GT12 RHD Production
Discussion
I believe you are right Phil - my understanding is that on a limited edition model the PP cars should be destroyed or kept by AML but never sold because those cars could actually be far rarer than the limited edition itself which would clearly be wrong. Unless, of course, you had specifically made it clear to buyers at the outset that that would happen.
There was something similar happened with the V12VR's and the PP cars were retained by AML.
There was something similar happened with the V12VR's and the PP cars were retained by AML.
I passed the dealer this morning (here in the UK) and we talked specifically about the GT8/12 cars as he had a couple for sale. I think the supply/demand situation is quite different between the UK and abroad. In the UK there is a bit of an oversupply which needs to be dealt with before the market normalises. Outside the UK this it is very much different so i don't think you can compare. The only thing which prevents me from getting one of these fantastic cars is that they are too loud for even the "noisy days" at most tracks (max 105 db) and that for me for such a car is a dealbreaker. I am lucky enough to have two GT3 RS's (one 4.0 997 and a 991 RS). The 991 RS is too noisy (just) if i put it in PDK Sport and as a result it will be black flagged on the circuit. The result is that I have not used the car for the last 12 months at all because taking it to the track and being forced to tiptoe around the track is no fun at all. The 997 4.0 just manages to stay below 105db so it is much more useable.
V8V Pete said:
Don't the GT8 & GT12 have a valved back box like all the other Vantages? If so, get a 3 way switch fitted and run it in quiet mode when on the track. I'm sure that wouldn't be over 105dB.
According to my (limited) technological knowledge the valve switch works the other way. It opens up at revs below 4000 (when there is not enough back pressure to force it open) for then to stay permanently open above 4000 rpm. hornbaek said:
V8V Pete said:
Don't the GT8 & GT12 have a valved back box like all the other Vantages? If so, get a 3 way switch fitted and run it in quiet mode when on the track. I'm sure that wouldn't be over 105dB.
According to my (limited) technological knowledge the valve switch works the other way. It opens up at revs below 4000 (when there is not enough back pressure to force it open) for then to stay permanently open above 4000 rpm. My understanding is;
Standard
Open under 1,500rpm
Closed between 1,500 and about 4,000 rpm.
Open above about 4,000rpm.
Removal of fuse or Remote Switch.
Open all the time, or (with remote switch) Standard operation.
3 Way Switch
An additional option of closed all the time.
Edited by Jon39 on Wednesday 6th September 10:04
hornbaek said:
V8V Pete said:
Don't the GT8 & GT12 have a valved back box like all the other Vantages? If so, get a 3 way switch fitted and run it in quiet mode when on the track. I'm sure that wouldn't be over 105dB.
According to my (limited) technological knowledge the valve switch works the other way. It opens up at revs below 4000 (when there is not enough back pressure to force it open) for then to stay permanently open above 4000 rpm. 
On the topic of production numbers, do GT12 (and GT8) have plaques indicating they are 1 of 100, or with a specific number (e.g. 005 of 100 which is how my V12VR was plaqued) or no reference at all to numbers ?
I do think a lot of the manufacturers get themselves into a real muddle with statements about production numbers of limited edition specials, actual production numbers, how they deal with PP cars, demonstrators, cars that remain in factory ownership, etc
Aston are far from the worse offenders and do seem to be learning - IIRC AP made some very clear statements that obviously had this in mind when Valkyrie prototype was first officially unveiled, about the run being 150 total including PP cars.
An awful lot can be avoided by issuing statements of clarity because firstly, honesty really is normally the best policy and secondly, the cars would sell regardless but at least it removes any lingering suspicions and potential resultant lack of trust
I do think a lot of the manufacturers get themselves into a real muddle with statements about production numbers of limited edition specials, actual production numbers, how they deal with PP cars, demonstrators, cars that remain in factory ownership, etc
Aston are far from the worse offenders and do seem to be learning - IIRC AP made some very clear statements that obviously had this in mind when Valkyrie prototype was first officially unveiled, about the run being 150 total including PP cars.
An awful lot can be avoided by issuing statements of clarity because firstly, honesty really is normally the best policy and secondly, the cars would sell regardless but at least it removes any lingering suspicions and potential resultant lack of trust
RobDown said:
It's an interesting idea. I've been more focused on creating noise. But I guess it just be possible to force the valve to remain closed. Assume that doesn't damage the valve?
Again - cavitating my lack of engineering skills - I think that keeping the valves close for less noise is not possible without creating a bottleneck of the air that needs to get out at higher revs. Apart from creating the noise, the valves open because you need to maximise the airflow through the system at peak performance.Regarding production numbers of the GT8 i was told that the allocation between UK and Abroad had been changed prior to launch and they ended up with "too many" for the UK - as can now be seen across the dealerships. But it is a great car so that will probably even out over time.
jonby said:
On the topic of production numbers, do GT12 (and GT8) have plaques indicating they are 1 of 100, or with a specific number (e.g. 005 of 100 which is how my V12VR was plaqued) or no reference at all to numbers ?
Yes both have numbered plaques (the inspection plate). Iirc the GT8 production numbers were always set at 153 (150 customer cars, 3 factory - assume the red, halo and silver press demonstrators). I think the allocation split did get messed up. Early indication was 40-45 UK cars and in practice looms like we ended up with closer to 50% of production. So I suspect there's going to be 12 months or so while the market digests the "excess" and we get a market more in tune with its limited production status.
I'm pleased that the OP is looking at selling the GT12 below current rates being asked. As I've said before to pay a £200k premium for a GT12 over a GT8 would be complete madness (we can have a separate debate as to which is the better car!)
RobDown said:
I'm pleased that the OP is looking at selling the GT12 below current rates being asked. As I've said before to pay a £200k premium for a GT12 over a GT8 would be complete madness (we can have a separate debate as to which is the better car!)
Of course better is not only incredibly subjective, but is also entirely different to most valuable or even, to most desirableWill be interesting to see how much less than "a chunk less" is?
Surely at "a chunk less" than the almost undriven one which DK Engineering are advertising on PH and their own website £349k there isn't much left before its back to list price? Its got a pretty nice spec too (including the CF roof), so must have been close to £280k new?
Surely at "a chunk less" than the almost undriven one which DK Engineering are advertising on PH and their own website £349k there isn't much left before its back to list price? Its got a pretty nice spec too (including the CF roof), so must have been close to £280k new?
AdamV12V said:
Will be interesting to see how much less than "a chunk less" is?
Surely at "a chunk less" than the almost undriven one which DK Engineering are advertising on PH and their own website £349k there isn't much left before its back to list price? Its got a pretty nice spec too (including the CF roof), so must have been close to £280k new?
Ah I hadn't seen that one Adam. II was referring more to the 3-4 that are being advertised north of £400k. At £349k looks more "reasonable", albeit I'd still be buying a manual GT8 at £220k instead (indeed I'm not sure I'd pay much of a premium at all for the GT12, but as I said that's for another day).Surely at "a chunk less" than the almost undriven one which DK Engineering are advertising on PH and their own website £349k there isn't much left before its back to list price? Its got a pretty nice spec too (including the CF roof), so must have been close to £280k new?
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