The Definitive Guide to Gaydon-era ASTON MARTIN

[RobbW]

My new book arrived last week. I think it is a GREAT resource.

One question I had: it said in the book that all front grills are interchangeable between vantage, dbs, db9... is this correct?

I prefer less bars than the 8 on my 2009 vantage...

Thanks.

Robb

[Grant3]

RobbW said:

My new book arrived last week. I think it is a GREAT resource.
One question I had: it said in the book that all front grills are interchangeable between vantage, dbs, db9... is this correct?
I prefer less bars than the 8 on my 2009 vantage...
Thanks.
Robb

Hi Robb, glad you are enjoying the guide, the grilles are not interchangeable between DB9/S and Vantage, but you can fit the newer more aggressive 6 bar Vantage grille to earlier models as you can the new black finish detailed. I guess you are probably misreading the text in the options section covering grilles which says -
"You can retro-fit grilles; 5-bar DB9/S/Virage, 6/8-bar for all Vantage" - the model year changes section details that the grille changed from 7 to 5 bar on DB9 for the 09MY and 8 to 6 on Vantage for the 10MY and this text is simply saying you can retrofit the newer style on the older model (or visa versa). Hope that helps

[RobbW]

Grant,

Thanks for the clarification. I will enjoy this book and am very excited with all the facts on every detail small and large.

I had one more question on the vantage grille: I had seen several cars with 4 bar grilles - mainly on the gt4 / n24 Vantage. Are you aware of this part and where I could find out more info?

I like it even better than the 6 bar. Not sure what the part number is or where I could purchase one...

Robb

[Grant3]

This isn't a mainstream official option but most things are possible for enough £££'s (& with Q), here is a link to the current accessories brochure there is also the AMR mesh grille http://cdntbs.astonmartin.com/sitefinity/accessori...

You can also do a search on PH, here is an example thread where owners have customised their own grilles ... https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[RobbW]

Thanks much Grant. I’ll be picking up another copy to give a friend who helped me with my purchase. He owns an ‘07 vantage.

Robb

[Squaremeal]

Hello Grant,

With the original VH era coming to an end (with the exception of the Rapide) is there a chance final production numbers for each of the major models / variants could be incorporated into a later version of the book?

[Reaper117]

Chuffed! My book arrived and enjoying every page!

[Grant3]

Squaremeal said:

Hello Grant,

With the original VH era coming to an end (with the exception of the Rapide) is there a chance final production numbers for each of the major models / variants could be incorporated into a later version of the book?

Hi Squaremeal, Aston are very guarded about exact production numbers, the top guru in this area is a very nice chap called Tim Cottingham who (amongst many other great Aston projects) owns www.astonmartins.com I’m hoping to work with him to include further production number details (we already include total production by year) in the future, but he is always busy, so it may take a while

[Grant3]

Reaper117 said:

Chuffed! My book arrived and enjoying every page!

Cheers Mr Reaper, glad you are enjoying the book and thanks for the feedback

While posting it’s worth mentioning that the guide is now also available in Kindle format for ipad/tablet reading, this is mainly for international readers so they can get instant delivery at a slightly lower cost than waiting for the printed cost via Airmail

[Grant3]

Hi All, wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

I'm pleased to post that there has been another update for our guide, covering all that is new since late January 2018.

We have an additional 20 pages, primarily with detailed information on the DB11 - AMR and the amazing new DBS, alongside a host of tweaks and additions covering issues and evolutions noted over the past months.

The last cover wasn't always popular (some didn't like the vibrant colour!) so we have a new design which we hope meets with approval


I'm afraid we completely sold out of the physical printed guide over Xmas and due to many requests we have decided to offer the new 15th edition in KIndle format only. Although we love the touch and feel of a physical book, Kindle allows enthusiasts Worldwide to download the full guide pretty instantly. You can also zoom in to view images, book mark pages and information, while easily navigating around all 348 pages. The Kindle book displays exactly the same as the printed book, with the same layout and high quality images. You can have a copy on your work computer and one on the tablet at home, or pop it onto your phone for ultimate portability. It works best on the larger 8-inch+ size screens, but because of pinch/zoom it works on all devices.
These are the UK/US links but it is available on all Amazon sites Worldwide in local currency.
Amazon UK
Amazon USA
You can download the Kindle app for the following formats:
Android devices (tablets or phones) -
Amazon Fire/Kindle devices.
Apple (Mac, iPad & iPhone).
Microsoft PC (Computers).

For anyone that has already downloaded the 14th edition via Kindle, we have asked Amazon if they will offer an update (usually available if you have updates switched on in your Kindle device settings) to the new guide FOC, but we are in their hands as they decide if it's possible.

A huge thankyou for your continued support, here's hoping 2019 proves to be Astontastic

Edited by Grant3 on Thursday 3rd January 12:28

[tuscrv8]

I ordered a copy just before Xmas.
Wondering when it may arrive. Eagerly awaiting its arrival so I can get on with the purchase of an aston

[Grant3]

tuscrv8 said:

I ordered a copy just before Xmas.
Wondering when it may arrive. Eagerly awaiting its arrival so I can get on with the purchase of an aston

Hi Phil,
I think Sue has just replied to your email, your guide was shipped on December 21st, so is on-route. The postal delays we sometimes experience are another reason for going down the Kindle route for the new edition.

Happy hunting, great way to start the New Year looking for an Aston Martin

[CSK1]

So does this mean there will no longer be a printed version of the guide and that future editions will be available via kindle only?

[Grant3]

CSK1 said:

So does this mean there will no longer be a printed version of the guide and that future editions will be available via kindle only?

Hi Olivier, for the moment that’s right, but it is open to review. I like a physical book as well, but in honesty mainly reference the guide on my iPad, as it does work well in digital form

[CSK1]

Hi Grant, I know we live in a computerized world and maybe I'm old fashioned but I do like the physical book, it would be nice to have both options. Perhaps it will come back if there's enough demand?
I do look forward to your planned collaboration with Tim regarding final production numbers of the previous generation Gaydon cars.
Keep up the good work and best wishes for the New Year!

[EvoOlli]

That's a pitty, I would like to have a printed version too. Issue 15 would be the third book/release I buy from you....

[Grant3]

EvoOlli said:

That's a pitty, I would like to have a printed version too. Issue 15 would be the third book/release I buy from you....

Thanks for the feedback and support Oliver, point duly noted, I will let you know if it goes to print. The first edition was launched back in 2011 and demand for the guide is still as strong 8 years on, which is great. But with such a specialist title, updated regularly, it has to be supplied direct worldwide and shipping can take 3 weeks + to some locations. In this modern age most people don’t like to wait, hence the Kindle route. Give it a try and see how you get on, as you have a previous printed edition using digital as well could give you the best of both worlds

[Emilio Largo]

Grant3 said:

I'm afraid we completely sold out of the physical printed guide over Xmas and due to many requests we have decided to offer the new 15th edition in KIndle format only.

Sorry, but I really can´t follow. There is no logic in this. And who cares about shipping time when planning the purchase of such an expensive car.

First an unpleasing New Vantage cover and now this: No book available any more at all. After such a long wait! I am really disappointed.

Well, no buy from me then.

[Grant3]

Hi Emilio, the new Kindle version does have a great new cover and has exactly the same content (text, images, layout, huge amount of information, etc) as a printed version. It honestly works very well on a tablet and is still enjoyable to read in that format. Better in some ways. Having produced the printed guide since 2011 we thought it was time to try something different.

But I get that many still want a physical book, so apologies that we aren’t offering one at the moment. It will be reviewed again in a few months time, but Worldwide direct shipping of the physical book is very time consuming and not all postal services are equal, which can generate queries, questions and delays. The Kindle book is delivered instantly, our motivation in offering this is honestly just trying to give good service.

[GFBIII]

I too hope you will bring back the printed version. I have ordered print versions prior, and must have simply overlooked that the 2019 edition has been released (was there any announcement to previous purchasers?). I’ll be ordering the Kindle version now, but please consider this my vote to again offer the printed version in the future. It is an absolutely wonderful guide, and thanks for all you do to compile the information annually.