Anyone one here with experience of Vintage Astons?

[richb]

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...

[richb]

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...

[richb]

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!

[richb]

Thanks chaps - apologise for the slur on the Austin 7 they formed the basis of many "clubsters" cars so, oops! Regards money, I guess I’m looking to spend/invest (?) around £80k? Thoughts?

[richb]

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

[richb]

AC? Don't know much about their history but this is rather nice looking Oh, in answer to one question, I guess I'm more interested in touring and the occasional jaunt to France rather than hill-climbing or competing in it.

[RichB]

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]

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...