fullbore : issue 13 - The Seen

NEWSFULLBOREOPEN ANDOPERATIONALOn the 1st February, Nicholas Mee & Co celebrated theofficial opening of the UK’s first high street Aston MartinHeritage showroom.Held at our new Brackenbury House premises on the GoldhawkRoad in West London, the opening party attracted guestsfrom across the industry, with existing customers celebratingalongside several senior executives from Aston Martin.In particular, we were delighted to welcome Aston Martin’sCEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, who spoke warm words of encouragement,congratulations and support to Nicholas Mee & Co. for itscommitment to the Aston Martin brand and to its Heritageprogramme in particular.Addressing the 120 or so guests Nicholas Mee said, “It seemsessential to us that Aston Martin Heritage has a dedicatedshowroom in the heart of London. These premises will beLondon’s focal point for showing and dealing in these beautiful,collectable cars. Perfectly located at a central point betweenHeathrow and Mayfair, our new high street showrooms offercollectors, buyers and sellers an ideal environment to showcasetheir cars”.Also present was Aston Martin’s Chairman David Richards,Director of Brand Communications Janette Green, ChiefCommercial Officer Michael van der Sande and Director ofWorks Service and Parts Operations Kingsley Riding-Felce whosaid, “Aston Martin takes its heritage very seriously, and it’scrucial that current and prospective owners of our Heritagemodels receive the kind of levels of service and specialistknowledge that is expected of the Aston Martin brand. Upuntil now our Heritage network has not had such prominencein London and it’s wonderful to see Nicholas and his teaminvesting so heavily in the future of Aston Martin’sHeritage business”.Importantly, our new showroom also heralds the beginningof a significant increase in our servicing, repair and restorationactivities at our nearby Brackenbury Garage premises onWellesley Avenue, which, with our sales operation havingmoved to Brackenbury House, now has 100% more floorspace and so will benefit from the improved efficiencies thatthis brings.We look forward to welcoming many more customers andvisitors to Brackenbury House and Garage over thecoming months.04

FEATUREFULLBOREWIDE BOYWords: Tom StewartPhotography: Jim ForrestJust one of three made, few Aston Martins have moreon-the-road presence than this Virage Volante06 9

FEATURE : WIDE BOYFULLBORE1995 was the year in which Valeri Polyakov spent a recordbreaking438 days in space and Steve Fosset became thefirst person to cross the Pacific Ocean solo by balloon.Also in no particular order, ‘95 also saw the collapse of BaringsBank, the Oklahoma bombing, the first DVDs, eBay’s founding,war in Bosnia, Princess Di on Panorama, the revival of the MGsports car brand, the Vectra replace the Cavalier, Frank Brunowin the WBC World Heavyweight title, Michael Schumacher,Mick Doohan and Colin McRae victorious in F1, 500cc and RallyWorld Championships, Jacques Villeneuve win the Indy 500 andMcLaren take victory in the Le Mans 24hr.Less well known is that ’95 was also the year that Aston Martinlaunched its 24-speed, £3,500 mountain bike (with frame madeby Roberts of Croydon) and that it was the penultimate year ofVirage Volante production, although the ’95, 2+2 model hereisn’t exactly typical of the 235 Virage Volantes built over a fouryearproduction span as it was one of just three ‘Works Specials’built to this specification by Aston Martin’s Works Service dept.But before we delve into the detail of what makes this carspecial I feel almost duty-bound to mention the special weatherthat blessed my Virage Volante experience. After a long greywinter, a cool morning breeze and a reassuringly warm sunwere unexpected but more than welcome, and so the start ofthe day saw the Volante’s powered roof lowered and its softleather hood cover buttoned down with the kind of quietconfidence and keen anticipation that only such blue skiescan bring.Departing from the side entrance of Nicholas Mee & Co’s newshowroom means navigating a few so-called speed cushionsat a slow walking pace. Urban supercar owners will be familiarwith the technique which requires placing one pair of wheelsdirectly onto the hump rather than attempting to straddlethe confounded things, and this is necessary with this widebodiedVirage due to its hand-built supercharged V8 Vantagecoachwork. This has only the doors and roof of the standardVirage Volante as the entire front end, including grille, bumper,triple-cluster headlamps, bonnet with slatted air vents andthat low front air dam are all as per the supercharged Vantageof the period, as are the revised sills, rear wings, rear panelwith four ‘Jaffa grapefruit’ rear lights, rear bumper and flowing,bespoilered bootlid.In keeping with the authentic supercharged look this car rollson deep-dish (10.5J) 18-inch OZ Racing split-rim alloys wearing285/45 GoodYear Eagles, behind which lie 14-inch Vantagespecbrake discs (with ABS) and upgraded Vantage suspension.Commensurate with the flamboyant bodywork and exotichardware is what’s described as a ‘Sports exhaust’, and all of thiswould have cost an estimated £130,000 over and above thestandard Volante’s £147,862 on-the-road price in mid ‘95.Driving south through London was a chore made all theeasier by this car’s smooth-changing 4-speed Torqueflite autotransmission and accurate power steering – although headingfor an equally sunny Surrey via the most direct route alsomeant negotiating the high-kerb width restrictors just beforeHammersmith Bridge. Fortunately my slight anxiety about07

FEATUREFULLBORE‘ALL IS CALM AS THE VIRAGE VOLANTE RESTS’9

FEATURE : WIDE BOYFULLBOREbecoming wedged-in, causing an almighty tailback and havingthe whole sorry debacle reported by local radio – “An AstonMartin driven by a man in a mauve check shirt is causing chaosin the Hammersmith area this morning…” – was soon dispelledas the Virage slipped neatly through without making contactwith said kerbs.With the good citizens of Barnes and Roehampton now alsohaving had their morning enhanced by the somewhat raucoustones of my ‘Sports exhaust’, I was now out onto the open roadof the A3, and generously sharing the rich and melodious tunesplayed by it with other road users on both sides ofthe carriageway.As you may by now have deduced, this Virage is powered by anaturally-aspirated V8, or to be more precise, the classic TadekMarek-designed 5,340cc motor first seen in the DBS V8 of1970, but with a pair of 16-valve cylinder heads and Weber fuelinjection as introduced on the first Virage of 1988. Originally,Virage coupés produced 330bhp (Volante 300bhp) with 350lb/ft of torque, but by the time this car was built power had beenupped to 349bhp with 369lb/ft.Aston Martin customers in the ‘90s with a voracious appetitefor power and speed could have their needs met by the 6.3-litreVirage, or one of a number of twin-supercharged V8 Vantagehard-top coupes producing up to 600bhp. I road-tested thefactory’s 200mph Works Prepared V600 Vantage demonstratorin late 1998 and on private land not far from Newport Pagnell,and with unsympathetic use of throttle accompanied by cloudsof blue smoke, that car decorated the tarmac with 92 yard-longstreaks of black rubber from a standing start.But this much milder Volante – its V8 motor coincidentallyalso built by Terry Durston – isn’t that kind of car. It acceleratesenthusiastically, but without neck-snapping force.Its character is more long-legged tourer than mind-bendinghot rod. At a steady 80mph cruise the motor is turning at awonderfully lazy 2,000rpm. Add another 500rpm and thespeedo needle would be nudging three figures, and witha 7-second 0-60 time along with a top speed approaching150mph, the big Volante is obviously no canal boat.It’s a good deal more agile than a canal boat too. Back in the ‘90sI described the V8 Vantage as “a bungalow of a car that you canbung into corners with confidence”, and the same holds trueof this Virage. Driven assertively it alters course with an alacritythat defies its size and mass, and it almost goes without sayingthat those road-roller tyres grip the road tenaciously, whethercornering or braking.But this Aston Martin isn’t for turning heads at the race trackor drag strip; it’s for enjoying on the King’s Road, or in sunnySurrey, or better still, en route to Le Mans in June with roofdown and best girl by your side.09

FEATURE : WIDE BOYFULLBORE1990s V8 ASTONSConfused by ‘90s Aston Martins?Too many names beginning with ‘V’?You’re not alone, but we can help.VirageDesigned by John Heffernan and KenGreenley, the Virage coupé madeits debut at the 1988 BirminghamMotorshow and close to 400 wereproduced until 1995. Developed inconjunction with Callaway Engineeringin the US, the 5,340cc V8 was fitted with16-valve cylinder heads for the betterbreathing required to overcome powerlosses from catalytic converters. Able torun on unleaded fuel, the Weber-injected330bhp Virage could run to 155mph,but 1993 saw the 465bhp 6.3-litreMk. II introduced which could dash to60mph in 5.2 secs and hit 174mph. 235convertible Virage Volantes were alsoproduced from 1992 to 1996.Vantage/V8 VantageUnveiled at the 1992 BirminghamMotorshow, the new Vantage boremore than a passing resemblance tothe Virage, but the only panels sharedwith the Virage were the door and roofskins. Additionally, this Vantage hadtwo clusters of three headlamps, eachbehind a single heated lens, while thegrille design was also new. With twinEaton superchargers, its 5,340cc V8 made550bhp – good for 0-60 in 4.6 secs and186mph. Later examples were badged‘V8 Vantage’ and 288 were built beforeproduction ended in 1999.V8 CoupéIntroduced at the 1996 Geneva Salon, theV8 Coupé inherited much from the Virageand V8 Vantage. Powered by a naturallyaspirated5,340cc engine and equippedwith a 4-speed auto transmission asstandard, the V8 Coupé made a moremanageable 349bhp which translatedto 0-60 in 5.9 secs and a top speed of‘over 155mph’. The V8 Coupé’s bodyworkis similar to the Vantage’s but featuresdriving lamps in a less aggressive frontskirt and less pronounced wheel archesover thinner-spoked, alloy wheels. 101Coupés were built up until 1999, alongwith a 200mm longer-wheelbase V8Volante version from 1997.Vantage V600Armed with 50bhp more superchargedhorsepower than the standard V8Vantage, the £234,000 ‘Works PreparedDriving Dynamics V600 Vantage’ wasproduced from 1998-2000. Thoughtechnically a factory conversion ratherthan a specific model in its own right,the 1,990kg V600 made 600bhp alongwith 600lb/ft of torque and merged atraditional walnut, Wilton and Connollyinterior with a catalogue of high-techperformance parts including hollowspokedDymag magnesium wheels,giant grooved discs with AP Racingcalipers, Stack digital instrumentationand upgraded Eibach/Koni suspension.Performance figures were 0-60mph in3.9 secs, 0-100 in 9.9, 0-160 in 28.7 and a200mph max.V8 Vantage Le MansJust forty Le Mans versions of the V600were built in 1999-2000 to commemoratethe 40th anniversary of Aston Martin’svictory at Le Mans. With either 550 or600 horsepower these cars featuredan even bigger front spoiler, a largelyblanked-off upper front intake, bonnetcooling ducts, DBR1-style vents on eachside, Le Mans badging and directionsto the Sarthe circuit in the ownershandbook. The V600/Le Mans Vantagesmarked the final incarnation of the30-year old Tadek Marek-designed V8,and four decades of Newport PagnellcoachbuiltAston Martins.1990s V8 Aston Martins in stock,see page 19 »10

fullbore : centrefold : Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE, Sebring 12hr, March 201211

Nicholas Mee & Co has entered into an exclusiverelationship with artisan engineers ‘Racing Gold’ to‘upcycle’ previously used components from Aston Martinroad and racing cars into stunning yet functionalbespoke furniture items.The brand name P.Arts – from ‘Performance Artworks’– has been chosen for the project, and we’ve startedby producing four stunning pieces (featured over thecoming pages).P.Arts is now working on many other exciting itemswhich will be launched in a dedicated area of ouronline store, www.astonstore.co.ukP.Arts is also able to accept individual, bespokecommissions from clients. There are no limits to theimagination and talent of our design team who arebrimming with ideas for items that can be created withpre-used Aston Martin parts and components. If youwould like to talk to us about the personal commissionof a special piece for your home or office, then please docontact us.All items are available for viewing and purchase at ourBrackenbury House showroom, or online at our onlinestore, www.astonstore.co.uk13

V8 Vantage GT4‘crankshaft’coffee tableFeaturing the authentic, refurbishedcrankshaft that has been ‘upcycled’ fromNicholas Mee Racing’s Aston Martin GT4Challenge GT4 race car. With an NMRstamp for authenticity and a brake disc andbrake bell from the same car, P.Arts hascreated this stunning coffee table. Standing65cm tall, it is currently fitted with a 65cmdiameter glass top, but if required thedimensions of the top can be altered toindividual requirements.Available now at £2,995 inc VATV8 Vantage GT4‘propshaft and wheelrim’ coat standCurrently the ‘signature’ item in the initialrange of P.Arts furniture, this truly stunningcoat stand would be a serious talking pointin any office or home. It has been craftedusing ‘upcycled’ components from NicholasMee Racing’s GT4 racer including two reengineeredand refurbished wheel rims thathave been chrome polished for a stunningappearance, relocated wheel nuts that havealso been chrome polished, a previouslyracedbrake disc and brake bell, and theupstanding, refurbished carbon fibrepropshaft. It stands 165cm tall with the‘wheel’ base being 50cm in diameter. Thecoat-hook wheelrim has 15 spokes.Available now at £4,995 inc VAT14

Retro look tweedtrimmed racingbucket seatThis exclusive P.Arts item has been madeusing a period bucket seat that waspreviously used in a period Aston Martinracing car which has been exquisitelytrimmed in official Aston Martin Racing/Hackett ‘Prince of Wales’ tweed. The legs ofthis highly comfortable yet practical 95cmtallchair have been bespoke engineered toreplicate the look of the spokes of a Nardiwooden steering wheel common to manyHeritage Aston Martins.Available now at £2,995 inc VATV8 Vantage GT4exhaust trimdeck tidiesThese stunning refurbished, authentic V8Vantage GT4 exhaust trim tidies would sitproudly on the desk of any Aston Martinlovingexecutive. The exhaust trims havebeen refurbished, refinished and mountedon beautiful Aston Martin Racing Greenwooden plinths. The exhausts also featurea removable internal water-tight cup.Standing 18cm tall, the desk tidies alsoincorporate an NMR logo platefor authenticity. Currently two in stock.Now available at £995 inc VAT each15

ASTON’S AT AUCTIONASTONS ATAUCTIONAston Martin and LagondaMotor Cars & Related AutomobiliaWorks Service, Newport PagnellSaturday 19 May 2012Entries now invitedFULLBOREBONHAMS, ASTON MARTIN WORKS SERVICE,NEWPORT PAGNELL, 19th MAY 2012In what has become the traditional kick-start to the Aston Martin motoringsummer, this May sees Bonhams’ 12th annual sale of Aston Martins takeplace at the Works Service department, formerly the Aston Martin factory.Last year’s auction saw 25 cars sell for in excess of £100k, with eight for over£200k, and this year’s sale promises to be another feast for both buyers andvendors. For those without that kind of money burning a hole in their pocketthe auction also includes more affordable automobilia.In short, it’s an excellent day out with food and refreshments available, andit’s a good excuse to visit the home of Aston Martin following its recentextensive refurbishment.Among the many Aston Martins to be offered for sale is a recent barndiscovery, namely a 1955 DB2/4 Drophead Coupe (opposite) with anestimate of £70,000 – £90,000. Other lots that have caught our eye include:1952 DB2 VantageEstimate: £260,000 – £300,0001961 DB4Fast road/race specificationEstimate: £90,000 – £120,0001963 DB5 ConvertibleIn present ownership since 1978Estimate: £300,000 – £350,0001968 DB6 Mk 1Estimate: £58,000 – £65,0001971 DBS Vantage SaloonEstimate: £60,000 – £70,0001987 V8 Zagato Vantage Vol’Prototype, 2,500 miles from newEstimate: £100,000 – £140,000FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, OR TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST, PLEASE VISITBONHAMS’ WEBSITE AT: www.bonhams.com/eur/carsaston/In 2011, Bonhams sold more AstonMartins in Europe than any otherauction house.Our Annual sale at Works Service,Newport Pagnell, promises to offervendors and buyers alike another feastof this iconic marque. Last year's salesaw 25 cars selling for in excess of£100,000 and 8 cars for over £200,000.If you are considering selling anAston Martin in 2012, Bonhams offerincomparable experience of themarque and are the natural choice.Recent barn discovery1955 Aston Martin DB2/4Drophead Coupé£70,000 - 90,000Motor Cars:+44 (0) 20 7468 5801ukcars@bonhams.comAutomobilia:+44 (0) 8700 273 618automobilia@bonhams.comBonhams101 New Bond StreetLondon W1S 1SR16International Auctioneers and Valuers – bonhams.com/cars

TECH TEAM NEWSFULLBORETECH TEAMNEWSFrom left to right – Gary Walker, David Swadling, Andrew Weller, Paul Hill, Roy Willis.As you may have read elsewhere in this issue, overthe winter Nicholas Mee & Co’s sales operation movedsuccessfully to the new ‘Brackenbury House’ showroom.However, our original home, ‘Brackenbury Garage’ – locatedon Wellesley Avenue in the Brackenbury Village area ofHammersmith – has been retained and is now our dedicatedworkshop for the servicing and maintenance of all post-warAston Martins.Over the past few months we’ve refurbished and improvedBrackenbury Garage to create a more suitable and presentableworkshop environment, and it now boasts additional rampfacilities, a dedicated workshop/parts reception and acomfortable customer waiting area. In future, customers eitherdropping-off or collecting their cars have the option of usingour new showroom or Brackenbury Garage, whichever is themore convenient.Our highly experienced workshop team, led by AndrewWeller and supported by David Swadling, Head of HeritageOperations, is eager to provide specific expertise and supportfor all models from the DB4 to the present. We’ve investedheavily in factory diagnostic equipment, specialist tooling andpersonnel in order to provide full service capabilities for thevery latest Aston Martin models including the DB7 Vantage,Vanquish, DB9 and V8 Vantage. In addition to general servicingand maintenance requirements, our Heritage departmentis currently busy restoring a DB4 Series V as well as recommissioninga DB6 Mark II that has spent a few years offthe road.Should you wish to book your car in for any servicing ormaintenance, or would like a quotation for any works, thenplease contact our service coordinator Gary Walker on020 8741 8822 or parts@nicholasmee.co.ukWe offer fixed-price ‘menu’ servicing for all Aston Martins, withprices realigned for 2012.17

FULLBOREWHAT’SIN STOCKMore stock available online »ASTON MARTINV8 VANTAGEASTON MARTINDB7 VANTAGE2008. 29k miles.£44,9502000. 40k miles.£26,500ASTON MARTINDB7 VANTAGEASTON MARTINV8 VOLANTE EfiASTON MARTINDB5£POA1964. A beautiful ‘body off’ restored example of the covetedDB5. Fitted with lead free 4.2 litre Vantage specification engine,original 4 speed manual gearbox and suspension upgrade.Finished in its original and popular period colour scheme ofDubbonet Rosso and black hide, this superbly finished andpresented early DB5 is accompanied with a highly detailedphoto history of the restoration and original factory build sheet.Superb in every detail.2001. 28k miles.£32,5001987. 78k miles.£69,95018 Every car Heritage-quality prepared, multi-point checked, serviced and MoT’d prior to delivery.

WHAT’S IN STOCKFULLBOREASTON MARTINVANQUISH SASTON MARTINDB7 VANTAGE MAN’ASTON MARTIN V8VANTAGE ROADSTERASTON MARTINVANTAGE V6002006. 15k miles.£94,9502001. 54k miles.£28,5002007. 3k miles.£48,9501997. 17k miles.£115,000Aston MartinDB7 VANTAGE VOL’ASTON MARTINDB9ASTON MARTINV8 VANTAGE VOLANTEASTON MARTINV8 ZAGATO2000. 30k miles.£32,5002006. 33k miles.£42,5001989. 70k miles.£115,0001987. 2k miles.£POA19 Every car Heritage-quality prepared, multi-point checked, serviced and MoT’d prior to delivery.

WHAT’S IN STOCKFULLBOREASTON MARTINVANQUISH S LHDBENTLEYCONTINENTAL GTCAM V8 VANTAGEGT4 RACECAR2005. 9k miles.£84,9502006.13k miles.£67,5002007£65,000ASTON MARTINV8 CoupeASTON MARTINVirage VolanteRACE CARTRANSPORTER1998, 30k miles.£44,5001995, 46k miles.£POA2004.£50,00020 Every car Heritage-quality prepared, multi-point checked, serviced and MoT’d prior to delivery.

FEATUREFULLBOREKUWAITIWords & Photography: Nick MeeCAPERSNICK MEE HEADS EAST FOR SUN,SAND, CAMELS AND A CONCOURS...21 9

FEATURE : KUWAITI CAPERSFULLBOREFEATURE“Hello Nick, would you like to come to Kuwait forthe annual Concours d’Elegance this February?It might be fun.”So went the phone call last December from one of our clients,collector Daniel Waltenburg. Needless to say, the prospect of aweek in the sun during a dull, wet and cold February certainlyheld some appeal and so was an opportunity not to be missed.It may be that Kuwait isn’t the first country that springs to mindwhen considering international Concours events. Pebble Beachor Villa d’Este maybe, but since the early 1970s the Gulf stateshave absorbed a reasonably large number of cars from the‘Grand Marque’ manufacturers, with Kuwait being no exception.It therefore follows that there’s now a treasure trove of fineautomotive heritage to be found in and around the Gulf.Now in its third year, the Kuwait Concours d’Elegance attractsowners from around the world to have their cars scrutinised inclose detail by experts and industry professionals for a variety ofcriteria including condition, history, design and authenticity.Apart from enjoying our host’s hospitality, which includeddinner in the impressive Kuwait Towers, the week’s organisedactivities also included a drive into the desert where weexperienced a superb Bedouin tented luncheon in the companyof camels and falcons. We also watched practice for aninternational kite flying competition being held that weekend.The Concours itself was held in the Marina area of Kuwait City,overlooking an impressive array of super-yachts and overlookedby one of the city’s many high-profile shopping malls.Representing Aston Martin in the competition was a restoredDB4GT Zagato from the UK, an ex David Brown DB2 prototypefrom Switzerland, a restored DB5 Convertible and an OglebodiedDBS V8 both from Kuwait, plus a 1939 2-litre, a 1955DB2/4 and others to further swell the ranks.Participants from the USA, Japan, Australia, mainland Europeand Pakistan also brought a mixed collection of superb GrandMarque classics, so in total there were over 120 cars to beviewed by the lucky guests and assessed by the judges.Ex PininFarina Design Director Leonardo Fioravanti presidedover the 14-strong international judging panel which includedAndrea Zagato and Pebble Beach Concours Chairman SandraButton, not forgetting Dr Ulrich Bez and Marek Reichman ofcourse, respectively Aston Martin’s CEO and Director of Design.Best of Show was the multi concours-winning 1938 Talbot LagoT150C with Teardrop coachwork by Figoni and Falaschi, butmy personal favourite of all the cars entered was the DB4 GTZagato that won Best European Car and came third in Class D for1961-1975 cars – the class won by a Kuwaiti-owned 1966 AstonMartin Short Chassis Volante.As a personal finale to the last day, my host Daniel and Iaccompanied classic car aficionado Don Rose on a highlyenjoyable blast down the Kuwait coastal road in the pre-warAston Martin 2-litre and 1949 DB2 prototype. Encouraged bylocal motorists, I have to say we caused a quite a stir...This was followed by a spectacular Gala black tie dinner on thelast evening, hosted by keen classic car enthusiast His HighnessSheikh Nasser Al-Sabah, which rounded off a superbweek’s event.All in all, the Kuwait Concours was a great success where all theparticipants enjoyed exceptional hospitality and courtesy by allconcerned. It surely won’t be long before this event becomes aregular ‘must do’ event on the international classic car calendar.22

CTR EVENTS 2012FULLBORECLUB TERTRE ROUGE 2012Le Mans 24 Hours15TH-17TH JUNE 2012The Circuit de la Sarthe is the closest thing motorsport fanshave to a sacred place. That’s because since 1923 it has hostedthe ultimate motor race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans; the ultimateproving ground for man and machine. If you know your carsthen you’ll know of Le Mans and you’ll know that like Wembley,Lords, Twickenham and Glastonbury, it’s a pilgrimage you’llwant to make one day. It will always remain the world’s motorracing mecca, for race car drivers, manufacturers, fans andparty goers. The prestige associated with winning, or even justfinishing knows no bounds, so it won’t surprise you that the listof former competitors reads like a who’s who of motorsport andHollywood greats. From Stirling Moss to Mario Andretti, andMichael Schumacher to Paul Newman, they’ve all wanted tostand on the podium at Le Mans.The 2012 drivers line-up will be of equally impressive pedigree,with British ex-F1 drivers Allan McNish (Audi) and AnthonyDavidson (Toyota) locking helmets in the LMP1 category. Closeto our hearts is the Aston Martin Racing team, back in 2012 withthe new V8 Vantage GTE challenger and pitting the two-carBritish underdog team against the might of BMW, GM Corvetteand Ferrari factory efforts. Fans of the Aston Martin marquehave extra reason for interest in the Le Mans weekend in 2012as the programme also includes the ‘Aston Martin Festival’ – ashowcase race taking place on Saturday morning before thestart of the 24 hour classic and featuring an international grid ofAston Martin GT1, 2, 3 and 4 racers all competing for glory in a45-minute sprint on the 8.5-mile La Sarthe circuit.Win or lose, Le Mans is and always will be an enduring classic,a rolling masterpiece. That’s why Club Tertre Rouge organisesan event there every year and would be delighted to host andentertain you at this year’s spectacle, with our programme offirst class residential hospitality, live entertainment, securecar parking, exclusive trackside vantage points and of courseexperienced guides over the weekend.We’d love you to drive your cherished Aston (or other prestigecar) to Le Mans, but you won’t need to bother with sleepingbags and tents because, as usual, we’ll be avoiding the circuit’sover populated camp sites. Instead, Club Tertre Rouge will bebased at our residential Gite de la Ferme, conveniently locatedon the outskirts of Ruaudin, just 2km by road or ½ km as thecrow flies from the circuit. Throughout the three-day weekend23

CTR EVENTS 2012FULLBOREwe’ll be running a regular shuttle bus service so you can comeand go as you please.As usual, our adrenal-fuelled pilgrimage to Le Mans will begin atFolkestone, where we’ll meet, greet and board the Eurotunnel.We’ll then follow the classic route down to Le Mans, with a stopfor a leisurely lunch and a regroup. Alternatively, CTR guestsare welcome to make their own way to Le Mans using the mapsprovided. We will be waiting for you with a warm welcome anda cold drink!Our weekend gets a jump start with a Friday night WelcomeParty featuring a champagne reception, a professionally-cateredBBQ and live entertainment. In previous years we’ve beenentertained by great bands such as Not the Rolling Stones andCheques in the Post. The party always attracts many AstonMartin owners and their cars, along with a few Aston Martincelebrities such as current CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and ChairmanDavid Richards, both of whom have previously attended. AstonMartin works team drivers also usually attend, and provideguests with exclusive insight into their most challengingweekend of the year.On race day we’ll have privileged access to the fantastic ACOrestaurant and enclosure, located at the end of the start/finishstraight. This will be our trackside location for the majorityof the racing, although one of the joys of a 24-hour event isthat there’s plenty of time to explore and immerse yourself inthe atmosphere, either within the village or elsewhere on thenine-mile circuit. We’ll be on hand to give you all the insiderknowledge, from the best viewpoints at midnight and sunrise,to where to get a strong cup of coffee at 4am.Over the years most of our guests have driven to Le Mans intheir own Aston Martins, and last year these included severalVanquishes, V8s, and DB9s, 7s, 6s, 5s and 4s. On display inthe Gite’s secure grounds, such cars form a very impressivespectacle in their own right.We must stress that places are always popular and limited, so docontact us early to avoid disappointment.The Club Tertre Rouge package to the 2012 Le Mans24 Hours includes:• Run to Le Mans on traditional route with mid-way stop forrefreshments (optional).• Weekend tickets to gain access to the Le Mans circuit andvillage for the Le Mans 24 Hours and Legends Classic races.Full use of all facilities within our base at Gite De La Ferme,including:• 24-hour secure on-site parking.• All meals, wines, beers and soft drinks while at the Gite.• Shuttle bus service to and from the circuit.• Up to three nights accommodation (Friday/Saturday/Sunday).• Exclusive Club Tertre Rouge goody bag stuffed with essentialLe Mans items.• Le Mans welcome party on the Friday evening.Example itinerary:Friday 15th JuneTravel to Gite de la Ferme, Ruaudin, Le Mans. Arrive pm.7.30pm – Welcome Party with Champagne reception, food,refreshments, live entertainment and VIP guests ‘til midnight.Saturday 16th June9.00am – Breakfast. Guest briefing and shuttle bus trips to thecircuit and village.11.00am – Aston Martin Racing Festival – 45-minute singlemarque race.12.30pm – Lunch at the ACO overlooking the start and pits area.3.00pm – Start of Le Mans 24-Hour race.8.00pm – Supper at Gite de la Ferme including wines, beersand refreshments, followed by shuttle bus trips to the circuit fornight time racing action. Coffee and Calvados, wines, beers andrefreshments through the night.Sunday 17th June• Breakfast at Gite de la Ferme• Return to circuit for the climax of the Le Mans 24 Hours• Dinner at Gite de la Ferme• Movie nightPRICE – £950 PER PERSON. 50% DEPOSIT REQUIRED TOCONFIRM BOOKING. REMAINING BALANCE DUE BY30th APRIL.Last few places now remaining, be sure to contact us as soonas possible to avoid disappointment. To confirm your bookingor for more information please contact us on 020 8741 8822 orinfo@clubtertrerouge.co.ukwww.clubtertrerouge.co.uk24

WHAT’S IN STORE + COMPETITIONFULLBOREWHAT’S IN STORECOMPETITIONAlthough the V12 Vanquish is firmly on the road to ‘futureclassic’ status and values are hardening, early model Vanquishesare all at least eight years old now and have thereforereached an age where work may be required on fundamentalmechanical items. So, instead of replacing like-for-like standardparts, allow us to improve your Vanquish by equipping it withan Aston Martin factory-developed Sports Dynamic Pack andupgrade to Vanquish S performance levels.The Vanquish Sports Dynamic Pack includes:• Stiffer springs• Revised suspension dampers• Bigger front brakes (6-piston calipers, 378mm discs)• Uprated steering (20% quicker response)• New front suspension knuckle and wheel hub assemblies(improved feel and precision)• 19-inch 9-spoke alloy wheels (lighter), or 19-inch 11-spokediamond polished Vanquish ‘S’ wheels available atadditional £500£14,950 fitted, including labour and VATTo place an order or for further info please contact our PartsManager Gary Walker on 0208 741 8822 orparts@nicholasmee.co.ukPistonHeads says:“This is Aston Martin’s response to Ferrari’s Fiorano handlingoption. … I’ll bet there are many owners of original Vanquishesrequesting the pack to be retro-fitted.“Unlike Ferraris, Aston Martins are developed on the road ratherthan billiard table smooth race track… it’s very noticeable howbeautifully the Vanquish SDP rides on average British A roads,better in fact than the Ferrari Maranello.”Evo says:“Grip is simply phenomenal, the superb turn-in matched by equallyiron-fisted traction. Body control is top notch and the quickerreactingsteering perfectly complements the improved agility.”“The Sports Dynamic Pack-equipped Vanquish is an enthralling,compelling and usable supercar. It feels, sounds and looks just likean Aston should. It’s special.”“If you want the most capable and entertaining Vanquish, theDynamic upgrade is an irresistible option.”For more Vanquish accessory ideas visit:http://www.astonstore.co.uk »In the last issue we asked how many miles Nicholas MeeRacing’s Vantage GT4 covered in the 2011 Britcar 24hr race atSilverstone. The answer – 2,050 – could be found on page 22 ofissue 12 and the first name drawn with the correct answer wasJames Thackray who wins a beautifully polished piston fromNMR’s two-time Aston Martin Challenge-winning V8 VantageGT4 engine.The prize for this issue’s competition is a hardback book tellingthe complete story of the world’s most famous motor race, theLe Mans 24hr, by leading authority Brian Laban with a forewordby five-times Le Mans winner Derek Bell. To be in with a chanceof winning, simply answer this simple question:How many Virage Volantes were built in the 1990s?Answers on an email please to info@nicholasmee.co.uk,(or call 01243 755055). As usual, the first name to be drawn withthe correct answer will be the winner.25 37

ASTON MARTIN ARCHIVEFULLBORE1922 GPAston Martin took its first historic steps in overseas competition with two cars drivenby Count Louis Zborowski and Clive Gallop completing the 1922 French Grand Prix atStrasbourg. Aston Martin first competed in the Le Mans 24hr race in 1928 with a pair of1.5-litre Internationals driven by Bezzant/Paul and Bertelli/Eyston.26