AMV8 - Ordering Advice/Dealer Recommendations

[apex]

... since the first time I saw a Vantage V8 as a scholboy I've wanted an Aston but have been unable to justify (ok lets be honest afford it)....

But now I think AM is on the verge of something big and I'd like to know how to go about getting my name of the waiting list for an AMV8. Advice would be very welcome wrt

- Can I order direct from the factory rather than a dealership. Any contact no's/names.

- If I must go via a dealer can you recommend one either nr Leeds or Milton Keynes.

- Is there a deposit to pay to get on the list. If so how much

- Is the estimated lauch price still c.70k and if I place an order now could I get a car sometime in 2006.

Any advice most welcome.

[apex]

.. I have a letter of intent in with Aston now (via a dealer). Seems this gets us on Astons radar and whether you have sent a letter of intent a year or a day ago makes no difference (this is the official line anyway). Once Aston release the car the stampede will start to get a deposit down quickly. This is what dictates where you will sit in the queue...