Aston Factory Tour - what to expect?

[kbf1981]

I'm off up to the Aston factory this week, been invited by the dealer. Anyone done this before? What happens? They say bring your license. To be honest I'm hoping I see the new Vanquish and also have a look at a wider variety of colours on the DBS / V12's to see what's nice.

Thanks!

[StephenP]

I've been three times ... you normally get to see whichever cars are in the reception (photos allowed), tour the factory floor to see the model under construction that day (no photos) and take a look at the collection of classics/older models on show just before the main staff entrance to the shop floor.

You'll love it!

[kbf1981]

Awesome! I hope they have a new Vanquish there! Why do they ask you to bring your license? Do they have a track or something? Thanks!

[Jockman]

kbf1981 said:

...Why do they ask you to bring your license?...

I was never asked to bring mine

[Ice27]

kbf1981 said:

Awesome! I hope they have a new Vanquish there! Why do they ask you to bring your license? Do they have a track or something? Thanks!

If they've invited you to the Aston Martin experience day, you get to test drive a couple of cars after the factory tour
I spent about 50 mins in each.
A great day!

Oh.. And a really nice lunch too

[Jockman]

Ice27 said:

If they've invited you to the Aston Martin experience day, you get to test drive a couple of cars after the factory tour
I spent about 50 mins in each.
A great day!

Oh.. And a really nice lunch too

With whom is one required to sleep in order to receive such a golden ticket Mel ?

[Ice27]

The dealers get to invite guests to these factory tours. I chatted to my local dealer during a ride out to Beaulieu earlier this year

[AdamV12V]

Jockman said:

With whom is one required to sleep in order to receive such a golden ticket Mel ?

I belive Dr Bez is the Head Man Jockers! Pucker up, big fella!

[kbf1981]

Ice27 said:

kbf1981 said:

Awesome! I hope they have a new Vanquish there! Why do they ask you to bring your license? Do they have a track or something? Thanks!

If they've invited you to the Aston Martin experience day, you get to test drive a couple of cars after the factory tour
I spent about 50 mins in each.
A great day!

Oh.. And a really nice lunch too

Sounds awesome, thanks.

[Slarti]

I'm there on Thursday. Hoping i get to drive something! Can't wait.

[t1blk]

Jockman said:

I was never asked to bring mine

Probably aware of your reputation of driving like Miss Daisy and they have a limited time allowed for test driving

[Jockman]

t1blk said:

Probably aware of your reputation of driving like Miss Daisy and they have a limited time allowed for test driving

Fair Comment Big T

[LordBretSinclair]

Did a factory tour last week - really interesting.

Numerous Vanquish models on "the floor", no sign of any V12VRs though - enjoy the day

[Mako V12V]

Slarti said:

I'm there on Thursday. Hoping i get to drive something! Can't wait.

Hey Slarti, my factory tour has been brought forward a week and I'm factoring this Thursday too.
Is yours the Experiance Day - 2 hour tour plus 2 test drives lasting 4 hours in total?
I've to be there at 1245pm.

[t1blk]

Jockman said:

Fair Comment Big T

I'm sure you'll have chance to explore your wild driving side in Wales this coming weekend Phil, I hope the weather is good to you, have a great blast

[mikey k]

t1blk said:

Jockman said:

Fair Comment Big T

I'm sure you'll have chance to explore your wild driving side in Wales this coming weekend Phil, I hope the weather is good to you, have a great blast

I'm gutted I'm going to miss that

[GTDB7]

I had an invite a few weeks ago. Was offered test drives in any current model I wanted but declined.

Instead of the driving I had TWO factory tours and got to see a few extra's that were not on the normal tour ;-)

So I think all in all the better choice. The guy did say that having the two tours was a first for them.

To be honest I am not all that interested in driving other cars, unless I am given a free hand in "HOW" I drive them ;-)

All the sterile test drives are of no interest to me as to a certain point a car is a car, now if you can take them to the max and ride that line for a while then sure thing.....!

P.S, I saw more than one Vanquish on my 2nd tour, so by now those touring should be in luck.


And yes the lunch was nice, try the small sausages on bamboo sticks.... lovely! be quick as people soon eat them all.

[jonby]

I've done the factory tour a few times, some with the driving experience. They normally use external 'test drivers' to accompany you and depending who you get, they can really encourage you to give it the beans - make sure you get outside early when it's time to drive to pick your car as you'll get 1st choice then.....

[Slarti]

Mako V12V said:

Hey Slarti, my factory tour has been brought forward a week and I'm factoring this Thursday too.
Is yours the Experiance Day - 2 hour tour plus 2 test drives lasting 4 hours in total?
I've to be there at 1245pm.

Hi Mako, yes Thursday it is! I think I get the morning slot...

"The event is scheduled to last a half day between 9.00 and 12:45 with
refreshments and a buffet lunch provided. Refreshments will also be provided
throughout the morning."

I wonder if we'll overlap during lunch??? If so, I'm the short guy with the shiny bald head.

[Murph7355]

The food's nice and the factory tour very good.