What would your last AM drive be?
Discussion
It’s been a privilege to have two V8 Vantages over the past 3 years. From the memorable collections at AM Bristol to the feeling when I look out of the window each day to see that gorgeous shape (duck tail spoiler is my favourite bit, I think!).
But on Tuesday I’ll put it up on AT. Not desperate to shift it, so I expect it’ll take a couple of months at worst case.
Therefore I have a chance for a last blast or two.
As I don’t really want to stay overnight anywhere at present, what drives / routes would you take in a single day?
I’m lucky to live by the Welsh border (south) and they are opening back up tomorrow. Evo Triangle still needs ticking off. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
But on Tuesday I’ll put it up on AT. Not desperate to shift it, so I expect it’ll take a couple of months at worst case.
Therefore I have a chance for a last blast or two.
As I don’t really want to stay overnight anywhere at present, what drives / routes would you take in a single day?
I’m lucky to live by the Welsh border (south) and they are opening back up tomorrow. Evo Triangle still needs ticking off. Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Jon39 said:
I love these 'nudge, nudge', soon I intent to --- topics.
Yours is one of the best wordings I have seen. Very subtle.
Are you really leaving our passion, Nick. Only 3 years, ticked the box twice, and I'm off.
What has tempted you away?
Strange how things change. Before Christmas I was all ready to step up a gear with Aston ownership. A V12VS was in my sights and Vanquish S' were looking tasty. I even put a deposit down on a new Vantage but SHMBO and junior talked me out of it as they preferred the older style Vantage.
But the reality over the past months is that it's simply not getting used now. There's always been the problem that it's a two-seater, but with junior at home from school for what will be 6 months on total, the opportunities to enjoy it are largely shot. The business is also more demanding and time-consuming.
A Rapide is too big for the lanes around here and junior isn't 1ft tall, so the 2+2's won't work either.
I have utterly loved the experience and would recommend a Vantage to everyone. It's compact, amazing fun, reliable, stylish, etc. But it's also something that needs using and I don't want it to go to waste.
May as well return to the fold when the time is right.
For now, we just ordered a motorhome so that I can slow all you lucky so-and-so's down
Lord.Vader said:
As above, my last drive (or journey) of whatever AM I have will be when I’m dead.
Evo Triangle and Bala as you say.
Head up from the South until appx Welshpool and then head West to Harlech / Barmouth, then plan a route round Snowdonia, heading towards Beddgellert & Beths-y-coed.
Nice bit of the A5 takes you from there to either Ruthin (A494) or straight through to Llangollen where you can turn off just before and head over the horseshoe pass.
You can’t really go wrong up here ...
Thank you Mr L. Vader!Evo Triangle and Bala as you say.
Head up from the South until appx Welshpool and then head West to Harlech / Barmouth, then plan a route round Snowdonia, heading towards Beddgellert & Beths-y-coed.
Nice bit of the A5 takes you from there to either Ruthin (A494) or straight through to Llangollen where you can turn off just before and head over the horseshoe pass.
You can’t really go wrong up here ...
It's an area I've very rarely passed by, so will take your advice. Might just mix it with some nice remote lanes which run down the border or centre of Wales. Always loved how the previous Vantage is compact enough for every road in Britain!
Photos when it happens
cayman-black said:
Here is your new forum Nick, enjoy.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&...
Seriously though there are some real motorhome experts here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&...
Seriously though there are some real motorhome experts here.
Never aspire to become a motorhome expert, I have to admit.
LOL! Thanks for all the advice
NC500 - wanted to do that for the past few years. That’s where the problem of 2 seats comes in when there a family; hard to say “toodle pip”* for a week just to have a jolly in a fast car.
Now, before we even take delivery of the motorhome, we’re set for the NC500 tour and more.
When you’re all blasting around, look out for the oversize mobile margarine tub with the writing on the back “I was once like you”.
It’s a different adventure. Not sure if it’s for us, but you gotta try everything once, etc.
But even worse news than being restricted to 20mph and relying on Fiat quality to get you there? It seems I’ve already agreed the sale of the Vantage, which is departing tomorrow morning. Only one last blast of great but familiar roads first things.
Toot when you blast past me.
NC500 - wanted to do that for the past few years. That’s where the problem of 2 seats comes in when there a family; hard to say “toodle pip”* for a week just to have a jolly in a fast car.
Now, before we even take delivery of the motorhome, we’re set for the NC500 tour and more.
When you’re all blasting around, look out for the oversize mobile margarine tub with the writing on the back “I was once like you”.
It’s a different adventure. Not sure if it’s for us, but you gotta try everything once, etc.
But even worse news than being restricted to 20mph and relying on Fiat quality to get you there? It seems I’ve already agreed the sale of the Vantage, which is departing tomorrow morning. Only one last blast of great but familiar roads first things.
Toot when you blast past me.
- I have NEVER uttered the words “toodle pip”
Mr.Tremlini said:
Wow, Nick, that was quick, from what`s the best last drive, to, it`s on it`s way in the morning, all in about 24 hours!
Aston owners come and go, I will fit this category I am sure, but you`ve been a good participant in the forum and will be missed, so all the best and enjoy the camper, a different way to travel but still not a bad thing, and in a few years who knows.
Sounds like you last drive will not be an epic one, so be sure to put a big screen in the camper, and watch this at a reasonably high volume from camp ground to camp ground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkAT82-R0S8
Thank you Mr.Tremlini! Aston owners come and go, I will fit this category I am sure, but you`ve been a good participant in the forum and will be missed, so all the best and enjoy the camper, a different way to travel but still not a bad thing, and in a few years who knows.
Sounds like you last drive will not be an epic one, so be sure to put a big screen in the camper, and watch this at a reasonably high volume from camp ground to camp ground.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkAT82-R0S8
Must admit it took me by surprise how fast it all went. In the end, it returned to Aston Martin Bristol, from where it came originally. George and Matthew have been very good, as always. (Although a big thanks to the folks at McGurk who also tempted me... and were very professonal.)
In the end, the thought of the hassle of posting in AutoTrader was too much. I could have got a little more, but sometimes life is too short.
Therefore, in the end, my last drive was along one of my favourite roads, winding down by the river Wye from Monmouth to Chepstow, via Tintern...
(Annoying my last photo of it is so naff, but there you go.)
The sound will stay with me forever. It's been an amazing experience, and one I will probably repeat when time is more readily available to enjoy it.
In the meantime, if you see a lovely Volcano Red V8VS standing in MD's lot in Bristol, take a second look. And please smile as much as I did when you start it up for the first time!
PS - Catchpole is undoubtedly my favourite motor journalist along with Harris. Glad he's back in Evo's pages. And yes - that's an amazing road to head to. Looking forward to it!
Bob T said:
First post on this bit of the forums but long time lurker ...... and also late to this thread
Pleased to report I did smile when it started up and lots of these on the test drive
So deal agreed and I should be heading back to Bristol in a week or two to pick it up
Will do my best to look after it and expect to be hanging around these forums for advice a lot more in the future
That’s great to learn, Bob! You’ll enjoy it like crazy Pleased to report I did smile when it started up and lots of these on the test drive
So deal agreed and I should be heading back to Bristol in a week or two to pick it up
Will do my best to look after it and expect to be hanging around these forums for advice a lot more in the future
Just do me a favour; don’t worry about the mileage. It genuinely gets better with use
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