Going back to my roots...

[james-witton]

Like many, my first Aston was a V8 Vantage, which I completely adored.


I was then seduced by the grown up loveliness that is an AML V12. In my case it was rather striking (love it or hate it) Virage.



From there it was an easy (I’m sure the local dealers know when it’s bonus time) step up to the Vanquish.



Quite simply the most amazing car that I’ve ever driven, or most likely ever will drive in the future. It’s the most fantastic, big, comfortable GT you could image. End of.

But do you know what? Something inside of me said something was missing. What was ti? I kept asking myself. And then a week or so ago we had a NE meet up. I realised what it was. Looking at the Vantage’s snake through the northern roads, really attacking the bends, I knew I needed something more hardcore. I can’t afford the new Vantage, or the new (Sweet Jesus have you ever seen something so wonderful?) DBS.

So on Saturday I hand in the Vanquish and drive away in a V8 Vantage S. Same colour as the Vanq - Skyfall.

Have I done the right thing? Only time and miles will tell. I’ll have to get used to the SS2 box and the slightly harder ride. But, Here we go....

]

Edited by james-witton on Thursday 19th July 20:15

Edited by james-witton on Tuesday 24th July 07:05

[ashway]

Good luck with the new wheels James. Funnily enough while I’m out here in Spain passing the time away I’ve been pondering that very same dilemma and have put a call into our friends at Silverlink about a similar switch. I’ll have to catch up with you when I’m back to compare notes.

[Emilio Largo]

One thing is for sure: This is the best looking Aston you have had so far! Hope you will be happy with it. Congratulations!

[Buster73]

Very nice , kept quiet on that one didn’t you ?



Always liked the look of your Vanquish from my rear view mirror....

Edited by Buster73 on Thursday 19th July 20:41

[james-witton]

Emilio Largo said:

One thing is for sure: This is the best looking Aston you have had so far! Hope you will be happy with it. Congratulations!

Thank you. I’m in Germany this week and I absolutely must bring it over here to play on these roads.

[nickv8]

Well played, Sir!

Pity AM owners don’t all buy in that Virage’s orange... a stunning colour! But since you put the side-by-side, the larger ducktail Vantage is the best design. No argument!

[RobDown]

Wow! That’s a surprise move. Will be interested to hear how you get on; less power vs more agility etc

[james-witton]

RobDown said:

Wow! That’s a surprise move. Will be interested to hear how you get on; less power vs more agility etc

Luckily I’m built for speed too..............

[RobDown]

james-witton said:

Luckily I’m built for speed too..............

[anonymous-user]

I very nearly came to join that run out but I went on holiday that morning. Keep wanting to come along but the dates never work.

I really like your vanquish (sorry), where is it going to as I have been thinking about moving up from the 9.

[RSbandit]

Congrats on the switch...you didn't consider a V12VS?

[james-witton]

soofsayer said:

I very nearly came to join that run out but I went on holiday that morning. Keep wanting to come along but the dates never work.

I really like your vanquish (sorry), where is it going to as I have been thinking about moving up from the 9.

It will be back at AM Newcastle as of tomorrow. I can vouch for its condition. It’s a fantastic car.

[Buster73]

soofsayer said:

I very nearly came to join that run out but I went on holiday that morning. Keep wanting to come along but the dates never work.

I really like your vanquish (sorry), where is it going to as I have been thinking about moving up from the 9.

It’s going back to AM Newcastle.

The NE run outs seem to be organised at relatively late notice , if you’d like to suggest a date to suit you I’m sure you’ll get people to join up , just keep bumping the thread to remind folk.

7 Aston’s last time , the more the merrier and certainly anyone is more than welcome to come along.

[james-witton]

It’s always last minute as it’s always with one eye on the NE weather.
I still shudder at the horizontal rain at Bambrough in August
But let’s go for a longer notice period next time.

[Buster73]

james-witton said:

It’s always last minute as it’s always with one eye on the NE weather.
I still shudder at the horizontal rain at Bambrough in August
But let’s go for a longer notice period next time.

Wasn’t as bad as the torrential rain we had in July mind.....

Just saying .

[Mr.Tremlini]

Quite a ride you`ve been on in the last three years James, sampling all the good stuff! You didn`t have your eye out for a Madagascar Vantage ??

[GameofCars]

You could have bought mine I absolutely love my V8VS manual & will be very sorry to see her go. You'll love it.

[anonymous-user]

james-witton said:

It will be back at AM Newcastle as of tomorrow. I can vouch for its condition. It’s a fantastic car.

Thanks, I will enquire .

Not wishing to hijack your thread about your nice new purchase I will continue to keep an eye out for the NE runouts. During rugby season I coach the kids on Sunday mornings so my availability is usually only out of season. Had a house in Beadnell for a while, I know most of the roads up your way and across to Hawick, Jedburgh, Middleton, Barnard Castle, Alston etc, so I know what I am missing .

[ashway]

Happy new car day James 🚘👌🏁

[james-witton]

Thanks Ashley.
I hope to God that I love it. I can’t keep changing them like this, it’s ridiculous.