Original V8 Vantage side skirts on later V12S Vantage

[nickv12]

Inspired by the Vantage V600 "Dreadnaught" run-out models, I recently had an opportunity to make the unusual switch. I change the side skirts on my 2018 V12 Vantage AMR from the V12S style skirts to the very first "coke bottle" wrap-under V8 Vantage skirts.

I collected it yesterday. Super pleased! I know not everyone will agree, but it's easily changed back, and it's the only design change I would consider for the beautiful overall shape. I think the Cosmopolitan Yellow helps emphasise the slimmer look too.

I'm a little concerned about the additional stone chips (the original skirts were quite road-rashed on the underside), but it has protective film front and read on the newly fitted skirts.

Perhaps front OEM mud flaps may be a good move, or additional PPF along the whole length.

Shout out to Divine Auto Restorations (www.divineautorestorations.co.uk) for an amazing job. The owner, Ady, is also a spray guy for Aston Martin Q, hence the decision to go there.







And a reference photo of a run-out model V600 which also featured the original Vantage skirt design:

[Import]

Looks great ..I like it…always thought the oem sills looked better…I maybe biased…lol

[nickv12]

Import said:

Looks great ..I like it always thought the oem sills looked better I maybe biased lol

Thanks! They were all OEM, I suppose, but there must have been 3 or 4 different styles over the years?

[ragingfool]

love it! i too prefer the pre-facelift skirts

[Graze01]

Nick

That looks stunning - lovely colour

i did the same to mine not long after I got it 7 years ago and put PPfF over entire sill with a double layer over the rear arches



Graze

[nickv12]

Graze01 said:

Nick

That looks stunning - lovely colour

i did the same to mine not long after I got it 7 years ago and put PPfF over entire sill with a double layer over the rear arches



Graze

Great to see! I wonder if this had been done by other V12 owners. Looks stunning. Subtle difference, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it

I think your PPF approach is wise. I only have patched protection front and rear.

I’m just enquiring about OEM front arch stone guards (small mud flaps).

[Speedraser]

Looks great! All VH-gen Vantages are gorgeous but, IMO, the original V8 design is the prettiest of them all. My MY09 V8V sits next to my MY15 V12VS. The V12 sills do reduce lift, but the V8's are prettier. I read that Henrik Fisker insisted on the original-design sills for his personal V12V.

[nickv12]

Speedraser said:

Looks great! All VH-gen Vantages are gorgeous but, IMO, the original V8 design is the prettiest of them all. My MY09 V8V sits next to my MY15 V12VS. The V12 sills do reduce lift, but the V8's are prettier. I read that Henrik Fisker insisted on the original-design sills for his personal V12V.

I may have to refit the originals if I ever get over to the Autobahn, then

[Dewi 2]

nickv12 said:

And a reference photo of a run-out model V600 which also featured the original Vantage skirt design:

I like your change.
Inspired.

How about considering one further change.
The famous slatted front grille has formed an important part of Aston Martin visual history for over 60 years.
The 6 bar could be perfect.

[nickv12]

Dewi 2 said:

I like your change.
Inspired.

How about considering one further change.
The famous slatted front grille has formed an important part of Aston Martin visual history for over 60 years.
The 6 bar could be perfect.

I can see why you suggest this. But, to me, the white “shark teeth” style on mine is integral to its look.

I feel the side skirt change is justified due to the V600 design. I know - stupid justification.

Apart from fitting OEM stone guards (posh mud flaps), i don’t want to change anything else. It’s now utterly perfect in my eyes.

Better still… I drives even better!

[Speedraser]

nickv12 said:

I may have to refit the originals if I ever get over to the Autobahn, then

The 4.7 V8V with the original sills will do 180 mph, so if you don't exceed that you'll probably be OK. If you're going to exceed 180, then obviously you must reinstall the V12V sills

[nickv12]

Speedraser said:

The 4.7 V8V with the original sills will do 180 mph, so if you don't exceed that you'll probably be OK. If you're going to exceed 180, then obviously you must reinstall the V12V sills

Duly noted

[BiggaJ]

I'm a fan of the original sill design also, just so much cleaner to my eye.

[yeti]

That looks great on the V12 which seems so much more bulked up than the V8.

But I wouldn't change them on my V8.