Anyone one here with experience of Vintage Astons?
Discussion
Hi, in 2004 I put my deposit down for a new V8 Vantage but when it was time to spec' and commit to the build I got cold feet about spending £85k on a modern. Having been to Le Mans Classic and enjoyed it far more than Le 24 Heures du Mans, and knowing that I look forward to the Goodwood Revival Weekend more than any other motoring event in the year I came to the conclusion that my heart really lies in the older stuff! Being of a certain age I have driven the 50's stuff and my brother has an immaculate Healey 3000 so certainly a DB Mk III certainly appeals to that element in me but I thinking of going pre-war. Current possibilities include Vintage Aston / Lagonda Rapide / SS90 (Jaguar)probably couldn't afford an SS100. So, anyone on here got experience of pre-war Astons and what the ownership experience is like? fun to drive, performance, club activities etc. I'd be interested in your thoughts and for that matter what a DB Mk III would be like to own? Cheers Rich... 
You'd be better off asking on the Aston owners club forum : www.amoc.org.
I have driven one pre-war car, a DB2, Db2/4. To summerise: they are very hard work, and really do feel at leats 50 years old. The racing version have some useful mods, but I would strongly suggest driving one for a ong journey before you buy. In the DB2 era, all the contorls are very heavy, they are not that fast, the brakes are bad and they are fragile.
Ads fort he pre-war. Well, they have a crash gearbox, a centre throttle, no heater apart from what the engine emits, are very fragile, and he brakes dont.
But they are an expereince, and one which I have enjoyed. I would't awap my DBS V8 for one, though
I have driven one pre-war car, a DB2, Db2/4. To summerise: they are very hard work, and really do feel at leats 50 years old. The racing version have some useful mods, but I would strongly suggest driving one for a ong journey before you buy. In the DB2 era, all the contorls are very heavy, they are not that fast, the brakes are bad and they are fragile.
Ads fort he pre-war. Well, they have a crash gearbox, a centre throttle, no heater apart from what the engine emits, are very fragile, and he brakes dont.
But they are an expereince, and one which I have enjoyed. I would't awap my DBS V8 for one, though
williamp said:
You'd be better off asking on the Aston owners club forum : www.amoc.org.
I have driven one pre-war car, a DB2, Db2/4. To summarise: they are very hard work, and really do feel at least 50 years old. The racing version have some useful mods, but I would strongly suggest driving one for a long journey before you buy. In the DB2 era, all the controls are very heavy, they are not that fast, the brakes are bad and they are fragile.
Ads for the pre-war. Well, they have a crash gearbox, a centre throttle, no heater apart from what the engine emits, are very fragile, and he brakes don't. But they are an experience, and one which I have enjoyed. I wouldn't swap my DBS V8 for one, though
Thanks William, the DB2 experience sounds somewhat different to the /MGA/Healey 3000/Jag MK2 experience that I am used to - as you say, I think I will go and drive a few first. The pre-war stuff really does interest me, and centre throttles and steering wheel mounted advance/retards are all part of the fun. I will be keeping my Griff 500 for fast stuff so speed isn't what I'm looking for but I agree, I don't want anything sluggish! i.e. not an Austin 7! Cheers Rich...I have driven one pre-war car, a DB2, Db2/4. To summarise: they are very hard work, and really do feel at least 50 years old. The racing version have some useful mods, but I would strongly suggest driving one for a long journey before you buy. In the DB2 era, all the controls are very heavy, they are not that fast, the brakes are bad and they are fragile.
Ads for the pre-war. Well, they have a crash gearbox, a centre throttle, no heater apart from what the engine emits, are very fragile, and he brakes don't. But they are an experience, and one which I have enjoyed. I wouldn't swap my DBS V8 for one, though
William....I dont know when you think WWII was but it ended in '45 and the DB2 came out in 1950 ! Definitely not a pre-war AM.
With regards to pre-war cars, speak to Ecurie Bertelli in Olney - they are the experts in the field. Obviously there are plenty to look at, mainly 1.5 or 2ltr variants but heaven help you if you are a big chap. I have driven a number but never comfortably - luckily a gentleman with the initials W.O provided more room in his period designs.
v12Aston said:
William....I dont know when you think WWII was but it ended in '45 and the DB2 came out in 1950 ! Definitely not a pre-war AM.
With regards to pre-war cars, speak to Ecurie Bertelli in Olney - they are the experts in the field. Obviously there are plenty to look at, mainly 1.5 or 2ltr variants but heaven help you if you are a big chap. I have driven a number but never comfortably - luckily a gentleman with the initials W.O provided more room in his period designs.
Having seen several of William's posts I expect that was a genuine mistake, as for the size, interesting thought, I'm only 5'9" but not thin! Maybe something to think about! With regards to pre-war cars, speak to Ecurie Bertelli in Olney - they are the experts in the field. Obviously there are plenty to look at, mainly 1.5 or 2ltr variants but heaven help you if you are a big chap. I have driven a number but never comfortably - luckily a gentleman with the initials W.O provided more room in his period designs.
Firstly I will ignore your slight on the Austin Seven (the quick ones are terrifying!).
Secondly, Pre War cars are different again from 50`s cars but IMO they are more interesting and more challenging/fun to drive. Ecurie Bertelli has already been suggested to you but I would also recommend looking at (and joining) the VSCC (www.vscc.co.uk) who provide all sorts of competitive activities for Vintage Sports cars. Vintage actually means cars from 1918-1930 but all pre-war Astons and Lagonda`s are eligible.
Pre War sports cars are very "sporting" indeed with zero roll, little compliance, direct steering and sometimes difficult transmissions. All are hugely satisfying to master and even more fun to drive quickly. They often have esoteric characteristics which add to their charm (like a Griff!)and they can open up all sorts of entertaining competitive diversions.
Aston and Lagonda were not related until after the War and produced very different products. Astons were beautifully over-engineered sporting cars ideal for club and distance competition. They are all attractive to look at, a little heavy but reliable and well supported. Lagonda`s were bigger cars, initially underpowered but later very beautiful, fast and sophisticated (the later cars were engineered by WO Bentley).
What do you want out of a potential purchase, touring ability or sporting potential?
Secondly, Pre War cars are different again from 50`s cars but IMO they are more interesting and more challenging/fun to drive. Ecurie Bertelli has already been suggested to you but I would also recommend looking at (and joining) the VSCC (www.vscc.co.uk) who provide all sorts of competitive activities for Vintage Sports cars. Vintage actually means cars from 1918-1930 but all pre-war Astons and Lagonda`s are eligible.
Pre War sports cars are very "sporting" indeed with zero roll, little compliance, direct steering and sometimes difficult transmissions. All are hugely satisfying to master and even more fun to drive quickly. They often have esoteric characteristics which add to their charm (like a Griff!)and they can open up all sorts of entertaining competitive diversions.
Aston and Lagonda were not related until after the War and produced very different products. Astons were beautifully over-engineered sporting cars ideal for club and distance competition. They are all attractive to look at, a little heavy but reliable and well supported. Lagonda`s were bigger cars, initially underpowered but later very beautiful, fast and sophisticated (the later cars were engineered by WO Bentley).
What do you want out of a potential purchase, touring ability or sporting potential?
Regards money, I guess I’m looking to spend/invest (?) around £80k? Thoughts? £80K is pretty much on the mark for these types of car.
Some suggestions;
Touring - i.e weekend car with the odd foreign jaunt and nothing too stressful;
Lagonda M45/LG45/LG6 - 4.5 litre, six cylinder, refined touring car. A good one will be reliable, smooth, flexible (relatively!)and will happily cruise all day at 60-80 mph. Big and heavy though but lighter bodied ones are successful in rallies and races - they won Le Mans in 1935. £30/40K will get a Saloon, £60-90K will get you in a good open car. Particularly original cars, Rapide`s and competition cars will cost (in some cases a lot)more. They also did a V12 (WO Bentley designed) which is a fancy bit of kit!
Aston Martin 2 Litre (15/98) - nice, late thirties touring car with good looks and decent poke. Competiton versions were quick and successful through into the forties. £50 - 80K seems the benchmark for decent cars.
Sporting cars - capable of the odd competition
Aston Martin 1 1/5 litre - came in many forms, the best being the competition "ulster" (lots of dosh!). Original specifications varied. The "Le Mans" and "Mk11" models are sporting and could be rallied, raced and hillclimbed but they`re all nice and can be uprated. Prices seem to range from £50 - £110K for non-ulster cars.
..but my recommendation if you want a real laugh would be a Frazer Nash (www.frazernash.co.uk). Fantastic cars that remain a genuine thrill to drive. Eligible for almost anything and with a hugely active sporting and social scene. You can get a Nash from £40K upwards but £80K would get you a decent TT Replica.
I would really recommend going to a VSCC meeting to have a chat - someone might let you have a go if you need convincing!
Some suggestions;
Touring - i.e weekend car with the odd foreign jaunt and nothing too stressful;
Lagonda M45/LG45/LG6 - 4.5 litre, six cylinder, refined touring car. A good one will be reliable, smooth, flexible (relatively!)and will happily cruise all day at 60-80 mph. Big and heavy though but lighter bodied ones are successful in rallies and races - they won Le Mans in 1935. £30/40K will get a Saloon, £60-90K will get you in a good open car. Particularly original cars, Rapide`s and competition cars will cost (in some cases a lot)more. They also did a V12 (WO Bentley designed) which is a fancy bit of kit!
Aston Martin 2 Litre (15/98) - nice, late thirties touring car with good looks and decent poke. Competiton versions were quick and successful through into the forties. £50 - 80K seems the benchmark for decent cars.
Sporting cars - capable of the odd competition
Aston Martin 1 1/5 litre - came in many forms, the best being the competition "ulster" (lots of dosh!). Original specifications varied. The "Le Mans" and "Mk11" models are sporting and could be rallied, raced and hillclimbed but they`re all nice and can be uprated. Prices seem to range from £50 - £110K for non-ulster cars.
..but my recommendation if you want a real laugh would be a Frazer Nash (www.frazernash.co.uk). Fantastic cars that remain a genuine thrill to drive. Eligible for almost anything and with a hugely active sporting and social scene. You can get a Nash from £40K upwards but £80K would get you a decent TT Replica.
I would really recommend going to a VSCC meeting to have a chat - someone might let you have a go if you need convincing!
ettore said:
Aston Martin 2 Litre (15/98) - nice, late thirties touring car with good looks and decent poke. Competition versions were quick and successful through into the forties. £50 - 80K seems the benchmark for decent cars.
Thanks for the comments, coincidentally this caught my eye 
Absolutly join the VSCC. Great club. The meetings are worth attneding as well- one I've been to has a Zeppelin powered GN, and a 1908 Grand Prix Panhard attending...And then there's the race meetings, witn the mad edwardian cars screaming around...
Great call on a Frazer Nash. Lift the floorboards and change the ratios...
how about a Squire?.
Or a Pre-war Alfa 1750 Grand Sport, with Zagato bodywork (no idea how much, however) or a 2300?
Or a Morgan 3-wheeler
Or some sort of pre-war sporting Riley (actually, I would imagine the latter would be the most affordable. Can you get supercgarged Rileys still?)
Great call on a Frazer Nash. Lift the floorboards and change the ratios...
how about a Squire?.
Or a Pre-war Alfa 1750 Grand Sport, with Zagato bodywork (no idea how much, however) or a 2300?
Or a Morgan 3-wheeler
Or some sort of pre-war sporting Riley (actually, I would imagine the latter would be the most affordable. Can you get supercgarged Rileys still?)
Pre war AC`s are good cars. For the use you intend the car that you have illustrated would be ideal and would comfortably fit within your budget. The ones to look for are the 16/70, 16/80 and (I think) 16/90. THe Earl of March drives a 16/80 (with a bodt designed by his grandfather) so that would help on your trips to Goodwood!
richb said:
Hi, in 2004 I put my deposit down for a new V8 Vantage but when it was time to spec' and commit to the build I got cold feet about spending £85k on a modern. Having been to Le Mans Classic and enjoyed it far more than Le 24 Heures du Mans, and knowing that I look forward to the Goodwood Revival Weekend more than any other motoring event in the year I came to the conclusion that my heart really lies in the older stuff! Being of a certain age I have driven the 50's stuff and my brother has an immaculate Healey 3000 so certainly a DB Mk III certainly appeals...
I thought perhaps I'd bring this one to the top and update you with the news that I have found my DB MKIII and expect to take delivery on a week or so! 
Excited? certainly am... RichB said:
richb said:
Hi, in 2004 I put my deposit down for a new V8 Vantage but when it was time to spec' and commit to the build I got cold feet about spending £85k on a modern. Having been to Le Mans Classic and enjoyed it far more than Le 24 Heures du Mans, and knowing that I look forward to the Goodwood Revival Weekend more than any other motoring event in the year I came to the conclusion that my heart really lies in the older stuff! Being of a certain age I have driven the 50's stuff and my brother has an immaculate Healey 3000 so certainly a DB Mk III certainly appeals...
I thought perhaps I'd bring this one to the top and update you with the news that I have found my DB MKIII and expect to take delivery on a week or so! Excited? certainly am... Much more distinctive than the ubiquitous (but nice) "new" V8 Vantage.
V12Aston said:
Very nice bit of kit, the Mk III. I always loved the design because of the grill "inspired by the DB3S". A friend has one of the later "option" engines with 3 SU's - very civilised. ENJOY !
Ah the DBD engine option, mine is a DBA but fitting a twin exhaust apparently adds 16 bhp 
I keep telling myself that I've not bough it for performance but it's hard to resist Rich... Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff