Newport Pagnell

[Englebert]

Took the Aston to the Works Service at Newport Pagnell on Tuesday. It was interesting to see how much it changed since i was last there, on the final factory tour before they closed down the old buildings.

Of course, i was stupid enough not to bring a camera but i got a few snaps on my Blackberry.

It was surprising to see so many foreign cars, these nutters ship their cars over here just for a service!

An Oz DBS

A very mean German all-black Vanquish S

Basically individual mechanics worked on cars in their own bays. Most mechanics specialised in certain cars. There were quite a few Vanquishes in!

Just so happened this was the first ever production model...

Walking through the building, there were many cars being prepped for the UAE. Not one was in a normal colour! At first they looked like the N24 race cars, but looking inside they had bright blue and yellow interiors!

Unfortunately i wasn't allowed to take photos in the restoration department, but there were some incredible cars in there, including a V600 Vantage (my favourite). There were two Lagonda's getting a ground up restore...they're only worth about £15k! Cheeky snap of an old un...

Our one on the ramps

All done, driven back outside

The garage doors revealed a car park of others...

Sorry about the low quality. Going back soon as the car is getting an exhaust bypass switch fitted and a few other bits. It's only done 12k, but a synchro needs replacing... for £6k :dapprove:

 

[BREMBO]

Stunning mate, the black Vanquish in the last picture looks stunning

Ouch @ the 6k!

Is it not the Vanquish that has had a fair few problems in its time?

 

[Gumby]

I'd love one of those old lagondas!

 

[Englebert]

You're on your own mate... they were ahead of their time. They didn't work out of the factory, so god knows what they're like now!

I think the early Vanquishes did have their issues, as it was a brand new car. Quite advanced, with a carbon tub, a-pillars and floor. If you get bored, have a read:
http://www.astonmartins.com/factory/vanquish_production.htm

 

[Beef-Mc]

Some pricey machines on show anyway.

 

[Gumby]

Oh, I thought you meant one of these:

 

[Bluebeard]

Slightly off topic, but your blackberry pics look really good! Mine are bobbins!

 

[Ali]

divine!

 

[Englebert]

I tweak them in photoshop mate. Unfortunately i have a shaky hand like a shitting dog, so they're often blurry...

 

[iimushroomzii]

A lot of very shiny, expensive cars there!

 

[Gally]

Imagine working there!

Any v12 vantage's Rob?

My fave new car of recent years (apart from the gash wheels.)

 

[Pearcy]

Speaking of chassis number ones my dad owns this, thought you might like a gander.

 

[Englebert]

That is really cool! Think i've seen it before actually. Does he race it?

Yes, some numpties had already crashed their V12 Vantages Gally! One was completely totalled and they were essentially rebuilding it from scratch.

 

[Englebert]

Here it is:
http://www.astonmartins.com/db7/db7_gt.htm

Any reason why the lip/wheels are now in red?

 

[Christopher]

Very nice!

 

[Pearcy]

The yellow one is chassis #2 of 2. This is the one stirling moss drove up goodwood one year, the yellow one has far more info on the internet for some reason. He bought it all smashed up about 4 years ago and sent it to Aston to be rebuilt, the bonnet alone cost 6k to make! Some progress threads here.

http://www.amoc.org/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,118/

http://www.amoc.org/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,118/

Some might turn their nose up as it's been damaged but it's all been approved by Aston and no expense has been spared!

He hasn't raced it and i doubt he will although at one point he said he would run it in AMOC i doubt he will though.

 

[Gally]

That is really cool! Think i've seen it before actually. Does he race it?

Yes, some numpties had already crashed their V12 Vantages Gally! One was completely totalled and they were essentially rebuilding it from scratch.

That's ridiculous mate! Jeeez!

Definitely would have to spec different wheels when ordering but i'd have one over a 430/599 any day!

 

[sam_jkelley]

my mate works as an apprentice there, and i live there