What did you do during lockdown? Learned how to bake sourdough? Exercised fanatically to YouTube videos? Maybe even learnt a language? I did none of that. Instead, I bought this Aston from a specialist in Dorset sight unseen from my lockdown living room sofa in Florida....Sounds crazy? Here’s what happened: I juggled the finances, to yes, you guessed it, splash out on the car that makes us all go weak at the knees. Couldn’t get that excited about what I saw advertised. I wanted the power and soul of an Aston, sure, but I also wanted that beauty in a more striking colour. I then came across the advert for this sexy, 28,000 mile, Vanquish priced at £67,000 in apple tree green with phantom grey hides and contrast green stitching....Hooked! Chassis J00046 was registered to AML 01/09/2012. It was a press/launch car 14,000 miles covered during their ownership. The service history shows AM dealers in Exeter, Bristol and Nicholas Mee recording 6 further entries. A rare colour: one of 8 cars produced worldwide, the only right hand drive car made for the U.K. market. Deciding to go for it from some 4,000 miles away wasn’t easy. A tough negotiation, arranging collection and then organising storage.
I still haven’t seen the car, but then I realised, I actually had in 2013 when helping the club set up the centenary event at Kensington Gardens. It was part of the AML display! I never imagined 7 years later I would own it! These photos were taken a few years ago and were the only ones I had available. £220,000 when new? I got a good deal on a unique car! Hopefully can get back to U.K. soon and finally turn this virtual lockdown purchase into reality!
See my Memorabilia entry. An Artist’s impression.....
Good luck Michael and look forward to seeing it when you are back in the U.K. Did you sell your Gen 1 Vanq or have u kept that too?
Hi Frank
Thank you.No I decided to keep the gen 1 Vanquish simply because there is too much emotion and nostalgia wrapped up in it not to mention the cosmetic upgrades I carried out. If you haven’t already seen the autocar road test featuring my 2nd gen Vanquish ‘meet the ancestors’ it’s an interesting video. Steve Sutcliffe puts both Vanquishes through their paces. Here’s the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzohSmhSqfY
Nice of you to comment on my car.....are you entering anything?
Won the NP 12 Cyl class with my SDP last year so giving everyone else a chance this time! Glad you kept yours as they are very special 👍
Beautiful car, amazing story, I'm sure the reality will beat the anticipation when you finally connect !
Thanks Richard. yes definitely!
Congratulations!
Is using what looks like dealer pictures legal in this virtual world?
Hi Tony
Quite a few of these images are on the internet if you search under the registration, state the colour and include the fact it was a press car. I’m not aware of any dealer photos although AM Bristol did have some online.
I look forward to seeing the car later this year and will be good to take my own photos. Entering the car was always going to be challenging but I decided to go for it. I hope you enjoy the images I’ve provided.
Not to be offensive or to upset you in any way and I know it’s a bit of fun , but isn’t the purpose of this virtual concours to clean and prepare your car and then take the pictures....
still not to worry....good luck....
I thought the car looked sensational