for these cars.

More seriously there is of course now the DB11, I tested one of these this week and good as it is I prefer for now my actual choice. And at the DB11 price point I owed it to myself to look at Ferrari, an FF in this case which left me strangely cold. I did not test drive the F12 as this was above my price point. The F12 is a very good looking car though in the way the FF is not and will be considered next time around along with whatever Aston have developed off the back of the DB11. Certainly front-engined V12 Grand Tourer is my thing which leads me to the winner here:

Aston Martin Vanquish

Now that sounds easy but having made the choice I assumed I would be in for a long search since I am a fussy bugger. I test drove both 6-speed and 8-speed versions and for me the 8-speed is worth the price premium on used examples for a whole host of reasons just improving the whole package in almost every area. 6-speed is a great car but I wanted no nagging doubts with a purchase of this magnitude. I also preferred the whole ethos of Vanquish versus DB11 though I get where Aston are going with the DB11 and look forward to future derivatives.

Other no-nos on a Vanquish were of a completely personal choice:

Not Black
Not White
Not Obsidian Black Interior
No Cooled Seats (don't like the resultant slab seat design)
Prefer 2+0 to the useless 2+2 configuration

The above rules out the vast majority of used Vanquish on the market but I was prepared to wait for the right car.

Whilst having my Vantage serviced at AM Bristol a short while ago I was having a mooch around I came across a Vanquish there with the most wonderful seats and quickly realised they were Lightweights. I did not realise these were even available as an option on the Vanquish but indeed they are but just very rare - only 9 built (boy do I wish it were 7 or less like a certain configuration of DBS

So this was the configuration I wanted. Other must haves included CF roof, One-77 steering wheel and, having realised they existed, Lightweight Seats all set off in a gorgeous colour combination.

Was this the car I wanted though? Concern was the paintwork was 'black' and the interior was 'black', not a good start!

However not any old black.....

Exterior paint is Ultramarine Black - AML Special Colour

Interior colour is Black Damson

Both these colours were newly introduced for MY16 and Aston Martin built this car for themselves I assume as a showcase for them along with several 'Q' touches such as Baltic Blue upper instrument panel, Quilted Lightweight Seats with Baltic Blue stitching and carpet binding (Q Exclusive again) with Pure Black leather headlining.

Aston Martin thought enough of the car to register it with the famous plate

V12 AML

One year on from registration, fate seemed to decide that I should own this car. Black on Black whether I liked it or not. So on paper not my ideal spec but in reality not at all black. The exterior is more a very dark blue (clue in the Ultramarine bit) and the interior more a purple/plum colour (clue in the Damson bit). The car has been GTechniq Crystal Serum protected again and I am considering PPF this time around.

Full spec

Exterior colour: Ultramarine Black Special AML Colour
Interior colour: Upper - Black Damson Lower - Black Damson
Lightweight Quilted Seats - Baltic Blue Stitching

Registration date: 11 September 2015 MY: 2016

Headlining: Pure Black Leather
Carpet: Caspian Blue/Baltic Blue Q Binding
Facia trim: Carbon Fibre - Herringbone
High Line Trim Split: Baltic Blue Q Exclusive
Brake calipers: Black
Door cappings: Black Damson

Technical Specification
Engine: All alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6.0 litre V12 Transmission: Touchtronic III 8-speed automatic Power: 568 bhp (424 kW) @ 6650 rpm Torque: 465 lb ft (630 Nm) @ 5500 rpm Acceleration: 3.6s (0-60 mph) Maximum speed: 201 mph

Standard Equipment

1000 W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system
AMi II Infotainment System
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
Alarm and immobiliser
Aston Martin Tracking by Cobra
Automatic headlights
Automatic wipers
Bluetooth telephone preparation
Cruise control
Dual stage driver and passenger front airbags
Dynamic stability control (DSC)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Emergency brake assist (EBA)
Front and rear parking sensors
Glass Switches
Heated rear screen
High Intensity Discharge headlamps (dipped beam)
Infotainment system with capacitive switching
LED rear lamps and side repeaters
Launch Control
Memory seats and exterior mirrors
Powerfold exterior heated mirrors
Reversing Camera
Satellite navigation system
Traction Control (TC)
Trip computer
Tyre pressure monitoring system
USB input including integrated Apple iPod® connector

Options

Carbon fibre side strakes
Black vaned front grille
Centre Stack Rotaries - Shadow Bronze
Carbon Fibre Lightweight seats with six-way adjustment
Alarm upgrade - Volumetric and tilt sensors
Black One-77 Steering Wheel w/ Alcantara
Paint - Special AML Colour Ultramarine Black
Auto dimming interior rear view mirror
Carbon fibre roof panel
Seat belts - Warm Charcoal
Decklid Model Name Badge
Black Paddleshifts
Black bonnet and side strake meshes
Black Textured Tailpipe Finisher
Leather colour - Contemporary Black Damson
Facia Trim - Carbon Fibre Herringbone centre stack
Carbon fibre mirror caps
20 Inch 10-spoke Gloss Black diamond turned Wheels
Brake Calipers - Black
Shadow Bronze jewellery pack
2+0 Seating
Umbrella

Pictures will follow shortly. I like that someone really thought about the specifying this car and I don't think I would have done anything differently.

[hashluck]

and pictures (this was before a full detail and GTechniq Crystal Serum application)..

[hashluck]

Ken Figenus said:

Now we have the facts - what about the emotion - lie back and tell us how you f-e-e-l!?

Tired but very happy

The Man Maths worked to the extent this became a no-brainer.

Right car, right spec, right time and everything came together nicely. AM Bristol were excellent as well.

[hashluck]

AMDBSVNick said:

hashluck said:

I did not realise these were even available as an option on the Vanquish but indeed they are but just very rare - only 9 built (boy do I wish it were 7 or less like a certain configuration of DBS

Stunning BTW, John

Thanks Nick

I shall try not to bang on about how rare this version is as I know that is not the done thing on here

[hashluck]

George29 said:

AdamV12V said:

Stunning! I love Ultramarine Black and the Black Damson leather goes perfectly with it!

Agree with this, great combination

Thanks both, I absolutely love every aspect of the interior and especially the colour, this sold the car to me. Each to their own but I really don't know why so many persist with Obsidian Black when there is also Pure Black, Dark Knight and Black Damson as alternatives as well as all the other hues as well of course.

Indeed the combination of Black Damson with the Baltic and Caspian Blue stitching, trim and carpets marries really nicely with the Ultramarine. It remains to be seen whether I will have to change my (non-)cleaning regime with this exterior though.

[hashluck]

Quarterly said:

hashluck said:

The Man Maths worked to the extent this became a no-brainer.

I've been lusting after a Vanquish for a while now and had several test drives, but so far my man maths is just not good enough.

Congratulations, your car car looks absolutely stunning!! I'm so envious of you!

Well I should have added it also needs a heavy dose of heart ruling head hence the no-brainer bit

[hashluck]

roughrider]Famous car! Check out ELLENTUBE [ellen degeneres show said:

, and search "Britton goes to Britain".
That is one stunning car, with gorgeous lightweight seats!!

Thanks so much for that. I had already found one other YouTube review with this car. In both of these the Vanquish is on winter wheels and tyres which helped the 10-Spoke Gloss Black DTs it was factory specified with stay pristine

[hashluck]

V8V Pete said:

Just a fantastic car. Many congratulations. I've only ever seen one Vanquish with Lightweight seats and it was also a factory car and the interior colour scheme was questionable. I didn't know there were only 9 however (is that in the world or in the UK?) so to find one in such a stunning colour scheme is super lucky. Please let me know when you're bored of it as I hope one day to be grown up enough for a Vanquish but only if it has lightweights

Thanks so much Pete.

I am having the 9 built number verified but I believe it to be a global figure. I also have only seen one other UK car for sale with Lightweights (in Cobalt Blue - interior had blue inserts and yellow stitching) but that was a 6-speed (and it sold quickly anyway). I have seen a white car on a YouTube video with black leather/alcantara with red piping seats. I did not like these. Do either of these sound like the one you saw?

Not sure I shall ever grow bored of this though to be honest I was not at all bored of my Vantage S to be fair so you never know

[hashluck]

northernmedia said:

Yep remember that being filmed in York.
How he drove it up the shambles without wrecking the wheels is anyone's guess

Beautiful car, congrats.

Thanks you and yes I was watching that and cringing, fortunately they were not 'my' wheels.

[hashluck]

Evanivitch said:

Would I have seen this going past Caerphilly yesterday evening?

No. At least I hope not. Checks car is still outside. Yep.

[hashluck]

dbs2000 said:

The combination is stunning. Nicest Vanq II I think I've seen

I will take that

Thanks all for the lovely comments

[hashluck]

Padley69 said:

That's one terrific car Hashluck you lucky chap. Ultramarine looks stunning in the sunlight.
Put me in a right spin too as I didn't think the Vanquish was available with Lightweights. I'm now imagining the discussion with my wife later....
"you know our V12V that we love so much?"
"yes, Paul"
"well, I've been thinking"
"oh dear Paul"

Ah, sorry about that. Do it though!

Though I am told the dealer tried to order a Vanquish Zagato with Lightweights and was told no!

[hashluck]

Bincenzo said:

That has got to be one of the most attractive AMs I have ever clapped eyes on. Congratulations John, you must be chuffed to bits.

Thanks Bins and I am that. So much so I am going to splash out on some PPF on this one.

[hashluck]

bogie said:

Very Nice, and certainly the best spec ive seen, and my own taste

Thanks. It is always really nice when someone else likes what you like and I really would not have done anything different on this car.

[hashluck]

V8Staffie said:

great looking car John and great write up. Good to see you are staying with AM

I have gone for the same ultra marine black on my GT8 and go to see it mid build this Friday.

Look forward to seeing it in the flesh soon and if you are off to McGurks in a few weeks at least the Vanquish sat nav might find it?

Exciting on the GT8!

Is there an event at McGurks? I have missed notice of this but likely could be there if indeed the Sat Nav works.

[hashluck]

V8V Pete said:

hashluck said:

I am having the 9 built number verified but I believe it to be a global figure. I also have only seen one other UK car for sale with Lightweights (in Cobalt Blue - interior had blue inserts and yellow stitching) but that was a 6-speed (and it sold quickly anyway). I have seen a white car on a YouTube video with black leather/alcantara with red piping seats. I did not like these. Do either of these sound like the one you saw?

No. The one I saw was for sale at Stratstone Derby maybe a year or so ago. I'm sure it was Skyfall and can't quite remember the interior colour but think it was a mid grey with some red highlights including a gloss red centre stack that just didn't work IMHO.

OK I may have found them. Does not work for me..

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=132...

[hashluck]

V8V Pete said:

Yep. That's the one. I know the interior looks a bit extreme but actually, for me, the only bit that would have had to have been changed was the red centre stack. Make that carbon fibre and it would be wild but pretty tasty.

That would be easily done I would think

I would need to change the steering wheel as well (and maybe seatbelts).

Another with a lot of Q located here:

https://www.reezocar.com/en/voiture-occasion/aston...

[hashluck]

Vee12V said:

Great spec. Those seats alone justify a huge amount of the £££s asked.

I was astonished to find out today that if you wanted to retrofit these then......

"THESE SEATS ARE £13231.13 EACH NEW FROM ASTON MARTIN UK"

so two of those please, plus any special trim requests, plus replacement seat controls and ski slope modules.

Hmmm.....perhaps not