Hello... and our drive down to Switzerland

[Pommyboi]

My better half purchased a 9 year old 4.7 V8 Vantage earlier this year and despite lurking on the PH forums, especially the Aston forums, I hadn't got around to saying hello or posting a photo. Generally, this is because I'm totally against us owning the car despite being a big fan of cars, especially British brands, and attending a car shows large and small.

I often find the ride far too harsh and no fun on the majority of our local roads and as I'm left with the car for runs into town or the supermarket dislike the heavy steering and the stress of hoping I'll find a decent, safe parking space when I go somewhere.

Anyway, last week we drove through France to see friends, into Switzerland near Geneva, then up into the mountains to a resort called Grimentz before heading back to Riems and a champagne tour. I wasn't really looking forward to hundreds of miles in the car and had initially refused to go. However, for the first time I thought the car made sense as we travelled on lovely smooth, challenging, Swiss mountain roads and followed locals who clearly knew the roads well. The suspension was perfect and the car in the right environment.

How do they get their roads to be such good quality? The roads in France were pretty good as well and I think we only had an hour of bad traffic during the week away. It’s my first big drive across parts of Europe and I was pleasantly surprised.

Sadly on returning to the UK, our congested, broken, slow roads straight off the channel tunnel and around the M25 I decided I would be happy when the car goes. If I lived in Europe I’d be arguing to keep it for years.

I really enjoy the posts on the Aston forum and reading the real world experiences of car owners - thanks

Grimentz in the distance


France


Glacier, Switzerland


Moiry Dam

[EVR]

Cool, it's nice to read a somewhat different take on ownership and experience.

Yeah, I have been living in Switzerland for 12 years and was there just last weekend, roads are flawless.

But the downsides are speed cameras on every corner and the highest police pro capita ratio of the world.

[F1NDW]

Love your photos and love being in the Alps in an Aston. Still plenty of snow about.

[Nerdherder]

EVR said:

Cool, it's nice to read a somewhat different take on ownership and experience.

Yeah, I have been living in Switzerland for 12 years and was there just last weekend, roads are flawless.

But the downsides are speed cameras on every corner and the highest police pro capita ratio of the world.

Highest gun ownership number too iirc.

An honest experience is always appreciated, thank you for sharing Pomm. Lovely pictures and by the looks of memorable trip!

[Emilio Largo]

Pommyboi said:

I wasn't really looking forward to hundreds of miles in the car and had initially refused to go.

Very refreshing to read a (initially) critical viewpoint on this forum. I could never imagine taking the car for a longer roadtrip, let alone a trip around Europe. The car´s shortcomings - sorry, I meant it´s “character”, of course - make it feel tiresome for me to drive after about 40km. It is beautiful to look at, but not such a great drive – even on relatively smooth roads in my country.

But good to hear that you have found a "purposeful environment" for it and hope you come to terms with it back home. Enjoy it the way you like it best.

[Pommyboi]

Finally I'm allowed to reply I keep trying and it says new forum members aren't allowed to post.

Thanks for the comments, glad people liked the few photos of the car on our travels in Europe.

[bignoise]

Thanks for the pictures and for sharing your experiences

As a high mileage driver incl an European holiday I can vouch for the vantages long distance abilities

[Jon39]

Welcome Jamie.

Thank you for your post. Yes, the quality of road making in the UK is appalling. Just observing the amateur way in which potholes are filled reveals all. The method ensures more work is available in two months time, doing the same job again. As you righty describe, it does spoil the enjoyment of our cars. Like you (wheels reveal), I certainly find the 'comfort' suspension version to be firm enough.

I used the link to your flickr page. Such magnificent photographs. We thought Mr. Tremlini was the king of photography here, but now we have a king and a queen. What talent to visualise a picture.