AStOn mARtIn VAnqUISh AStOn mARtIn V8 EFI AStOn ... - The Seen

MEE SPEAK
Short days and long, dark nights are once more upon us.
And so with thoughts of Christmas approaching and loved
ones in our minds, now is also the perfect time to formulate
motoring plans for the New Year ahead!
Since our last issue of FullBore we’ve been busy as usual with
sales, servicing and restorations, and these routine activities
were buoyed by our Goodwood trackday in September, by the
development of our new online store and, more recently, by
finishing our racing season on the podium at Donington Park.
Our new www.nicholasmee.co.uk and www.
nicholasmeeracing.co.uk websites were launched early in
the year and we’re grateful for the positive feedback received.
By clicking on those sites’ Parts & Merchandise or Service &
Parts buttons you’ll be directed toward our online store –
www.astonstore.co.uk – where an impressive selection of
accessories, merchandise and genuine Aston Martin parts are
available for immediate dispatch. As an incentive to visit, we’ll
be giving the first ten AstonStore customers who purchase
goods for £250 or more a free DBS wireless computer mouse.
Featured elsewhere in this issue, these precision mice are sure
to enliven your winter web browsing!
For this issue we’ve given FullBore a freshen-up. We hope you
like its new look and layout but we’d be pleased to hear from
you either way! We also take a look at what is perhaps Aston
Martin’s greatest contemporary model; the Vanquish. Built in
relatively small numbers, these exceptional cars have recently
been finding a strong collector following, and its place in the
pantheon of Aston Martin models now seems assured. As part
of the AM Heritage network, we’re now able to offer full factory
diagnostics and certified technicians to service the Vanquish.
Whether at our Goodwood trackdays, our annual raid on the Le
Mans 24hr or at an Aston Martin GT4 Challenge race, we hope
to see or hear from all our friends and customers in the months
ahead, if not on Christmas day!
Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year,
Nick

Nicholas Mee & Company Ltd
Brackenbury Garage
12, Wellesley Avenue
London W6 0UP
T: +44 (0)208 741 8822
F: +44 (0)208 741 7422
info@nicholasmee.co.uk
www.nicholasmee.co.uk
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FULLBORE : ISSUE 09
the offiCiAL e-mAgAziNe from NiChoLAS mee & Co Ltd
// deCember 2010
NewS
007’s DB5, the Cygnet, the 2011 GT4 racer and the Vanquish;
they’re all here, and more
VANquiShiNg PoiNt
Car journo Jon Quirk gets up close and personal with Aston
Martin’s most recent Heritage model, the fabulous Vanquish
the hot LiSt
Tasty Aston Martins and rich Christmas puddings – here’s what’s
hot and what’s warm in both
ChriStmAS wiSh LiSt
A small and varied selection of desirable gifts, but they won’t all
fit under the tree
ASk the teCh teAm
The Tech Team gets tecchy in unravelling the mysteries of in-car
iPod and Bluetooth connectivity
whAt’S iN StoCk
It wouldn’t be FullBore without a selection of the fine Aston
Martins currently available for sale
roAd rACer
Road car to track car to race car to road and track car – Tom
Stewart has the inside line on our Jekyll & Hyde DB4
Ctr eVeNtS
Fancy a spirited drive to Le Mans, full hospitality, a great party
and/or a good thrash around Goodwood? Then go to pages 17
and 18 now!
AStoNStore SPotLight
The light focuses on merchandise from our online store, this
time a limited-edition Aston Martin DB4 advert
ComPetitioN
A winner is announced, a teaser is posed and a fun prize is
yours for the taking
motorSPortS
All the latest news, plus what lies ahead for the Nicholas Mee
and Aston Martin racing teams
© Nicholas Mee & Co Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the
prior permission in writing of the copyright owner.
Design : Adrian Morley at The Seen.

NEWS
AStOn COOLESt,
AgAIn
In September Aston Martin was again named the UK’s coolest
brand, winning the prestigious accolade for a remarkable fourth
time in five years.
Established in 2001, the CoolBrands initiative seeks expert
opinion from an eclectic panel of creative industry specialists
and consumers, defining which brands combine desirable
products with a dynamic, innovative public image. The judging
process involves an assessment of some 10,000 brands, which
are then further whittled down to 500 ‘CoolBrands’, from where
the ultimate top 20 is compiled.
Once again, Aston Martin topped the 2010/11 poll which
included leading contemporary design-driven brands, including
Apple and Bang & Olufsen, as well as other leading automotive
brands such as Harley-Davidson (6th), Ferrari (9th) and MINI
(16th). How one goes about comparing Marmite with Mabelline
or Prada with Peroni we’re not entirely sure, but we ‘re happy
with the judges’ decision.
www.astonmartin.com
04
BOnD’S DB5 gOES
FOR £3m
Following months of fevered promotion and speculation, the
hammer finally fell on special agent 007’s 1964 DB5 movie car as
driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball. Visitors
to NM&Co’s Midsummer Classic back in June will have admired
the car in the metal, but factory-fitted with the full complement
of operational gadgets, the World’s Most Famous Car was sold at
auction by RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, in London
on October 27th in front of a packed audience for £2,912,000 (inc
12% buyer’s premium).
The successful bidder, Harry Yeaggy, an American businessman,
is only the second ex-factory owner of the car. The car’s seller, Mr.
Jerry Lee, a Philadelphia-based radio broadcaster, purchased it
directly from Aston Martin for $12,000 in 1969.
Mr Yeaggy also received special fabric woven with solid gold
thread from Gieves & Hawkes, who dressed Sean Connery for all
six of his appearances as James Bond. This fabric will be made
into a bespoke suit by Gieves & Hawkes with an estimated value
of £30,000. Another valuable bonus for the DB5’s new owner is
an exclusive seven-night stay for ten guests (valued at £40,000)
at the GoldenEye Resort in Jamaica – Ian Fleming’s original
Caribbean estate.
Returning to the auction theme, Bonhams annual Aston Martin
sale at Newport Pagnell will be held on Saturday 21st May 2011.
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Photography: David Shepherd

NEWS
nm&CO nOW On
FACEBOOK
Following the relaunch of nicholasmee.co.uk along with the
launch of nicholasmeeracing.co.uk, the astonstore.co.uk and
clubtertrerouge.co.uk earlier this year, Nicholas Mee & Co has
further embraced the digital age by establishing a presence on
both Facebook and YouTube.
So, for all our up-to-the-minute news, views, reviews, photos
and videos visit:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nicholas-Mee-
Co/143516439019591
and tune in to our new You Tube channel
05
VAnqUISh
EmBRACED
In October last year Nicholas Mee & Co was appointed a
Heritage Specialist by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. At that time
the 15-strong international network of Heritage Specialists
covered all Aston models from the DB4 to the DB7 V12 Vantage.
More recently the Vanquish and Vanquish S models (produced
from 2001 to 2007) became embraced by AML’s Heritage
network and so Nicholas Mee & Co – London’s only Heritage
Specialist – is now also able provide a direct supply of genuine
Aston Martin parts and factory-supported services for the final
model to be built at the Newport Pagnell factory.
Part of the Vanquish’s integration into the Heritage network
involved a training programme for technicians. This two-day
course was attended by NM&Co’s technicians who, following
satisfactory completion, gained the necessary accreditation .
Nicholas Mee & Co offers menu pricing for scheduled servicing
for both the Vanquish and Vanquish S models, so please contact
our service department for a quotation.
VAntAgE gt4
REVISED
At the end of November Aston Martin Racing launched
a revised V8 Vantage GT4 racer for 2011. With enhanced
aerodynamics and increased downforce., it has a remapped
4.7-litre engine offering increased power and torque.
Additionally, competitors can now choose a race-developed
Bosch ABS and traction control system specifically optimised by
Bosch Motorsport for enhanced performance in both wet and
dry conditions.
The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front
of the car, as well as channelling cooling air to the brakes and
radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12 Vantage’s larger boot
‘flip’ while a redesigned underfloor channels more air through a
new rear-mounted, high capacity transmission oil cooler.
Over the past two years Aston Martin Racing has built and sold
more than 80 Vantage GT4s to customers around the world and
it has become the most successful car in its class. It also has its
own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great
Britain, and the new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this, as well
as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.
CygnEt
COnFIRmED
fuLLbore
In October Aston Martin confirmed that its new and luxurious
Cygnet citycar – originally shown as a concept in March – is to
go into production in 2011 at Gaydon.
The Cygnet will set a new benchmark for compact luxury and
expresses a simple but fundamental idea: in the city, scale
equates to speed and freedom. At just three metres long, the
Cygnet will easily slot into gaps in traffic, exploit the smallest
parking spaces, consume the least fuel and produce the lowest
emissions, all while delivering exceptional levels of quality
and comfort.
Further details including pricing and specification for this
premium, bespoke commuter car will be announced later
this year.

FEATURE
VANQUISHING
POINT...
9
Words: Jon Quirk
Photography: David Shepherd
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FEATURE : VANQUISHING POINT
SOmE mEmORIES
SEEm COntEnt tO
BE ISOLAtED UnItS...
They can be powerful enough to rank and file themselves to give
no indication of continuum. Today is going to be one of those
days, one of those shrill inner moments that will be unquieted
by time. I’m steering an Aston Martin Vanquish past parked
cars humped in white, the traction control system is working
overtime to mediate my throttle inputs and making it sound like
I’ve temporarily veered onto a hard shoulder in the process. It’s
the first snowfall of the season, and the snow is continuing to fall
and stick. My cheeks were originally pink with zeal, but now a
mixture of intense concentration and the
freezing cold has caused them to radiate
a similar scarlet as the centrally-mounted
starter button. And to think just 2,758
were built from 2001-2007. Better get my
game face on.
The Vanquish has recently fallen under
the Heritage remit, meaning that Aston
Martin is, rather confidently, already
assuring this model’s ‘future classic’
status. But to suggest that this car is
the most significant Aston Martin in
modern history is no understatement.
Designed by the then Chief Designer
Ian Callum, he was given the keys to an
85-year old franchise and told to bring
the company kicking and screaming
into the 21st Century. That’s some ask,
especially when having to wrestle with
the obvious dilemma of how much you innovate and how much
you acknowledge the past. The result was a car that to this day,
still feels incredibly current and has an almost hypnotic power
to command reverence from anyone walking past. It was also
07
deemed worthy enough to be James Bond’s company car of
choice. Twice.
Taking the Vanquish out of the harsh showroom lights, I sat and
studied the pronounced muscular surfacing as photographer
David Shepherd got to work on these shots. I love how the shape
pays homage to the brutality of the almost sacrosanct Vantage,
while paving the way for the ‘new era’ beauty of the DB9 and V8
Vantage that followed.
Equally impressive is the stuff you don’t
see, like the car’s completely flat and
sealed undertray to prevent unnecessary
drag, or the quad chimneys that lurk
beneath the louvered bonnet to expend
heat from the engine. Even the interior
is refreshing, ditching old skool wood
veneer inserts for a bouillabaisse of
bespoke etched aluminium, lavish leather
and stock switchgear, not to mention that
rather theatrical starter button. With one
positive push, the 460bhp V12 clears its
lungs to give a tremendous bark before
settling into a more relaxing, deliciously
creamy idle. The car is alive and my word,
does it feel special.
Yet modernity didn’t just translate
through to the cabin and onto those
hand-pressed aluminium panels, the
Vanquish was a technological tour de force. Not only did it
employ Aston’s first six-speed automated manual paddle-shift
gearbox, it also harnessed an all-new aluminium monocoque
construction that provided much greater safety and rigidity than
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FEATURE : KATIE, KERMIT & KILOMETRES
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‘THE VANQUISH AlSO rEPrESENTS THE fINAl cHAPTEr IN NEwPOrT
PAGNEll’S PrOdUcTION HISTOry.’
before. This ‘VH’ chassis architecture as it has become known is
now the backbone of all modern Aston Martin models.
In terms of driving style, the Vanquish is certainly stiff enough
and communicative enough to be hustled along a B-road, but
it’s more rewarding when commanded smoothly with measured
inputs. Although the six-speed paddle-shift hardware was
still in its infancy at launch, the system has received software
upgrades over the years and feels similar to BMW’s SMG gearbox.
Early reports that suggested you could rock yourself into a
coma before the transmission acknowledged a command are
unfounded in this 2003 example. The ‘box responds well to
positive, unflustered commands but I’ll admit that crawling
in traffic isn’t a strong point. While a manual gearbox became
available as a much lauded retro-fit option, I don’t see how a stick
and a heavy clutch would suit this car’s fluid character.
The Vanquish should be approached less as an on-the-limit
supercar and more as the ultimate grand tourer that deserves
respect. Figures are an uncouth irrelevance here; all you need to
know is that the speedometer goes to 210mph and that those
front chairs are comfortable enough to hit the south of France
in one sitting.
The Vanquish is an incredibly versatile beast: it’s devastatingly
quick when required (even in snow) but equally content cruising
at 30mph in Auto Shift Manual (ASM) mode. Vanquish 1 : Snow 0.
If all this wasn’t compelling enough, the Vanquish also represents
the final chapter in Newport Pagnell’s production history. When
the last car rolled off the line (No 40 of just 40 Vanquish S ‘Ultimate
Editions’ in case you were wondering…), it marked the end of the
handmade Aston Martin – unless, that is, you’re currently in the
queue for a £1.2m One-77 hypercar, for which I salute you. Every
fuLLbore
Vanquish went through 2,000 stages of checks and took just over
396 man-hours to create, the equivalent of six weeks work. If a
car took six weeks to build in the current Gaydon factory, AM’s
CEO Dr. Bez would have a coronary.
The Vanquish therefore is a car that simultaneously defines its
era at Aston Martin while remaining relevant to the present day.
It goes a long way to explaining why the company continues
to move from strength to strength today, and majors on that
illusive, intangible asset: feeling special. You’re not just buying
a car here, you’re buying automotive theatre and a particularly
significant slice of the Aston Martin story. The line starts
behind me…
Jon Quirk is an automotive
journalist that has written
and presented for Autocar,
Which? and BSkyB. Follow
him on twitter: @Jon_Quirk
As London’s only official Aston Martin-appointed
Heritage Specialist, Nicholas Mee & Co has recently
invested in all relevant diagnostic equipment
and our staff have received the latest factory training,
ensuring that we are best placed to care for every aspect
of your Vanquish. For a free servicing quote, or for advice
on buying or selling a Vanquish, please don’t hesitate to
contact the team.

THE FULLBORE CENTREFOLD
Photography: Tom Andrew

GARRARD’S GEMS + HOT LIST
gARRARD’S gEmS hOt LISt
Following an incredibly busy year at Nicholas Mee &Co, I can now
steal a moment to reflect on the various highlights (and the odd
lowlight!) of 2010.
A major project over last winter was the development of a new
web presence for NM&Co. The internet is now a vital commercial
tool and, working with our partner GForces, I’m really pleased
with the results –
www.nicholasmee.co.uk and
www.nicholasmeeracing.co.uk.
We’ve also launched our online store –
www.astonstore.co.uk – and we’ll soon
be adding more exciting merchandise,
in addition to a full Aston Martin parts
catalogue.
In addition to our traditional Heritage
activities, we‘ve also advanced in the
sale and servicing of pre-owned, ‘new
era’ models. Demand for these cars has
sometimes been unpredictable, with the
V8 Vantage appreciating in value, but we’ve
maintained success by continuing to offer
the best quality, best prepared cars. Our
workshop is fully integrated with the servicing requirements of
newer Astons, and we’re pleased that the Vanquish has recently
become a Heritage model.
Following our new era competition debut in 2009, Nicholas Mee
Racing’s activities also took a big leap forward in 2010. It feels
like a long time ago now, but our season began with the Dubai
24-hour. This was a huge project for all concerned, but we rose
to the challenge by getting both our cars to the finish, with one
on the podium. Back at home, I can’t say we enjoyed the Britcar
24hr as much as we might have done, but we managed to finish
in the top half, so it could have been worse. Suffice to say, roundthe-clock
racing is hard!
Having competed in selected rounds of this year’s AM GT4
Challenge we were delighted to end our season on the podium
at Donington Park. Organised by Aston Martin Racing and
hosted by the Aston Martin Owners Club, the new Challenge is
10
gaining momentum, and next year it should attract a grid of 15
or more cars and establish a prominent position in the sportscar
racing scene. As always, if you’d like to find out more about NMR,
or would like to come and see the team in action then you’re
most welcome.
2010 was equally busy for CTR Events. This year’s Le Mans 24hr
was slightly more subdued than in previous
years, but our annual Le Mans programme
was again highly enjoyable. I’m confident
that the 2011 Le Mans 24hr will be a busier,
more vibrant event and so anyone keen on
joining us next June should register interest
asap, (see p16 for details).
June also saw our inaugural Midsummer
Classic concours and ThunderBall which
attracted a truly world-class display of
Aston Martins and will hopefully become an
established date on the summer calendar
for years to come. We’ve decided to host the
MSC on a bi-annual basis, which means it
will return in 2012.
With over 20 participants enjoying an excellent day’s action, we
were delighted with the attendance at our Goodwood trackday
in September. Our formula of an exclusively Aston Martin event
with a limited number of cars, complemented by Goodwood’s
exceptionally high standards, is now a successful one and we
look forward to hosting two more trackdays next year.
I’m sure that 2011 will be interesting and exciting, both for
Nicholas Mee & Co and Aston Martin in general. I can’t wait to
see a production One-77 in the metal, and with Aston Martin
Racing’s new, open-top racer bidding for outright victory, Le
Mans is shaping up to be a classic.
In the meantime, I’d like to thank you all for your continued
support and wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy
New Year.
Neal
Christmas is coming. The geese are getting fat. So buy an Aston Martin ...
Before they raise the VAT!
oNe-77
ForTNuM & MasoN KiNg george
ChrisTMas PLuM PuDDiNg
The £1.2m One-77 represents the ultimate in supercar technology and engineering. The body is
made from rolled aluminium panels while the chassis is a carbon-fibre monocoque with double
wishbone suspension, horizontally-mounted spring/damper units and carbon/ceramic brakes.
The front/mid-mounted 7.3-litre, 750bhp/750Nm V12 is currently the world’s most powerful
naturally-aspirated road car engine, and it propels the 1,500kg 2-seater from 0-62mph in
around 3.5 secs and on to a 220.007mph top speed. A production run of 77 is planned with
customer deliveries commencing in early 2011.
V8 VANtAge VoLANte Pow
harroDs uLTiMaTe ChrisTMas PuDDiNg
‘PoW’ spec Vantage Volantes were built between ‘86 and ’89. The model came about because
some customers, most notably HRH The Prince of Wales, were not taken by the skirted and
bespoilered Vantage Volante model of the time and wanted something more subtle in
appearance. A total of 27 PoWs were built (22 in RHD) and all were slightly different, according
to individual customer preferences. Powered by the classic 5,340cc dohc V8 making upward of
380bhp, the car could power to 60mph in 5.3 secs and reach 170mph.
db mk. iii
seLFriDges ChrisTMas PuDDiNg
The last of the cars based on Claude Hill’s chassis with the 6-cyl dohc Lagonda engine, the DB
Mk III was launched at the Geneva Motorshow in March 1957. Having been redesigned by Tadek
Marek, the Mk III’s engine featured a host of modifications including a new block and crankshaft,
and with race-developed carburetion and breathing it made 162bhp and could accelerate the
Mk III from zero to 60 in 8.2 secs. With a radiator intake inspired by the shape of the racing DB3S,
the Mk III remained in production for about nine months after the DB4 was introduced.
‘90s V8 VANtAge
WaiTrose riChLY FruiTeD ChrisTMas PuDDiNg
Unveiled at the 1992 Birmingham Motorshow, the new Vantage bore more than a passing
resemblance to the earlier Virage, but the only panels shared with the Virage were the door and
roof skins. Additionally, this Vantage had two clusters of three headlamps, each behind a single
heated lens, while the grille design was also new. With twin Eaton superchargers, its 5,340cc V8
made 550bhp – good for 0-60 in 4.6 secs and 186mph. Later examples were badged ‘V8 Vantage’
and 288 were built before production ended in 1999.
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CHRISTMAS WISH LIST + ASK THE TECH TEAM
ChRIStmAS WISh LISt
Nm&Co wiLL be CLoSed from 1Pm oN ChriStmAS eVe uNtiL 8Am oN tueSdAY 4th JANuArY.
for ANY SALeS eNquirieS duriNg thAt Period, PLeASe CALL NeAL gArrArd oN 07718 340811.
VANtAge X-PACk book
Compiled and authored by marque expert Kean Rogers,
Vantage X-Pack is the first of five extraordinarily detailed
volumes on the 1977-89 V8 Vantage. Hand bound in dark
green leather, this limited-edition tome centres on Britain’s
first supercar – the 1985-89 V580X ‘X-Pack’ – and within its 400
pages is previously unpublished photography as well as more
information than you ever thought possible. Ten copies are
being held in reserve for FullBore readers, so for your bespoke
copy please contact NM&Co.
SCALeCtriX goeS 007
FullBore readers will need no introduction to Scalextric
products. The wonderful little slot cars have been racing around
their black plastic tracks in British homes since the late 1950s.
There have been 007-themed Scalextric cars before, but for
this Christmas there’s a £99.99 James Bond set comprising a
6.5-metre figure-of-eight track along with a crash-resistant DB5
and DBS featuring easy-change pick-ups and Magnatraction to
help them stay on the road.
11
hACkett/tAg heuer wAtCheS
Hackett London and TAG Heuer have collaborated to develop
two limited-edition watches. Manufactured and branded by
TAG Heuer, they’re simply called the ‘Chronograph’ and the
‘Watch’, and both recently became available at selected Hackett
stores. Their designs are based on the iconic Heuer Carrera, with
Hackett’s ‘cornflower blue’ colour highlighting the dials and
strap stitching. Limited to 100 of each, the £2,350 Chronograph
and £1,450 Watch are engraved with their individual numbers
on the case back.
dbS wireLeSS mouSe
Few of us are likely to give or receive the gift of a V12 DBS
this Christmas, but this AML-approved wireless optical mouse
should put a smile on any Aston fan’s face. With an operating
range of up to 10 metres, you have plenty of room to move
around your office, and if it’s dark, simply switch on the lights!
£44.95 from www.astonstore.co.uk
ASK thE tECh tEAm
ANdrew weLLer
roY wiLLiS
CrAig reed
dAVid SwAdLiNg
grAhAm hudSoN
get CoNNeCted
We’re increasingly being asked by owners of recent, New Era models whether
it is possible to integrate iPods and iPhones with their current infotainment
systems and if so, what’s the best solution.
We now have extensive experience in this area and can offer professionally
installed iPod/iPhone Bluetooth integration, with control and display via the
radio display. This kit can be fitted at our workshop to any pre ’08 model year
V8 Vantage or DB9 at the cost of £599, inc VAT and fitting.
For other cars such as the Vanquish, DB7 and older models where
connectivity with the standard infotainment system isn’t possible, we highly
recommend the ‘Parrott’ system which, in our opinion, is the most userfriendly
and discrete solution available.
For more details on fitment to your vehicle and a specific quote, please
contact our Service department.
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WhAt’S
In StOCK
AStoN mArtiN V8 VANtAge . AStoN mArtiN VANquiSh S . AStoN mArtiN V8 zAgAto VoLANte
. AStoN mArtiN V8 VANtAge roAdSter . AStoN mArtiN V8 VANtAge roAdSter . AStoN
mArtiN VANquiSh . AStoN mArtiN VANquiSh . AStoN mArtiN db4 SerieS 2 . AStoN mArtiN
db6 . AStoN mArtiN db9 . AStoN mArtiN efi . AStoN mArtiN VANquiSh S . AStoN mArtiN
db9 . AStoN mArtiN VoLANte VANtAge .
More stock available online »
AStOn mARtIn
V8 VAntAgE
2006. Excellent ‘07 model year V8 Vantage. Finished in James
Bond’s favourite colour, Tungsten Grey with Obsidian Black
hide. Fitted with additional options HID headlamps, 19” wheels,
heated front seats, SatNav, Heated front screen and Bluetooth.
The car is in excellent condition throughout and is supplied
with a FAMSH including last service at ‘Works Service’.33k miles.
£42,950
12
AStOn mARtIn
VAnqUISh S
2007. Superb late Vanquish S 2+2. Oynx Black with Obsidian
Black hide interior. Supplied with a FAMSH including the
last service at Works Service and an Aston Martin extended
warranty until May 2011. 25,000 miles..
£86,950
AStOn mARtIn
V8 ZAgAtO VOLAntE
1989. Javelin Grey with Parchment hide. 5 speed manual. 1 of
a total production of just 37 cars and only 3,100 miles covered
from new. In superb condition having been recommissioned
by AM works service 300 miles ago. Superb condition with
interesting ownership history.
£99,950
AStOn mARtIn V8
VAntAgE ROADStER
2007. Excellent condition 6 spd manual Roadster. Options
include Premium Audio, Memory seats, HID headlamps,
Powerfold mirrors, heated front seats, Sat/Nav, Hi-spec alarm,
auto dimming mirror, Bright finish grille. Serviced by Aston
Martin works service and main dealers. A one owner car fully
prepared including 140 point check, recent service and 12
months MoT certificate. 17k miles
£52,950
AStOn mARtIn V8
VAntAgE ROADStER
AStOn mARtIn
VAnqUISh
2003. Skye Silver with Charcoal and Dark Tan hide. 2+2. 6spd
F1 style paddle shift gearbox. Optional extras include heated
front seats, SatNav and powerfold mirrors and hands free ‘Parrot’
telephone system. Supplied with an extensive AMSH including
service in August which included new brakes and tyres. 29,500
miles from new and in excellent condition throughout.
£54,950
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2007. Meteorite Silver with Obsidian black interior and black
hood. ‘Sportshift’Options include high spec alarm, wind
deflector, AM premium audio, bluetooth, heated front seats,
SatNav, bright finish grille, HID headlamp, powerfold mirror
assembly and 19” wheels. FAMSH. AM warranty until July 2011.
Just 11k miles from new. Fantastic value!
£55,950

WHAT’S IN STOCK
AStOn mARtIn
VAnqUISh
2001. Excellent low mileage example of the future classic
Vanquish model. Finished in Ferrari Grigio Titanium with
Charcoal hide. Fitted with the usual Vanquish refinements
including the F1 style paddle shift gearbox this example is
also supplied with 2+2 seating arrangement. FAMSH . First
registered Dec 2001, 20,800 miles, in very good condition.
£52,950
AStOn mARtIn
DB6
1969. Exceptional DB6, uprated to Vantage. Restored at Aston
Martin between 1988-90 with engine rebuilt to unleaded
Vantage specifications. Power steering. One family ownership
for the last 25 years. Expertly maintained and cared for by
its AMOC member owner, whilst being extensively shown in
concours and other events. Comprehensive history.
£125,000
13
AStOn mARtIn
DB4 SERIES 2
Rebuilt over a 2 year period to the ultimate Fast Road /
Competition specification, as featured on pages 12-13 of
FullBore. A full desription of the cars specification, background
and history is available on request. Completed in Spring this
year the car is UK regstered, taxed and MoT’d.
£PoA
AStOn mARtIn
DB9
2005. Excellent condition DB9 Coupe TT2 Automatic. Tastefully
finished in Mercury Silver with Iron Ore hide and fitted with
Piano Black dash, Sat/Nav, Powerfold mirrors, Premium Linn
Hi-Fi, Heated front screen, Reverse sensors and all the usual DB9
refinements. 1 owner from new with FAMSH. A much cherished
car with just 23k miles from new. Extended Warranty to 05/2012.
£52,495
AStOn mARtIn
V8 EFI
1986. A much cherished example of the late electronic fuel
injection model V8 with automtic transmission. Sold new by
Nicholas Mee and to all subsequent owners. Well kept and
maintained regardless of cost, in exceptional condition with
all original specifications. Continuous service history from new
from AM works service, main AM agents and ourselves.
£54,950
AStOn mARtIn
DB9
2008. Superb low mileage 09 MY 470bhp DB9 Coupe with
Sportspack. Titanium Silver with Caspian blue and sandstorm
leather interior. Full spec. Excellent condition , FAMSH and AM
warranty until Sep ‘11. Just 15,000 miles from new.
£77,950
AStOn mARtIn
VAnqUISh S
2007. Superb late Vanquish S 2+2. Hand built toward the
end of the production run and the closure of the Newport
Pagnell factory. 1 owner from new and has been meticulously
maintained by AM main agents, Broughtons. Fitted with all
the desirable extra equipment offered and finished in Mercury
Silver, comes with an AM extended warranty until Sep 2011.
£87,495
AStOn mARtIn
VOLAntE VAntAgE
1981. Highly specified and factory adapted V8 Volante to 6.3
Litre Vantage PoW specifications. Balmoral Green with Tan hide.
Please contact us for full specifications.
£PoA
fuLLbore

FEATURE
9
fuLLbore
rOAd
rAcEr
Words by: Tom Stweart
Photography: Tom Andrew & Nicholas Mee

FEATURE : ROAD RACER
AS reguLAr fuLLbore reAderS ANd ViSitorS to our
webSiteS wiLL kNow, we At NiChoLAS mee & Co Are
keeN to Promote our SerViCiNg, rACe PrePArAtioN
ANd reStorAtioN SerViCeS.
Periodical servicing is usually a straightforward procedure, but
although race prep and restorations differ greatly, there’s often
an interesting tale to tell. So here’s the story of a car – specifically
a 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series 2, chassis no. DB4/411/R – and its
road-spec to race-spec and back again restoration project. But
first some background on the DB4 and this car in particular.
the db4
First unveiled at the Paris Motorshow in 1958, every major
component in the ground-breaking DB4 was new. Designed
by Carrozeria Touring of Milan, it employed the Superleggera
(super-light) system by using alloy body panels affixed to a
tubular frame. The Tadek Marek-designed 3.7-litre straight-six,
dohc engine produced 240bhp and the model remained in
production until June ’63, by which time there had been five
distinct series and a total of 1,110 had been built. The 140mph,
2+2 DB4 launched Aston Martin straight back into competition
with the exotic Continental brands.
15
thiS db4
From the 1970s DB4/411/R was owned by Nicholas Harris of
Fulham, London. Prior to Mr Harris moving abroad, the car was
acquired in a tired state by Nicholas Mee in November 2001, who
then prepared it for racing with the Aston Martin Owners Club.
The AMOC’s B1 regulations allowed few modifications and
this meant a 4-litre capacity limit with standard carburetion,
although an upgrade to triple SU carburetion was allowed.
Other permitted modifications included uprated suspension
and brakes, but the interior trim and fittings had to remain in
place, and there was a minimum weight limit which prohibited
the removal of road car equipment.
Driven by Karsten le Blanc and Christiaen van Lanschot the car
was used for some track and test days, and raced in B1 spec for
two seasons, but for the 2005 season it was further modified to
B2 regs. These allowed for a reduction in weight and a 4.2-litre
engine with 48mm Weber DCOE carbs. Marque specialist RS
Williams built the engine using Carrillo forged steel con-rods,
Cosworth competition pistons, a steel crankshaft, competition
camshafts, a gas-flowed cylinder head, a strengthened engine
block, tuned equal-length exhaust manifolds and a Tilton multiplate
competition clutch. With a ‘soft cut’ rev limiter installed, the
fuLLbore
‘THE AMOc’S B1 rEGUlATIONS
AllOwEd fEw MOdIfIcATIONS’

FEATURE : ROAD RACER
16
engine was subsequently dynamometer tested and produced in
excess of 375bhp.
While the engine work was going on the car was put through a
serious weight loss program which brought it down to 1,280kgs.
Additionally the rear axle was uprated with a full limited-slip
differential, while double wheel bearings, cross bracing and
rear suspension with unequal length upper and lower trailing
arms and adjustable rear dampers were also fitted. The front
suspension was uprated with ride height adjustable Koni
dampers and modified king pins. Although modified for racing
it’s worth noting that the B2 regs stipulated that cars must be to
MoT standard for use on the public road.
With Perspex windows/rear screen and the sunshine roof
removed, the car was now down to 1,265kgs dry and in this
spec it ran successfully in AMOC championships, coming first-inclass
for two consecutive years. DB4/411/R also completed two
1hr races at Spa Francorchamps as well as various other events
including the Masters series at Silverstone and Donington Park.
In the car’s entire competition career it only failed to finish on
one occasion. It was retired from competition at the end of 2007
having suffered no racing accidents.
fuLLbore
the reStorAtioN
Under the supervision of NM&Co’s Manager of Heritage
Operations David Swadling, work started in 2008 on rebuilding
DB4/411/R to a ‘fast road’ specification, retaining as many of the
uprated, high performance components as would be practical
for road use.
The Body – The car was stripped of all paint and brightwork, and
the dashboard and interior fittings were also removed. The body
was then closely inspected with all body filler removed. All the
panels were also carefully checked and any corrosion found was
removed. New panels, including a nose section, lower rear wings
and door skins were fitted where necessary. The rear wings were
reshaped to accommodate 6-inch rims and tyres, and the bonnet
was modified with a rear lip for improved engine bay ventilation.
New Zagato-style sprung bonnet pins were fabricated and
installed, along with a new oil cooler scoop. The entire radiator
area received specially fabricated ducting for maximum cooling
along with a new radiator surround and grille. With the body
prepared and primed the car was painted in DB4GT Zagato
Sanction 2 Green. Prior to reassembly all the exterior fittings were
re-chromed, including the side window frames, and new door
shut ’polka dot’ finishers were fabricated and fitted. New door/
boot seals were also fitted, as was a new windscreen.

FEATURE : ROAD RACER
The interior – The dashboard was removed and refinished and
the original reconditioned instrumentation was re-instated. New
sound insulation was installed behind the dash, new aluminium
door pads and quarter panels were fabricated, and the entire rear
seat area was designed and built using machined, marine-ply
woods with discreet, built-in oddment stowage compartments.
The interior was entirely re-trimmed with new hides, carpets,
Alcantara headlining and rubber kick plate facings. The racespec
rear roll cage was retained, but refinished, padded and
trimmed with Alcantara sleeves held in situ by Velcro. The interior
courtesy lights were re-instated and new harness type seat belts
were installed. A new steering wheel and horn assembly was
fitted, while the column, its surrounds and dash undertrays were
fabricated, trimmed and installed along with new ventilation
ducting. A new spare wheel well with cover was fabricated to
accommodate the 6-inch rim spare, and the boot was lined and
trimmed with new underfelt and carpet. A new tool roll, jack and
copper mallet completed the picture at the rear.
The Mechanicals – The gearbox and axle was removed and
checked, and a new balanced, road-going AP clutch assembly
was fitted with a new clutch fork and slave cylinder. The brakes
were disassembled and inspected with new seals and pads
fitted, while the suspension components were dismantled, re-
17
assembled and lubricated, and the geometry and dampers all
reset for road use. The car was then given a major service.
The electrics – All electrical components were removed, inspected
and replaced with new or reconditioned parts as required. These
included Euro dipping headlamps, new rear lights, interior lamps
and switches, and a new thermostatic control was installed for
the twin electric radiator fans.
the eNd reSuLt
Since completion the car has passed its MoT and has been
subjected to over 200 miles of road testing, both in heavy London
traffic and on the open road.
DB4/411/R’s impressive power-to-weight ratio and much
improved braking, suspension and handling gives it a level of
performance far superior to most road-going DB4s. NM&Co’s
Dave Swadling confirms that it would be ideal for competitive
events such as the Tour Auto, or for hillclimbs and sprints, or for
road use as it represents the current ‘state of the art’ for uprated
DB4s. Indeed, it could lay claim to being among the fastest roadgoing
DB4s in existence.
DB4/411/R is available to buy, contact NM&Co for details.
fuLLbore
‘THIS cAr rEPrESENTS THE cUrrENT
‘STATE Of THE ArT’ fOr UPrATEd
ASTON MArTIN dB4s’

CTR EVENTS 2011
18
EXCLUSIVE DRIVING, MOTORSPORT AND LIFESTYLE EVENTS ORGANISED BY NICHOLAS MEE & CO.
foLLowiNg our eXCitiNg goodwood trACkdAYS, the eXCLuSiVe iNAugurAL
midSummer CLASSiC CoNCourS ANd thuNderbALL PLuS of CourSe our
ANNuAL, highLY eNJoYAbLe rAid oN the LegeNdArY Le mANS 24hr rACe, Ctr
eVeNtS iS PLeASed to ANNouNCe more of the SAme for 2011, eXCePt thAt
the bi-ANNuAL midSummer CLASSiC iS due to returN iN 2012.
gOODWOOD
tRACKDAyS
thurSdAY 5th mAY ANd
thurSdAY 30th SePtember
• Two Aston Martin-only track days at
the stunning Goodwood Motor Circuit
in Sussex.
• Drive your own car on the circuit in
sessions where track access will be
limited to just five cars at a time.
• Total number of participating cars
limited to 25, thus ensuring a relaxed yet
exclusive atmosphere.
• A pro driver will take willing passengers
in the Nicholas Mee Racing V8 Vantage
GT4s on exhilarating laps of the circuit at
racing speeds.
• The deluxe, track-side Jackie Stewart
Pavilion will be the base for the day,
and the venue for breakfast, luncheon
and afternoon tea.
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£495.00 per car and driver. Additional
passengers welcome at £195.00 per
person.
To purchase tickets please call 0208 741
8822, e-mail
reservations@clubtertrerouge.co.uk
or buy from our online store
www.astonstore.co.uk

CTR EVENTS 2011
LE mAnS 24 hOURS, FULL WEEKEnD
hOSPItALIty PACKAgE
fridAY 10th to
SuNdAY 12th JuNe 2011
Following our 16 previous annual visits
to the Le Mans 24hr, CTR Events is again
offering its popular Friday evening
welcome party and weekend
hospitality programme.
The 2011 race looks like providing
heightened interest for Aston Martin fans
with the news that Aston Martin Racing
is developing an all- new, open cockpit
LMP1 car. Under revised regulations,
this petrol-engined V12 racer is being
designed to compete for outright victory
against other petrol cars and the allconquering
diesel-powered Audis and
Peugeots.
• The CTR weekend begins at the
Folkestone Eurotunnel shuttle, followed
by a spirited run to Le Mans.
Alternatively, guests can make their own
19
way to Le Mans, arriving on the
Friday afternoon.
• Participant’s cars will be lined up and
displayed within the secure grounds of
our weekend venue, the Gîte de la Ferme
in Ruaudin, conveniently located just
two kilometres from the circuit entrance.
• Our Gîte provides clean, comfortable,
purpose-built accommodation for 32
people in a mixture of shared bedrooms,
with plentiful bathroom facilities.
• Minibuses will be on hand throughout
the weekend to provide transport to and
from the circuit.
The weekend package will include all
meals, beer, wines and soft drinks at
the Gîte.
A maximum of 32 weekend hospitality
packages are available.
£950.00 per person for the full
weekend package. 50% deposit
required. the remaining balance will
due 10 weeks prior to the event.
LE mAnS FRIDAy nIght
WELCOmE PARty
10th JuNe 2011
The pre race party consists of a
champagne reception and barbeque,
plus live music and entertainment from a
great band.
Appearances by race teams, drivers and
Aston Martin VIPs.
Admire a display of the finest Aston
Martins from the last 50 years.
Informal awards presentations for CTR
participant’s cars.
Held at the Gîte de la Ferme, the location
of CTR Events’ weekend hospitality
package and just 2km from the circuit,
our Le Mans welcome party provides the
perfect prelude to the race itself and is an
ideal opportunity to spend an enjoyable
evening with like-minded fellow guests.
£75.00 per person
(evening party only).
A visit to the Le Mans 24 Hours
is definitely one of life’s ‘must do’
experiences. Let CTR Events make your
Le Mans trip a weekend to remember!
To make a reservation for this or any CTR
Event please email
reservations@clubtertrerouge.co.uk
or phone CTR on 0208 741 8822.
Organised by CTR Events for Nicholas
Mee & Co.
For further information on other CTR
events, please visit the Club Tertre Rouge
website: www.clubtertrerouge.co.uk
fuLLbore

ASTONSTORE SPOTLIGHT + ASTON MARTIN ARCHIVE + COMPETITION
AStOnStORE
SPOtLIght
weLCome to the SeCtioN where we uNAbAShedLY
highLight A deSirAbLe item oN SALe At the
AStoNStore, NiChoLAS mee & Co’S oNLiNe outLet.
AStoN mArtiN Artwork
We now have a selection of fine Aston Martin posters,
advertisements, technical drawings and evocative photographs
available for sale.
The example here is a factory advert from 1961 which shows
the stunning DB4 on the open road where it belongs, along
with the main strapline which reads, ‘The breathtaking Aston
Martin – the ultimate symbol of success’.
Printed on 308gsm acid-free archive quality paper, each
of the limited-edition run of 75 is individually numbered
and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Supplied
unframed 29x42cm.
Visit the AstonStore for more details on this and the other
artworks available. They make terrific presents!
www.astonstore.co.uk/category/artwork,b.html?limit=25
20
37
FROm AStOn mARtIn’S
ImAgE ARChIVES
The works DB2 (LML/50/55) is driven by George Abecassis and Brian Shawe-Taylor to 5th overall (2nd in class) in the 1951 Le Mans 24hr.
COmPEtItIOn
fuLLbore
In the last FullBore we asked for the combined length of the
Nürburgring’s Nordschleife and GP circuits, as used in the 24hr
race. The first name with the correct answer of 15.7 miles (25.3
kms) was Mark Smith who won himself two VIP passes to watch
the Nicholas Mee Racing team in action at the Britcar 24hr race
at Silverstone in October.
The prize for this issue’s competition is a wireless, Aston Martinapproved
DBS computer mouse (see this issue’s Christmas Wish
List for details). To be in with a chance of winning, just answer
this question:
Who designed the aston Martin Vanquish?
Answers on an email please to info@nicholasmee.co.uk, (or call
01243 755055).
As usual, the first name to be drawn with the correct answer
will be the winner, and please submit your entry by the end of
January 2011.

MOTORSPORT
mOtOR
SPORt
with NiChoLAS mee rACiNg
Team Partners:
Team Suppliers:
21
nmR tO COntESt 2011
AStOn mARtIn gt4
ChALLEngE
Following victory in the inaugural Aston Martin GT4 Challenge
of 2009 and intermittent participation in the series this year,
Nicholas Mee Racing is to contest the full championship again
in 2011.
2011 Aston martin gt4 Challenge:
30th April Silverstone (90 mins)
14th May Snetterton (180 mins)
25-26th June Donington Park (180 + 60 mins)
8-9th July Spa (2 x 60 mins)
6th August Oulton Park (90 mins)
27th August Brands Hatch (90 mins)
10-11th September Dijon (80 mins)
fuLLbore
NMR also plans to compete again in the Britcar 24hr race (1,440
mins!) at Silverstone on 24-25th September.
Our regular drivers Karsten le Blanc and Christiaen van Lanschot
will be bidding for Aston Martin Challenge honours, as will team
newcomers Mark Poole and Richard Abra who will also contest
the championship in a new, 2011 V8 Vantage GT4. NMR regular
Sarah Bennett-Baggs will again be joining the team for the
long-distance endurance races.
Nicholas Mee Racing is now enjoying a well-earned break
before returning to the action in 2011, but we would be
delighted to hear from anyone interested in competing in the
Aston Martin GT4 Challenge, or other GT racing.

MOTORSPORT
BRItCAR 24hR,
SILVERStOnE
Nicholas Mee Racing’s regular driver Karsten Le Blanc teamed
up with Sarah Bennett-Baggs, Ben de Zille Butler and his rising
star cousin Dan de Zille for the Britcar 24hr race at Silverstone
on 2nd-3rd September.
Ably run by Team Manager Giles Dawson, NMR qualified its
V8 Vantage GT4 15th in class and 27th out of 60 starters. The
lights turned to green at 4.30pm on the Saturday and during
the first few hours the NMR Aston made steady progress up the
leaderboard. After four hours the team lay in 18th overall, but,
with darkness falling at 7.30pm, the conditions soon became
tricky as day turned to night and dry turned to drizzle. The
drizzle then soon turned to rain and by late evening the rain
had become torrential, but still the team continued to improve
its position. By midnight NMR was up into 14th position.
The night brought its share of accidents and subsequent safety
car periods and, to make matters worse, thick fog reduced
visibility to almost zero. Despite being hit by a passing Mosler
and a long, fog-bound safety car stint, by dawn the team had
risen to 11th overall.
On the Sunday morning everything was looking good. But just
as the team was enjoying breakfast and contemplating 10th
overall and 6th in class, the problems started.
First, the replacement of a broken seat bolt cost five laps,
dropping the team to 12th. Then an off-track excursion into
the wall at 11.30am was followed by a time-consuming
recovery. Despite speedy pitwork the time taken to fix a
damaged wing and replace a radiator dropped the NMR Aston
back down to 20th.
22
The car returned to the track looking a little battle-scarred, but
the next three hours were extremely difficult for everyone on
the now very greasy and still wet circuit. According to Sarah B-B,
“Conditions were almost impossible, I’ve never known a track so
slippery”. NMR finally made it to the finish in 22nd overall and
13th in class, having completed exactly 500 laps – almost 1,600
miles in a day, 15 hours of which were wet!
NMR hopes to improve on this year’s performance with a
return to the Britcar 24hr next year, provisionally set for 1st-2nd
October 2011.
nEW RACER
tO gUn FOR
OUtRIght
VICtORy
Aston Martin announced in September that it would return
to the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 2011 with a new LMP1 racer.
The Gulf Oil liveried car is being designed from the ground up
with an open cockpit monocoque chassis and a new, purposedesigned
petrol-powered race engine.
Under the ACO’s new technical regulations , the company now
has the opportunity to compete for top honours at Le Mans
against even the diesel-engined competitors.
Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards said: “We still want to
achieve our ultimate goal of winning the 24 Hour race overall
to bring the title back to Britain, but in recent years it’s been
impossible for petrol cars to compete on equal terms with the
diesels. However, we now have assurances from the ACO that
they will properly balance the performance of these new cars.
Under these circumstances we’re developing Aston Martin’s first
purpose-built racing chassis and engine for more than 50 years.
It will still be a David and Goliath fight against the massive
resources of our competitors, but we’re accustomed to this and
relish the challenge.”
Work on the new chassis and engine has been progressing
for several months at Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in
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Banbury, UK and the first of a limited number of six cars will run
in early 2011.
The company will remain committed to developing racewinning
GT cars based on its road cars and it remains the only
manufacturer to offer a racer for every category from GT1
to GT4.
Aston Martin’s first and only outright victory at Le Mans was
in 1959 with the DBR1 of Roy Salvadori and Carroll Shelby.
Since 2004 Aston Martin Racing has enjoyed multiple factory
and customer wins around the world including two GT1 class
victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008, and an overall Le Mans
series win in 2009.
See how the new car performs at Le Mans with CTR Events. Or
full details of our Le Mans hospitality see page 19.

MOTORSPORT
DOnIngtOn PARK
gt4 ChALLEngE FInALE
Competing in the final round of the 2010 Aston Martin GT4
Challenge, Nicholas Mee Racing ended the season on a high
note with a well-deserved podium finish at Donington Park on
9th October.
NMR welcomed two new drivers; Alastair James, who was
nearing the end of his first season of competitive racing, and his
experienced team-mate, Charlie Hollings.
The half-hour qualifying session was interrupted by an accident
involving the Aston Martin Design car driven by Engineering
Director Chris Porritt, but when the session finally restarted
Hollings did a fantastic job by posting the second fastest lap
and this ensured an advantageous front-row start on the
13-car grid.
Alastair James started the 2-hour race, and, despite his limited
experience, he enjoyed a superb stint by resisting the challenge
of Leo Mansell, son of former World Champ Nigel, and dealing
23
with slower traffic and a safety car period before handing over
to Hollings at the end of the first hour.
Hollings immediately found his pace and retained second
position for the majority of his stint but, with around 20
laps remaining, he was unable to fend off series regular
Bernard Santal driving a larger-capacity 4.7-litre car. Hollings
subsequently brought the NMR car home in a safe third place
for a well-celebrated podium finish.
Commenting on the year, Team Principal Nicholas Mee said,
“Throughout our sometimes trying season of sportscar racing,
the whole team performed brilliantly, particularly in the
gruelling Dubai 24hr event where we also celebrated a podium
finish. The difficult circumstances that arise in endurance races
can be uniquely challenging, but the team has risen to those
challenges to produce some excellent results”.
nmR gOES
EnDURAnCE KARtIng
In early December Nicholas Mee Racing’s drivers, management,
engineers, mechanics, pit crew, refuellers, helpers, back-room
boys and hospitality girls all converged on a chilly evening at
Formula 1 Karting’s indoor circuit near Heathrow. Ten teams
then battled it out in a 1.5hr endurance race in new, LPGpowered
200cc Biz karts.
To say that the event was competitive would be an
understatement as much of the driving was of the ‘kill or be
killed’ variety. The most obvious early exponent of this ‘take
no prisoners’ style was pro-racer Anthony Reid, although
his extremely determined approach to overtaking was soon
mirrored by several others.
Following a Le Mans start and 217 laps (some 76 kms) of frantic
karting, NMR’s Commercial Director Neal ‘Elbows’ Garrard and
Lawrence Spires of Team 6 crossed the finish line in first, two
laps ahead of Team 10’s Graham Horgan and Alistair James,
who in turn were just one lap in front of Team 9 with drivers Tim
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Collins and former British, European and World karting star, and
NMR driver, Charlie Hollings – who recorded the fastest lap of
the race. Team 6 (Sarah Bennett-Baggs, Dominic Ede and Tom
Stewart) was the first three-driver team home, finishing another
lap down in fourth after an epic, 40-minute non-stop final stint
by NMR driver Bennett-Baggs.
To underline the level of competitiveness, just 0.9 of a second
marked the difference between every team’s fastest lap, and yet
despite the close rivalries there were no major incidents and the
emergency services weren’t called upon.