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FEATUREFB4AbsolutePowerWhen Aston Martin decides to make a statement, it doesn’t holdback. Last year Gaydon’s engineers squeezed the biggest and mostpowerful engine they could lay their hands on into the mostcompact car in the range to create the mighty V12 Vantage ...Words by: Richard MeadenPhotography: Andrew Morgan

FB5In the late Nineties the Works Prepared ‘V600’ took thetwin-supercharged, 550bhp Vantage and gave it morepower, more torque, a 200mph top speed and a wholeheap of attitude.Viewing the pair parked side-by-side it seems hard tobelieve that just a dozen years separates them, such isthe startling contrast in style and scale. Indeed the factthat each comes from a different century seems themore appropriate and believable historical yardstick.The big and brutal V600 might lack the tight proportionsand seamless contours of the sexy V12 Vantage, but it’sstill the car to have in a game of Top Trumps. Developedby the factory as an uprated and thoroughly re-workedconversion for Aston’s standard 550bhp Vantage, the2020kg V600 first broke cover in 1998. Though thestandard Vantage could hardly be accused of lackingpower and torque, engineers raised its output to 600bhpand 600lb ft through the fitment of a more effectivecharge cooling system. They then blanked off sixth gearand adjusted the final drive ratio, so that instead ofpuling a ludicrous 47mph per 1000rpm in sixth, it pulled34mph in fifth for a genuine top speed of 200mphplus. Vast AP brakes, firmer suspension and lightweightDymag wheels completed the £43,000 upgrade package.It’s not often you’re left wondering if a V12 Vantage hasenough under the bonnet, but after staring in awe atthe V600’s extraordinary motor it’s hard not to wonder.Surprisingly, with 510bhp, 420lb ft and a dozen cylindersto propel its 1680kg mass, the V12 Vantage actually has aslightly better power-to-weight ratio, with 308bhp-pertonversus 302 for the two-ton V600.Numbers are all well and good on the page, but it’s howthey translate on the road that really counts, which iswhy we’ve brought these two monsters together. Itdoesn’t take long to discover just how different thesetwo numerically similar machines are to drive.Before you get to sample the driving experience you’restruck by the contrasting interiors. There’s an air of realopulence about the V600, thanks to the extravagantupholstery, complete with contrast piping. There’s also avast swathe of high-gloss wood veneer and a sprinklingof exposed fixings for that authentic coachbuilt look andfeel. In the V12 Vantage you’re treated to architecturalswoops, jewel-like instruments and hi-fi speakers thatemerge silkily from the dashboard.Both start with a bang, the V600 throbbing andpulsing to the heavy, uneven hot rod heartbeat of thatgargantuan twin-supercharged V8. By contrast the V12Vantage emits an aggressive bark before settling to asmooth, menacing growl. Only one remotely triggers thealarm of our Renaultsport Twingo camera car, which isparked nearby. No points for guessing it’s notthe V12…Both cars are manuals, but the similarities end there forthe V600’s shift is very physical, requiring a proper heftto slot into first gear. Subsequent shifts up the ‘box arerather ponderous, but to be fair 600lb ft means you canadopt a somewhat relaxed attitude to gear selection. TheV12 is an altogether easier beast to operate, with a light,slick shift action and an equally easy clutch.That ease of use means you quickly relax into driving theV12. It’s got tons of torque and a lovely linear delivery,so you can stroke it along without really trying. Itssuspension feels firm, but beautifully controlled, andthere’s a wonderful sense of connection that soon hasyou absorbed in the moment. Poised through long, fastcorners, yet agile and pointy when you have a sequenceof corners to attack, it feels as neat and tight as it looks.Being so wieldy means you can tap into far more of theV12’s bottomless performance than you’d ever imagine,and thanks to huge carbon brakes donated from theflagship DBS you always have plenty of stopping powerto call upon.Driving the V600 quickly along the same country roadis something akin to riding a grandfather clock downthe Cresta Run. With the big veneer dashboard fillingyour forward view and that explosive V8 hurling youbetween the hedgerows the sense of barely containedmomentum fills you with a unique mix of incredulity,hilarity and awe.There’s no doubt two tonnes shouldn’t be able to movethis quickly, let alone make such a concerted effort tosteer and stop with the immediacy and stamina to keepthis extraordinary Works Prepared show on the road (andnot in the undergrowth), yet the V600 does just that.True it has to work hard at it, and you can sense there’san awful lot of physics colliding at the point where tyresmeet Tarmac and brake pads meet brake discs, but whendriven with the requisite smoothness and sympathy thisold warhorse can be cajoled into making indecent and, ithas to be said, tremendously entertaining progress.That is until it starts raining, at which point any thoughtsof confidence, or dare I say, complacence go straightout of the window. In the dry you can work up to itslimits, even though it isn’t especially feelsome, but comethe rain you can’t commit with enough enthusiasm togenerate any body roll, and without that it’s very hardto gauge how close you are to testing the GoodyearGS-D’s sense of humour. Couple to this the somewhatimpatient delivery of the two enormous blowers andthe vast quality of torque they generate, not to mentionVantage’s rather slow-witted traction control, and it’s nowonder any enthusiasm you might have had for testingyourself against this monster soon fade in the face ofinclement weather.Still it would take more than scudding clouds and aheavy rain shower to dampen what has been a trulymemorable day. It’s a real privilege to spend time drivingthese two monster Astons, and fascinating to experiencethe quite different yet equally enthralling performancethey offer.The V600 marked the end of Newport Pagnell’scoachbuilt era. Anachronistic in its day and the betterfor it, there’s never been anything quite like it before orsince. To put it into perspective, only when the £1-millionOne-77 supercar goes into production will Aston Martinhave built a faster, more powerful road car. Of Aston’sdinosaurs only the V600 Le Mans is more desirable.The V12 Vantage is a different breed, but no lessimpressive for that. It might not have the V600’soutrageous presence or the avalanche-like ability to gainspeed but it fuses immense, addictive V12 thrust withterrific agility and dynamism. It’s so much more roundedin its abilities than the V600, so much more accessibleand less intimidating too. The geographical distancebetween Newport Pagnell and Gaydon is modest to saythe least, but driving these two magnificent cars back-tobackis vivid proof of just how far Aston Martin has come.See the V600 in our ‘Whats in Stock section on page 7.Richard Meaden,Freelance motoringjournalist writes fora number of leadingautomotive magazinesincluding Evo.

GARRARD’S GEMSHOT LISTFB6Neal Garrard,Manager - New EraOff season? What off season I ask myself!This winter has been incredibly busyat Brackenbury Garage. Much of mytime was taken up by our visit to theMiddle East to compete in the Dubai 24Hour race, and I can confidently statethat is was my hardest ever weekendin motorsport, partly because almosteverything that could have gone wrongin the days before, did! From our pit-tocarradios not arriving (fairly important ina 24hr race) to drivers falling ill just hoursbefore the start of the race, we had it! Soit was an exhilarating moment when bothNicholas Mee Racing cars crossed thefinish line after a day and a night of hardracing with one of the cars claiming aclass podium and 18th position overall.In addition to our racing activities,another major project over the winterhas been the launch of our newwebsites. These provide us with a morecontemporary web presence and allowus to take full advantage of the latestinternet trends and technologies, butmore importantly we hope you enjoyusing the new sites. If you do have anyfeedback on how we may be able toimprove our web presence, we’d love tohear from you.After what seems like an usually a longand cold winter it is with much relief thatthe weather here in the UK is warmingand the nights are getting shorter, whichin turn allows us all to start thinkingabout enjoying our cars again. We arevery much looking forward to a busyseason of events and hope to see some ofyou out and about, either at a race circuitsomewhere, or perhaps at Stoke Parkfor our fantastic Midsummer Classic andThunderBall events!Happy motoring!NealApologies for the seasonal hot cross pun, but here’s our Easter HotList ‘eggstravaganza’! Like an Aston Martin, chocolate doesn’t makethe world go round, but it certainly helps make the ride worthwhile.But unlike a ‘here today – gone today’ chocolate egg, these deliciousAston Martins can be savoured time and time again.DB4GT ZagatOFabergéArguably the most desirable of all Aston Martin road cars, theDB4GT Zagato was first revealed at the 1960 London Motorshow.DB4GT chassis were dispatched from Newport Pagnell to Milan forfitment of the lightweight Zagato aluminium body and, of the 20cars built between 1960 and 1963, 19 survive today. With a highercompression ratio power was raised from the DB4GT’s 302bhp to314bhp, thus yielding a slight improvement on the standard ‘4GT’s0-60 in 6.1 secs and 153mph maximum. Dig deep for a bullet-proofinvestment.AM V8 VantageLa Maison Du Chocolat’s ‘Coffret’With around 360 built from 1977 to 1989, the 380bhp V8 Vantagewas an evolution of the AM V8 and a separate model in its ownright. Its many engine upgrades provided a 40% increase in powerwith 10% more torque; enough for a top speed of 170mph with0-60 in 5.3 secs. Other modifications included uprated suspension,a tail spoiler, a deep front air dam, a blanked-off radiator (withtwin, inset Cibié lamps) and a bonnet power bulge. Over the pastdecade this model has become an iconic 70s/80s classic with goodexamples in strong demand.COMPETITIONIn the last issue we asked atwhich 1950 motorshow was theproduction DB2 launched, andthe first name out of the hat withthe correct answer ‘New York’ wasSimon Williams who winshimself a numbered copy of WAFT– a luxury car book, in this case‘painted’ with engine oil from UMC272 – the ex David Brown ’49 preproductionDB2.The prize for this issue’s competitionis a pair of tickets to the exclusiveMidsummer Classic and AstonMartin Concours d’Elegance eventto be held at Stoke Park Club on26th June. (Forfurther info see page 9.)To be in with a chance of winningthis £190 prize, just answer thisquestion: Stoke Park Club is famousfor being a location in Goldfinger,but which other Bond film also usedStoke Park as a location?Answers on an email please toinfo@nicholasmee.co.uk or call01243 755055. As usual, the firstname with the correct answer tobe drawn will be the winner, andplease submit your entry by the endof April 2010.DB4Thornton’s ‘Continental Paris’First unveiled at the Paris Motorshow in 1958, every majorcomponent in the ground-breaking DB4 was new. Designed byCarrozeria Touring of Milan, it employed the Superleggera (superlight)system by using alloy body panels affixed to a tubular frame.The Tadek Marek-designed 3.7-litre straight-six, dohc engineproduced 240bhp and the model remained in production until June’63, by which time there had been five distinct series with a totalof 1,110 built. The 140mph, 2+2 DB4 remains ultra desirable withconsistently rising prices.DB9Cadbury’s ‘Crème’Star of the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow, the DB9 was the first Astonmodel from AML’s new Gaydon facility. The beautiful 2+2 DB9 isbased on an Ian Callum design, later influenced by Hendrik Fisker.Drawing from Vanquish technology, the car employs a lightweight,super-rigid aluminium bonded chassis. Originally powered by a450bhp 6-litre V12, power was upped by 20bhp in 2008 alongwith some other refinements. Quoted performance is 0-60mph in4.6 secs with a top speed of 190mph. Low-mileage examples withstable pricing are currently not uncommon.

WHAT’S IN STOCKFB7ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE V600 : £99,950ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE V600 : £POAASTON MARIN DB4 SERIES 1 : £POAASTON MARTIN DB7 VANTAGE : £32,950Rolls Royce Blue with Magnolia hide, piped blue. Two ownersand only 14,000 miles covered from new. FSH and outstandingcondition. As seen in FullBore.Finished in Chichester Blue with Magnolia piped blue hide. Theconcours winning car - superbly maintained, with servicing byWorks Service it is complete with a comprehensive history file.1959. Superb Series 1 DB4. 4.2L engine, David Brown 4 speed +Overdrive gearbox and handling upgrades. Last owned for 14 yearsand highly maintained by marque specialists. Ex mechanical conand suitable for many road events.2003. Solent Silver with Light Grey and Pacific Blue hide.Automatic.Heated front screen, heated seats, 19” sport wheels,mesh grille, hi specification audio unit and usual standard Vantagerefinements. Just 25,500 miles from new with a FAMSH.AM VANQUISH ‘S’WITH MANUAL GEARBOX : £74,950DB9 COUPE WITH SPORTPACK : £58,500ASTON MARTIN DB7 : £24,500ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE : £POAFirst registered in Jan 2005, finished in stunning Toro Red withCharcoal hide. This car has the benefit of a ‘Works Service’ Manualgearbox. 28,000 miles and in stunning condition.2006. Stunning DB9 TT auto with Sports Pack. AMR Green withQuail Grey hide. 1 owner. Satnav, heated front seats, cruise, heatedfront screen, Linn 260w audio, parking sensors, powerfold mirrors.FAMSH, 6k from new and in immaculate condition.1998. Buckingham Green with Parchment and Forest green hide.Excellent condition throughout, Automatic. Serviced and MOT’dprior to delivery. Heated front seats, wire mesh front grille and hispec Kenwood audio system. 54k miles from new.1989. Royal Blue with Magnolia hide piped dk. Blue. 5 speedmanual. Superb low mileage example of the last specificationVantage including ‘X’ spec engine. Just 19k miles from new. A fullservice history accompanies the car. Immaculate condition.ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE : £53,950ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE PRODRIVE : £53,950ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE : £49,950ASTON MARTIN V8 ZAGATO VOLANTE : £99,9502007. Slate Blue with Phantom Grey leather. Manual. Full specincluding front stone guards, 19” wheels, bright finish grille,powerfold mirrors, heated front seats and screen, garage dooropener and auto dim mirror, Satnav, AM Premium Audio, memoryseats and Bluetooth. Excellent condition, AM warranty, FAMSH.2006. Sapphire Blue with Sandstorm hide. Prodrive engineenhancement (increasing power by 45bhp to 425bhp). This ‘07model year V8 is additionally equipped with AM premium audio,19” grey wheels, Satnav, cruise control and HID headlamps. 17,800miles from new , FAMSH, this 1 owner car is in fantastic condition.2006. Finished in Tungsten Silver / Grey with Obsidian Black hide.Factory fitted engine upgrade and exhaust bypass switch. Redbrake calipers, bright finish grille, HID headlamps, powerfoldmirrors, 19” wheels, Satnav, heated front screen and heated frontseats. Ex condition. FAMSH. 13k mls new.1989. Javelin Grey with Parchment hide. 5 speed manual. 1 of atotal production of just 37 cars and only 3,100 miles from new.Superb condition having been recommissioned by AM worksservice 300 miles ago. Interesting ownership history.

ASK THE TECH TEAMTHE ASTON MARKETFB8Tech Team:Andrew Weller, RoyWillis, Craig Reed, DavidSwadling and GrahamHudsonCabin CoolingAs summer approaches and cabintemperatures rise, it’s time to check ifyour air-conditioning system isworking correctly.Most car air-con systems see very littleor no use during the winter months,particularly if the car is not being drivenat all. During this time the seals onvarious joints in the system become dryand can shrink, allowing the pressurisedrefrigerant gas to slowly escape. Withlittle or no gas, the compressor willbecome inoperative and, if left, it canseize up. Keeping the system used is inmany cases imperative to achieving themost efficient cabin cooling, and alsohelps keep maintenance costs down.Our tip is to turn your system on to itslowest temperature at least once a monthfor no less than 20 minutes, even if it’scold outside. Like starting and warmingan engine to allow the oil to properlycirculate, this will allow the gases andlubricant within the air-con system tocirculate, and can therefore save youproblems in the long run. If you find thesystem is not cooling the interior then wesuggest getting it checked and runningcorrectly before more costly repairs, likefitting a new compressor, are needed.ASTONSTORE SPOTLIGHTNew to FullBore, this is a section where we unabashedly highlight desirable itemsfor sale in Nicholas Mee & Co’s new online store at: www.astonstore.co.ukFor this issue please allow us to draw your attention to our range of Caracalla Bagaglioleather luggage and accessories. Created using traditional Tuscan craftsmanship, theproduct line includes the commemorative motorsport range – a unique selectionof classic ‘Monza style’ leather holdalls relating to the history of famous racing carmarques, drivers and car race numbers.Additionally, CB has a special range tocommemorate Aston Martin’s outright winin the 1959 Le Mans 24-hour race. Thewinning car, the number 5 worksDBR1, was driven by BritonRoy Salvadori and AmericanCarroll Shelby, and RoySalvadori now owns thevery first Monza-styleholdall that CB made.For further informationon this and other CBproducts please visit:www.astonstore.co.ukAstons Remain Robust, Part IIIn the last issue of FullBore we reported that despite allthe economic uncertainty, the UK collectors’ car market,and in particular the Aston Martin market, continuedto thrive. Now, some three months on, the situationremains positive as we can testify to some robust tradingfrom here at Brackenbury Garage, most notably the saleof the ’49 ex David Brown DB2 (as featured in the lastissue) and the sublime ’66 Short Chassis Volante.Aston Martins have also been realising strong pricesat auctions both at home and abroad. Following onfrom the £550,000 for VMF 64, the unrestored 1950 DB2Team car, achieved at its end-of-October London sale aselection of ‘50s and ‘60s DBs also sold at RM Auctions’annual Phoenix sale in January for top-dollar prices.This market strength was supported a day or so later atBonhams’ Retromobile sale in Paris, and again at Coysat the Royal Horticultural Halls in early March. (All pricesinc. buyers’ premiums.)RM Auctions, Arizona, 21-22 Jan:1958 DB2 Mk III DHC $330,0001958 DB2 Mk III FHC $275,0001962 DB4 racer $275,0001963 DB4GT $1,001,0001965 DB5 FHC $429,000Bonhams, Paris, 23 Jan:1957 Aston Martin DB Mk III FHC €120,750Coys, London, 11 March:1960 DB4 FHC (barn find) £78,0321970 DB6 Mk II FHC £123,078All eyes are now on VMF 65, one of the three 1950 DB2team cars to be offered at Bonhams Aston Martin WorksService sale at Newport Pagnell on 22 May (estimate£380,000-£440,000), a sale which will also include a DB6Vantage ‘barn find’ and a V8 Zagato.

FB9LE MANS FRIDAY NIGHT PARTYGOODWOOD TRACK DAYSThursday 29th April and Thursday 30thSeptember 2010For 2010 CTR Events is delighted to offer two track daysat the stunning Goodwood Motor Circuit in Sussex.Working closely with the Goodwood team, CTR hassecured exclusive access to the circuit on Thursday 29thApril and Thursday 30th September 2010 for two veryspecial Aston Martin-only track days. These days willallow you to drive your own car on the circuit in sessionswhere track access will be limited to just five cars at atime. Ensuring that this special event maintains a relaxedyet exclusive atmosphere, we will be limiting the totalnumber of participating cars to 25.When not enjoying the circuit, we have arranged withthe kind cooperation of Aston Martin for a selection ofits latest models to be available for test drives on thescenic, sweeping roads that surround theGoodwood Estate.The Nicholas Mee Racing team will also be attendingthese events, along with its current Aston Martin V8Vantage GT4 racers driven by the team’s professionaldriver who will be taking willing passengers onexhilarating laps of the circuit at racing speeds.The deluxe, track-side Jackie Stewart Pavilion will be ourbase for the day, and the venue for breakfast, luncheonand afternoon tea.The price for attendance at these special Goodwoodevents is £495 per car and driver. Additional passengers arewelcome at the cost of £195.To make a reservation please contactreservations@clubtertrerouge.co.uk,or contact CTR on 0208 741 8822.LE MANS 24 HOURSFriday 11th June - Monday 14th June 2010This year’s Le Mans 24hr race is promising to be acracker. Following its 4th-place finish in 2009 – wherethe Aston Martin team was the fastest of the petrolpoweredentries – Aston Martin Racing will entertwo works Lola-Aston Martin LMP1 cars in the 2010endurance classic.Competition for these Gulf Oil-liveried, V12-poweredcoupés will be stiff as the confirmed entry list alsocontains no less than four 908 HDi Peugeots and threeAudi R15 TDIs. Excitement will be further hightened bythe small army of ex F1 stars competing, including ‘ourNige’ (plus two Mansell juniors) piloting the MansellLMP1 entry.Aston Martin interest will be upheld in the GT1 classby the DBR9 of the Young Driver AMR team, and in theGT2 class by the V8 Vantage GT2 of the British JMWMotorsport squad. And the best way to enjoy thisday-and-night racing drama is to join CTR Events’ LeMans experience.Following the outstanding success of our 15 previousannual visits to Le Mans, Club Tertre Rouge will onceagain offer its popular Friday evening welcome partyand weekend hospitality programme.The Club Tertre Rouge weekend begins at Folkestonewhere the ensemble meets, greets and boards theEurotunnel shuttle, followed by a spirited run down to LeMans on the classic route via Abbeville, Rouen, Bernay,Gacé and Alençon. Alternatively, guests are welcome tomake their own way to Le Mans, aiming to arrive on theFriday afternoon. Upon arrival, cars will be lined up anddisplayed within the secure grounds of our venue for theweekend, the Gîte de la Ferme, which is veryconveniently located in Ruaudin, just 2km from thecircuit entrance. The Gîte provides clean, comfortable,purpose-built accommodation for 24 people in amixture of shared bedrooms, with plentiful bathroomfacilities. (Exact accommodation arrangements will beconfirmed on booking.)On the Friday evening the Gîte will once again be thevenue for our pre Le Mans party which consists of aninformal barbeque, music and entertainment. We havebooked a great band that will play various popularcovers plus the odd special request!Saturday 12th will begin with breakfast at the Gîte(while doubtless fending off the obligatory hangover)before heading to the circuit for the Le Mans Legendclassic race. The Le Mans 24 Hours itself will commenceat 3pm local time, finishing at 3pm on Sunday, and CTRminibuses will be on hand throughout the weekendto provide transport to and from the circuit to the Gîteshould you wish to slip away from the action for a spotof R&R&R (rest, relaxation and refuelling).The CTR weekend package includes all meals, beer,wines and soft drinks at the Gîte.Price of the weekend package: £850. 50% deposit required.Remaining balance due 10 weeks prior to the event. Amaximum of 32 weekend hospitality packages available.Reservations now being taken.11th June 2010On the Friday evening, the Gîte de la Ferme will onceagain play host to the Club Tertre Rouge pre Le Mansparty which consists of a champagne reception andbarbeque, plus live music and entertainment from agreat band.Last year CTR welcomed over 200 guests to its Le Manswelcome party. Conceived to provide CTR’s friendsand contacts with a welcome sanctuary away from thecircuit, the champagne reception and barbecue partyguarantees to heighten anticipation of the race, andthis is further enhanced by appearances by competingteams and drivers as well Aston Martin VIPs such as CEODr Ulrich Bez and Chairman David Richards.We are already well underway with planning anothergreat party for 2010 and have now confirmed a band,to be announced soon. We are also planning to stage adisplay of the finest Aston Martins from the last 50 years,including, hopefully, some very special Aston MartinRacing cars. We also expect to welcome various driversfrom both the 24 Hour and the ‘Le Mans Legend’historic race.In 2009 many proud Aston Martin owners arrived intheir cars, and this resulted in an impressive varietyranging from a freshly restored DB4GT and DB5convertible, to a selection of 1980s V8s plus many‘new era’ cars including several Vanquishes and a DB9.The CTR organisers inspected the cars on display andpresented two informal awards during the course of theevening: ‘The Concours Award’ for the best presentedcar which also best represented the spirit of the event,and the ‘The Spirit of Le Mans Award’ for the CTR guestwho was deemed to have most adequately fulfilledthat criterion.Tickets for the 2010 CTR Friday Night Party are currentlyavailable to ‘non-residents’ for £75.00 per person.For further details on any of these events and image galleries of previous events, please visit: www.clubtertrerouge.co.uk

FB10Midsummer ClassicStarting at midday on June 26th, CTR Events’Midsummer Classic at Stoke Park Club will be a relaxed,family-friendly event with the convivial atmosphere ofa garden party. Organised in partnership with AstonMartin, guests will enjoy generous hospitality whichwill include a Pimm’s reception, an alfresco buffet lunchand afternoon tea. They will also have access to theafternoon’s Concours d’Elegance competition wherethey’ll be able to admire many priceless Aston Martinsand Lagondas, and chat with many of the ownerspresent about their wonderful cars. Aston Martin’scurrent model range will also be available for inspection,and the models on display will include the new fourdoorRapide and the awesome £1-million, 220+mphOne-77 supercar.Concours d’EleganceUpwards of 50 cars are expected to take part, withseparate classes representing different production eras:cars built at Aston Martin’s Feltham, Newport Pagnell,Bloxham and Gaydon factories. There may also be anadditional class for racing cars. Support has been strong,with many confirmed entries including the world famousDB4GT Zagato ‘2 VEV’ – one of the most valuable AstonMartins in existence, plus a 1930s International, a 1960sLagonda Rapide, another DB4GT, some DB5s, a DB6Volante and a DB7 Zagato.In keeping with the Midsummer Classic’s relaxedatmosphere, the panel of judges will comprise a mix ofexperts, journalists and car-loving celebrities. Under theguidance of a Chief Judge, the panel will assess eachcar on its authenticity, but in a break with Concourstradition, and in an effort to allow both head and heartto have equal say in the judging process, the panelwill also be scoring the cars on style, character andprovenance. Guests will also be encouraged to vote fortheir favourite car, with a special prize being awarded tothe most popular car of the day.Entries to the Concours d’Elegance are still beingreceived and anyone interested in submitting an entryshould contact CTR Events for an entry pack.The ThunderBallBuckinghamshire’s Stoke Park Club has a longassociation with James Bond and Aston Martin as itwas a filming location for two James Bond movies:Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).In the evening Stoke Park will be transformed into astunning venue for the glamorous, black tie ThunderBall.With the winning cars from the afternoon’s Concoursd’Elegance arranged for guests to admire during thechampagne reception, the evening will feature a finethree-course meal, an awards presentation for theearlier Concours competition, live entertainment fromleading Shirley Bassey tribute artist Maxine Barrie andher 17-piece band, a charity auction and a DJ to play theevening out.The charity auction is sure to be a highlight of theevening. Held by Bonhams and featuring some verydesirable items with an Aston Martin and James Bondtheme, we’re proud to announce that all the proceedsfrom the auction will be donated to the worthy Help forHeroes charity.Stoke Park ClubA country club & resort with an iconic mansionclubhouse, Stoke Park’s facilities include 350 acres ofhistoric parkland and gardens, a 27-hole golf course, spa,tennis, fitness and conference facilities, restaurants anda luxury 49-room boutique hotel. The Stoke Park Club,Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, is easily accessed fromJ2 of the M40, 25 miles/40 mins by road from centralLondon, or 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport.Ticket InformationTickets are now on sale for both the daytime event(The Midsummer Classic) and the evening event (TheThunderBall). Prices are as follows:• Daytime ticket £95 (includes entry to the Concoursd’Elegance event, Pimm’s reception, alfresco buffetand afternoon tea)• Daytime junior ticket £40• Evening ticket £225. Tables of 12 £2,250• Joint daytime and evening tickets £295• All prices include VATTickets can be purchased fromCTR Events on 0208 741 8822 orreservations@clubtertrerouge.co.ukwww.midsummerclassic.co.uk

MOTORSPORTS FB11NMR IN 2010Team Partners:Team Suppliers:Nicholas Mee Racing is pleased toannounce its intended racing calendarfor this year. In a change of direction fromlast season, rather than pursue successin one particular series, NMR along withregular drivers Christiaen van Lanschotand Karsten le Blanc has decided it willenter the V8 Vantage GT4 into longdistanceraces on an individual basis;races that will offer drivers and team thebest in competition, experience, prestigeand not least, enjoyment.However, with a class podium finishalready in the bag from January’s Dubai24hr race, and the Spa and Silverstone24hr races on NMR’s list of events, theteam is hopeful of achievement in theAston Martin supported 24hr Challengeseries for Vantage GT4s.Nicholas Mee Racing is also pleasedto announce that it has renewed itspartnership with law firm Levison MeltzerPiggot. Partner Jeremy Levison said,“I’m both pleased and proud that LMP– market leaders at the cutting edge ofdivorce and family law – can again beassociated with NMR’s racing program,and I’m confident that the team willbe able to build on its AM Challengewinningsuccess of last year”.2010 Partnerships with Nicholas MeeRacing are still available, see Partnershipenquiries or contact Nicholas Mee or NealGarrard direct.Date Circuit Organiser Length16-17 April Snetterton Britcar 2.5hr22 May Silverstone AMOC 2hr4-5 June Spa Brit GT/FIA GT4 Cup 2.5hr31 July - 1 August Spa FIA 24hrNMR ON PODIUM AT DUBAI 24hrNicholas Mee Racing’s no.124 V8 Vantage GT4 finishedthe 2010 Dunlop 24-hours of Dubai 3rd in class and acreditable 18th overall out of 74 participating cars.Competing in the team’s debut 24hr race, the no.124 GT4was driven by team regular Karsten le Blanc (NL) withguest drivers Shaun Lynn (GB) and last-minute recruitWolfgang Kaufmann (DE). (Unfortunately NMR’s otherregular driver Christiaen van Lanschot (NL) and guestdriver David Clark (GB) were both unable to start.)Brothers Tarek and Galal Mahmoud (LB), accompanied byGreg Audi (LB) and Corentine Quiniou (FR), piloted theno. 125 ‘Cedar Racing’ NMR Aston Martin GT4.During practice and qualifying both NMR cars sufferedsubstantial collisions from behind, but Kaufmannnonetheless managed to steer car 124 to 29th overalland 1st of the 11 homologated GT4 cars in the SP3-GT4Aclass. Unable to find a traffic-free lap, Greg Audi qualifiedcar no. 125 9th in class and 45th on the grid.2pm on Friday 15th January saw the start of the racewith le Blanc driving the no.124 Vantage and TarekMahmoud at the wheel of no.125. Mahmoud made astrong start and quickly gained several places from hisgrid position. Due to more on-track mayhem during theearly laps, le Blanc started cautiously and so by the endof the first hour he’d slipped down the leaderboard to8th in class, but crucially the car was still in one piece.As the race progressed some sure driving and typicallyslick NMR race management and pit-work would seeboth cars make good headway. NMR’s seasoned TeamManager Craig Dawson oversaw both cars, assisted byChief Technicians Andrew Weller and Ben Bloomfield.By 8pm the no.124 car was up to 28th overall and byhalf distance a further five positions had been gained.Unfortunately the no.125 Vantage was having a moredifficult time. Friday evening saw it make two lengthypitstops, both caused by a problematic feed belttensioner, and so with a few unscheduled hours spent inthe pits, the Cedar Racing squad dropped to 66th overall.However, accompanied by spectator applause, theyfinally rejoined the race and both NMR Astons circulatedthe Dubai Autodrome consistently.By the time the chequered flag fell at 2pm on theSaturday, the no.124 Vantage had completed 550 laps(1,843 miles) to finish 3rd in class and 18th overall, justtwo laps behind the local class-winning AUH AstonMartin team.With 403 laps completed (1,350 miles) the no.125 NMR/Cedar Racing GT4 made it to the chequered flag a gallant8th in class and 49th overall.2-4 October Silverstone Britcar 24hrwww.nicholasmeeracing.co.uk

MOTORSPORTS FB12ASTON MARTIN GT4 RACING, 2010In recognition of the outstanding racingand sales success of the Vantage GT4race car since its launch as the VantageN24 three years ago, Aston Martin hasannounced a programme of enhancedsupport and incentives for race teams andowners of the cars across Europe for 2010.Nicholas Mee Racing would be pleasedto hear from anyone interested inparticipating in any of the followingseries or who may require race carpreparation or transportation services,see links at end.24 Hour ChallengeWith the Dubai 24hr race alreadycompleted, results from that will countretrospectively and the 24hr Challengewill count only the best two results fromfour events, with points automaticallyallocated to all Vantage GT4 classfinishers. The winning team will receive atrophy and a test drive opportunity.January 14/15Dubai 24 HoursMay 15/16Nürburgring 24 HoursJuly 31/August 1Spa 24 HoursOctober 2/3 Britcar 24 Hours, SilverstoneBritish GT4 ChallengeThe first official one-make Aston Martinseries in the UK, the recently announcedGT4 Challenge has already attractedconsiderable interest from entrants keento compete exclusively against identicalcars. The races will vary from 90 to 150minutes in length and entrants willbenefit from technical and promotionalsupport plus hospitality from AstonMartin Racing. The GT4 Challengechampions will receive a GT2 or GT3 testdrive and other awards.GT4 CupThe six-round FIA GT4 Cup willsupport either the new FIA GT1World Championship or the FIA GT3Championship. This prestigious first stepon the GT racing ladder has seen closecompetition between numerous marquesin the three years since its inception, withAston Martin featuring regularly on thepodium. The best-placed Aston Martinentrant will receive the Aston Martin GT4Cup, with a GT2 or GT3 test drive for thewinning driver.Team Partners:Team Suppliers:April 5May 22June 4/5June 26August 21October 9SnettertonSilverstoneSpa FrancorchampsBrands HatchOulton ParkDonington ParkNürburgring TrophyThis will be run within the 2010 VLNseries of ten 4hr races on the legendaryNordschleife circuit from 27 March to 30October. All Aston Martins regardless ofentry class are eligible although mostentrants are expected from the SP10(GT4) class. Points will be taken directlyfrom the VLN scoring system with thebest eight results counting. The winningteam will receive a free entry to the2011 Nürburgring 24hr race and theopportunity to test Aston Martin’s V12Vantage race car at the Nürburgring.May 9June 5June 20August 29September 19October 17DijonSpaOscherslabenNürburgringAlgarveDonington ParkFor further information on NMR’s racingservices please visit:» race car preparation» transportation serviceASTON MARTIN’S 2010 RACING PLANSPowered by the same basic V12 engine found in the DBS,DB9, V12 Vantage and Rapide, Aston Martin Racing willenter two Gulf Oil-liveried works LMP1 cars in the 2010Le Mans 24 Hours, to be held on 12-13 June.The team exceeded all expectations at La Sarthe in 2009by finishing fourth overall, having been quickest of thepetrol-powered prototypes from start to finish in itsmaiden LMP1 outing.To provide the team with valuable on-track experienceAMR is also competing with one car in three races priorto the Le Mans 24hr: the Sebring 12hr, the Long BeachGrand Prix and the opening round of the European LeMans Series at Circuit Paul Ricard.Drivers Chris Buncombe (GB), Stefan Mücke (DE), HaroldPrimat (CH) and Darren Turner (GB) return for the 2010season and they will be joined by experienced sportscardriver Adrian Fernández (MX). After Le Mans AMR willalso compete in selected blue riband races around theworld with details of the remaining race programme andthe sixth driver to be announced soon.STOP PRESS: Aston Martin Racing drivers AdrianFernández (MX), Stefan Mücke (DE) and Harold Primat(CH) qualified and finished in 3rd overall, the highestplaced petrol car, in the Sebring 12hr race.

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