AMV8: When, what, etc
Discussion
Guys - this is really helpful, thanks.
The V8 DBS - can I really get a good one for £15k? The prospect appeals very much - but I don't want something that will rust to pieces. I am used to owning classics, but new job/living in London means that my tinkering time will be limited; also, I'm not sure I have the expertise for a car like a DBS.
Griffith appeals as it's fairly simple and won't rust, but have heard horror stories about running costs. The appeal of classics has always been that, unless something major breaks, running costs can be fairly reasonable. Tell me more about DBS V8 and Series 2 V8 coupes, chaps...
The V8 DBS - can I really get a good one for £15k? The prospect appeals very much - but I don't want something that will rust to pieces. I am used to owning classics, but new job/living in London means that my tinkering time will be limited; also, I'm not sure I have the expertise for a car like a DBS.
Griffith appeals as it's fairly simple and won't rust, but have heard horror stories about running costs. The appeal of classics has always been that, unless something major breaks, running costs can be fairly reasonable. Tell me more about DBS V8 and Series 2 V8 coupes, chaps...
gnomesmith said:
'80s Vantage Volante POW spec.
A vulgar bastardisation of a fine car fit only as a source of spares for a proper Vantage.
I am amazed that even a member of the Royal Family could have shown such bad taste.
Eh??? The "normal" V8 Vantage Volanet with side skirts and rear spoiler maybe, but the POW spec looks stunning- very discreet, yet with the later small lip spoiler at the front and vantage engine.
The POW Spec is hardly Vulgar, when comapred to the Vantage Volante...
Harry Flashman said:
Tell me more about DBS V8 and Series 2 V8 coupes, chaps...
I’ve run a series 3 V8 for a couple of years now. (models explained here www.astonmartins.org/v8/ ). Mpg varies from about 10 around town to a healthy 13.8 (on the run to Le mans). Insurance is cheap (as a 2nd classic car) and depending how much you can do yourself, I would say budget about £1 a mile for general running costs. Make sure the chassis has been properly restored - if it hasn’t ever been it’ll need it by now. Buy the best you can afford although even if you buy a minter it will always need something doing (like looking after a stately home). Also bear in mind it’s a BIG car – measure your garage! When I started looking the advice from everybody I asked was “don’t buy one” but I’m glad I followed my heart rather than my head. It makes a very addictive noise, plus you get to say “Just taking the Aston for a spin” every so often….
Oh yes, and probably wise to remember the words of the Telegraph motoring journalist "The definition of an optimist is someone who thinks they can just afford to run an Aston."
(butting in)
Just to let you know I phoned up (as instructed by AM) to front the deposit for the new AMV8 today on a card and was told it 'had to be a cheque' as *there was no such car* and the CC people would throw a wobble...
Started to think - do I really want to trade in a fast car for a slower one? Hmmmm. This weeks Autocar seems to point to GPS speeding fines hell, and the new Astons are all primed for the new technology. Big brother is there already.
Now that might just change my mind.
Or not. Just took a look again - mmMMMMmm :
Just to let you know I phoned up (as instructed by AM) to front the deposit for the new AMV8 today on a card and was told it 'had to be a cheque' as *there was no such car* and the CC people would throw a wobble...
Started to think - do I really want to trade in a fast car for a slower one? Hmmmm. This weeks Autocar seems to point to GPS speeding fines hell, and the new Astons are all primed for the new technology. Big brother is there already.
Now that might just change my mind.
Or not. Just took a look again - mmMMMMmm :
AlexH said:
While we're on a similar subject, does anyone know if or when a Vanquish Vantage is coming out? I always thought it was a shame when the Vanquish came out it was pipped by the Fezza for performance, and a Vantage version should rectify that... 
520bhp Vanquish starts production at the end of this year. Looks awesome.
v8thunder said:
If you can't afford to buy/run a V8, what about a 6-cylinder Aston Martin DBS or AM Vantage? Looks just the same, still has 140mph top whack, friendlier mpg, bulletproof engine, they've all been restored by now and you'd pick up a minter for £15k.
Absolutely V8thunder - would definitely consider a DBS6. Only thing - do they make a nice noise? I just love the old V8 burble, you see...
v12bry said:
While we're on a similar subject, does anyone know if or when a Vanquish Vantage is coming out? I always thought it was a shame when the Vanquish came out it was pipped by the Fezza for performance, and a Vantage version should rectify that...
520bhp Vanquish starts production at the end of this year. Looks awesome.
I thought they were talking about squeezing 600bhp out of the engine since it has the capabilities, and they want to give the 612 a run for it's money...
Andrew Noakes said:
Only thing - do they make a nice noise?
Get Goldfinger on DVD and listen!
>> Edited by Andrew Noakes on Thursday 24th June 18:25
Sorry to be pedantic, but if I am allowed my anorak on anything, it is Aston Martins.
Goldfinger was a DB5 (actually the prototype DB5- hence a DB4) but the DBS was used in
On Her Majestys Secret Service
And what a jolly good film it is, too. The Persuaders also uses a DBS, make to look like the DBS V8 (hence the Dino was able to keep up with it!).
The DBS used in "On her majestys secret service" is the only car ever whicg can squeal its tyres when wheelspinning on sand!!!
williamp said:
Harry Flashman said:
Only thing - do they make a nice noise?
Get Goldfinger on DVD and listen!
>> Edited by Andrew Noakes on Thursday 24th June 18:25
Sorry to be pedantic, but if I am allowed my anorak on anything, it is Aston Martins.
Goldfinger was a DB5 (actually the prototype DB5- hence a DB4) but the DBS was used in
On Her Majestys Secret Service
And what a jolly good film it is, too. The Persuaders also uses a DBS, make to look like the DBS V8 (hence the Dino was able to keep up with it!).
The DBS used in "On her majestys secret service" is the only car ever whicg can squeal its tyres when wheelspinning on sand!!!
Ah, but the DBS has the same engine as the DB6 Vantage, which is essentially the same car.
As for the DBS in OHMSS - they dubbed a V8 soundtrack over it. Goldfinger, Thunderball and Goldeneye are the ones you want for that Aston Martin straight-six thrum.
williamp said:
Goldfinger was a DB5 (actually the prototype DB5- hence a DB4)
If you want to be pedantic, Goldfinger had two different Astons: one was a DB4 Vantage which became the prototype DB5, the other was a DB5 production car.
(If I wanted to sound flash I could say 'there's a chapter about it in my Aston Martin book'
but I don't so I won't).GetCarter said:
I have one on order - got a letter this morning asking for 5K returnable deposit (if it doesn't get made or up to 4 weeks before spec). Still no dates, but I assume late 2005 for first deliveries.
Steve
I have a letter of intent into a dealership but they are not taking deposits yet, they are not allowed to before the final details/spec/prices are released! Which dealership is that? I am with Grange Aston in Welwyn!
Mike
[quote=v8thunder] I heard it was 911 money too, which makes it cheaper new than the original 6cyl DB7, so second-hand it'll be one helluva bargain.[quote]
With a 5 year waiting list already not likely to be a second hand bargain for a long long time!!!
Mike
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