FullBore Issue 35 — Autumn/Winter 2025

FULLBORE

AUTUMN / WINTER 2025

NICHOLAS MEE & CO’S WORLD OF ASTON MARTIN

1

•

ISSUE 35

1

Front cover image: 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish S in Alloro Green

Nicholas Mee & Co Ltd Essendonbury Farm Hatfield Park Estate Hatfield

Contacts

Hertfordshire

T: +44 (0)208 741 8822

AL9 6AF

info@nicholasmee.co.uk

United Kingdom

http://www.nicholasmee.co.uk

© 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.

Creative Director: Adrian Morley, www.theseen.design 2

FULLBORE

SPEAK 04 MEE It’s been a successful year at Essendonbury Farm: more cars sold and much activity on the parts and service front. And that’s despite higher taxes, tariff wars and a real conflict in Europe. Nick sums up the past 12 months and looks to 2026 with some optimism.

06 VANQUISH! Evo writer Peter Tomalin has another Aston supercar in his sights. This time it’s the Gaydon-era Vanquish. With sales input from Neal and Chris’s view from the service department, it’s everything you need to know about a model with a “titanic force” to “launch you along the tarmac”.

GREEN GREAT AGAIN 24 MAKING A fascinating story of one man’s dream made into reality by Chris Green and the Service & Aftercare department team. From buying a car with promise at auction in 2024, to taking delivery of a subtly updated and improved immaculate V8 Volante this year, we have the inside line.

TALKING HEADS 2025 44 VIDEO: Now in its fifth year, our popular end-of year video round-up includes the NM&Co Sale of the Year (it’s small and packs a mighty punch), a discussion on the modern ‘restomod’ phenomenon, a look at AML racing in F1 and at Le Mans and reflections on the Volante, 60 years young in 2025.

TO SAFELY STORE YOUR ASTON MARTIN THIS WINTER 50 HOW It’s cold outside – some dos and don’ts of looking after your treasured car in the winter months.

IN STOCK 60 WHAT’S We have some truly exciting cars in stock, all beautifully prepared and ready to go. There’s a model from every era to suit every sphere of interest and depth of pocket.

ROB REPORT 2025 74 THE Finance expert Robert Johnson gives his view on the state of the market at year-end, which cars are in demand and how he thinks things will develop in 2026.

AN ASTON MARTIN: THE VIEW FROM THE CLUB 76 OWNING The Vice-President of the Aston Martin Owners Club sets out his views on the joys of the marque and how membership of the Club is such a benefit for new owners wanting to get the most out of their cars.

TEN-TWO CLUB IN 2025 – DATES FOR 2026 82 THE It was another 12 months of packed Ten-Two Club meetings at our Hertfordshire HQ. As always, we had a great time meeting friends old and new. This year, with the aid of the Heritage Trust, we put on a special display of DB6s. We cannot wait for 2026, and list the dates for next year’s meetings.

RETURN OF VANTAGE MAGAZINE 86 THE It’s back. Our favourite magazine dedicated to the marque we love returned this autumn for a oneoff special and we hear it’s the start of a new run of the best-ever periodical dedicated to all things Aston Martin. You can buy one right now.

SHOT 88 PARTING An atmospheric photo from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust archive shows DB6s going through the factory in the 1960s. The car celebrated its 60th birthday in 2025.

3

ME E S PEA K

Welcome to our end-of-year, Autumn/Winter 2025 issue of FullBore: a time to reflect on the year behind us and the one to come.

them among the first to rise in a steadying and strengthening market, particularly when the realisation sinks in that we are most likely past ‘peak car’.

Rather surprisingly, when looking back on 2025, despite the raft of high taxes, Trumpism, a war in Europe and the run-up to the recent UK Budget, through hard work we have managed to sell more cars, more parts and more workshop services this year than last. It may not have felt like it, but it is a fact, and one which leads me on to think of the reasons why.

Cars produced between 2000 and 2018, devoid of ‘nanny state’ driver aids and overly complicated electronics, offer a real driver experience that is lost on the majority of new cars, now loaded with legislation.

Perhaps our success is due to the quality of service we constantly endeavour to maintain. Or possibly it is the high quality of interesting and rare cars we bring to market and sell, or our easy-to-use e-commerce website, where parts and accessories can be bought 24/7. All possibilities, but in truth it has to be the combination of all of them that has worked so well for us in 2025, and we hope has worked for you, our valued clients and friends of NM&Co. It is you, and subscribers of FullBore, who, in one way or another, we have to thank for keeping ourselves fully deployed satisfying your Aston Martin requirements. This, then, is a thank-you to you all, from the entire team at NM&Co, for another successful year, and to send you our best wishes for a similarly busy one in 2026.

Moving forward, we are optimistic and positive for 2026.

Regarding car sales, much has been said of market volatility: true to some degree, but not in all areas. Icons of the brand, limited editions, rarities and specials – our typical stock – will always be difficult to source and will generally maintain their value when less exclusive models slide. On the upside, the often unique nature of many of these models will make

4

All food for thought, but meanwhile we are delighted to bring you our second-generation Vanquish model guide, possibly our most in-demand model in 2025. The first carbonfibrebodied AM and the last normally aspirated V12, a Vanquish ticks most boxes when it comes to performance, style and practicality. Our guide should hopefully help get the juices flowing.

Also, with this issue of FullBore we are delighted to bring you our annual ‘Talking Heads’ market review video. An interesting catch-up, opinions and comment on recent subjects and future projects are aired in a relaxed, unscripted atmosphere. Filmed just two weeks ago with two interesting and very relevant guests, this was a very enjoyable session. Join us – and do feel free to comment!

For now, we wish all readers and viewers an enjoyable festive break and a healthy and prosperous 2026.

Best wishes,

FULLBORE

55

gene

6

FULLBORE

BY PETER TOMALIN

VANQUISH!

It was the last Aston Martin to be powered by the iconic 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine; it wears a carbonfibre body of timeless beauty, and it’s one of the finest driving Astons of the modern era. In short, the seconderation Vanquish has never looked more tempting, as Peter Tomalin reports

» 7 7

A FEW EYEBROWS WERE RAISED WHEN ASTON MARTIN RESURRECTED THE VANQUISH NAME FOR ITS NEW SERIES-PRODUCTION FLAGSHIP IN 2012.

The original, Newport Pagnell-built Vanquish had been a genuine game-changer, the car that heralded a new era for Aston with a new design language, new construction methods and performance and handling that took the brand to a whole new level. By comparison, the secondgeneration Vanquish, a direct replacement for the 20072012 DBS, looked and felt very much like an evolutionary step.

That said, it was an undeniably good-looking evolution, its lines taking a number of cues from the One-77 hypercar, and, in something of a USP for the class, the outer body panels were made from carbonfibre, which had benefits for both rigidity and weight (despite being a shade longer, wider and taller than the DBS, the Vanquish was 56kg lighter than the car it replaced, though hardly a lightweight at 1739kg).

And as road testers – and early customers – soon discovered, it might not have been a mould-breaking car, but it was a beautifully complete and rounded machine, a scintillatingly rapid and accomplished one too, arguably the ultimate expression of the first era of Gaydon Astons.

Underneath was a further evolution of the aluminium VH platform that could be traced back to the DB9 of almost

a decade earlier, while the engine was the latest iteration of the by-then well-known 5.9-litre quad-cam V12.

Extensively reworked for the Vanquish, with particular attention paid to the cylinder heads, it produced 565bhp in its latest tune (a useful increase on the DBS’s 510bhp), which translated to 0-60mph in 4.0sec and a 183mph top speed.

Drive passed via a carbonfibre propshaft to an updated version of the well-proven ‘Touchtronic II’ ZF six-speed paddleshift auto, rear-mounted to help achieve a pretty much ideal 51/49 front/rear weight distribution. Other highlights included three-stage adaptive damping and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard and the first appearance on an Aston of a launch control system. It was an impressive spec befitting a flagship car, as was a list price of £189,995 (equivalent to around £275,000 today).

The Volante version, released in 2013 and featuring a triple-layer electrically folding soft-top, was even more expensive at £199,995. With both versions, customers could choose either 2+0 or 2+2 seating, though the tiny rear ‘+2’ seats were only really of use as an extra luggage platform or for very small, very compliant children.

Speaking of luggage, the boots of both versions were

»

8

FULLBORE

9

10

FULLBORE

usefully bigger than in the DBS, and the Volante’s didn’t lose any volume with the roof stowed.

In late 2014 a significantly revised Vanquish arrived for the 2015 model year, visually barely changed but featuring a new eight-speed ‘Touchtronic III’ auto. Not only did it give quicker shifts than the six-speed but, combined with new Bosch engine management and a slight uplift in power and torque, the revised gearing dropped the 0-60mph time to 3.6sec and raised the top speed to 201mph. It also improved fuel economy to the tune of around 2mpg. New Bilstein dampers and other suspension tweaks completed the package.

As ever, there were a number of special editions during the production run. The first – and still one of the most desirable – was the Centenary Edition, created to celebrate 100 years of Aston Martin in 2013, featuring a particularly striking ‘graduated’ colour scheme of Skyfall Silver blending into Meteorite Silver, an exposed carbonfibre roof panel and 20-spoke gloss-black diamond-turned wheels among many other unique features.

September 2014 saw the launch of the ‘Carbon’ editions, available in either Carbon Black or Stratos White coachwork with minimal adornment. Carbonfibre sidestrakes, additional black detailing and unique ten-spoke gloss-black 20in alloys gave a striking aesthetic, while inside there was herringbone-pattern carbon on the dash, black rotary controls, carbon sill trim, and black anodised speaker grilles for the Bang & Olufsen hi-fi.

For those seeking something even more exclusive, in 2015 Aston Martin Works celebrated the 60th anniversary of Aston production commencing at Newport Pagnell with six specially commissioned Vanquishes in eye-catching liveries and incorporating actual material from classic Astons across the years – engine parts cleverly recycled as switchgear, for example.

Another limited run of note was the Red Arrows Special Edition of 2018, a series of ten cars, each paired with a Red Arrows jet and including matching military serial numbers throughout the car plus switchgear made from recycled Red Arrow Hawk parts among many other special features, and finished in Eclat Red pearlescent paint to match the aircraft. The Q by Aston Martin bespoke division was heavily involved, as it would be in many other personal commissions.

Editions aside, the last really significant landmark in the gen-2 Vanquish story came in the late autumn of 2016, when the Vanquish S replaced the regular car, bringing an uprated 595bhp V12 along with revisions to the aerodynamics, interior, transmission and suspension. It was a thorough revamp, one that sharpened both the looks and the driving experience, and the starting price in the UK was £199,950.

This uprated spec would also be shared with no fewer than four Zagato models: Coupé, Volante, Speedster and Shooting Brake, with prices ranging from £600,000 to £1m. It was the first time Aston Martin had launched a whole ‘family’ of Zagato models, and they were generally well received even if some commentators thought their sheer number diluted the specialness that had marked previous collaborations between Aston Martin and the Italian design house.

The Zagato Coupé was the first to be released, followed by the Volante, with production limited to 99 examples of each. Rarest of the quartet was the ‘Speedster’, of which just 28 were made, but perhaps the most striking and desirable was the Shooting Brake, of which again 99 were built.

The gen-2 Vanquish was nearing the end of its production run. The final iteration was the Vanquish S Ultimate, launched in late 2017, loaded with all manner of bespoke options and carbonfibre goodies, of which just 175 examples were sold. It was a fitting conclusion for a truly fine Aston Martin.

11

12

FULLBORE

13

ON THE ROAD

Approaching a gen-2 Vanquish today, it remains a breathtakingly seductive shape, blending voluptuous curves with sculpted flanks and chiselled aero in naked carbonfibre. And inside is every bit as special. All that leather and Alcantara certainly hits you as you pop the flush-sitting handle and swing the door open. Don’t you just love the smell of a chilled Aston Martin cabin first thing in the morning?

The next assault on your senses is the explosion of sound when you push the familiar sapphire lozenge into the centre of the dash. It’s a reminder, if any were needed, of the immense potency of the final iterations of the 5.9-litre V12, a very different beast to the 420bhp engine that first appeared in the DB7 Vantage back in 1999.

The post-2015 car I’m driving has the revised Bosch engine management system that saw a small rise in peak power and torque to 568bhp at 6650rpm and 465lb ft at 5500. Thanks largely to the more tightly stacked lower ratios afforded by the eight-speed ZF-sourced ‘Touchtronic III’ gearbox, and the introduction of a ‘launch control’ function, the Vanquish’s claimed 0-60mph time was cut from 4.1sec to just 3.6, while a new final drive allowed it to reach 201mph. Crikey.

The chunky steering wheel is quite busy, with controls for a Bluetooth phone and cruise control, along with the button for tautening the adaptive dampers and another for Sport, which sharpens the throttle and gearshifts and unleashes even more aural fury. On the centre console, below the buttons for Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive and the ‘haptic’ controls for radio, satnav and phone functions are the switches for loosening DSC and activating the aforementioned launch control.

Having already risked the ire of the neighbours with the Aston’s opening fusillade, I resist the temptation to investigate the latter, although as I navigate the village streets I can’t resist winding the window down, all the better to hear the gargling exhausts. Conversely, on the first section of dual-carriageway, I’m struck by the civility of the Vanquish, and not just the turbine-like smoothness of the V12, which in 8th gear at an indicated 85mph is turning over at barely 2000rpm.

It’s the quality of the damping, too. The ride is actually pretty robust – in town and on the motorway there’s not a hint of slop or slack in it – but there’s no crashing or jolting either, even when one of those alloys smeared with Pirelli P Zero drops into a sunken manhole cover. It doesn’t even get agitated by the smaller, pimply stuff. And the whole car feels as tightly constructed as any Aston of the modern era.

»

14

FULLBORE

15

16

FULLBORE

17

18

FULLBORE

The gearbox, too, is making all the right moves. I’m leaving it in auto mode for now; I reckon it’s how most Vanquish drivers will use it most of the time, and honestly, you can barely tell when it’s shifting.

The uncanny smoothness is actually most impressive when you floor the throttle from jogging pace, when you can savour the V12’s wondrously linear delivery, the way it keeps pouring in with barely any noticeable steps, all the way from 10mph to ten times that speed with just a slight hardening in engine note and a corresponding increase in urgency towards the upper end of the rev-range.

communicative, engaging, and flows beautifully. And if the chassis just lacks that ultimate edge of steely control that you might find in, say, a current Vantage, it’s just a brilliant compromise between GT and super-sports car. The brakes are mighty, too, and far more progressive than some carbonceramic set-ups.

The later Vanquish S saw the model become a faster and even more complete flagship. Back in late 2016, when the then-new DB11 was released, I drove the new DB back to back with a Vanquish S: first of the new breed versus the last of the old guard. The DB11 was extremely impressive but left me a little cool.

Even when you kick down a gear you can barely feel as it slots home; there’s just a slight rise in the engine note and a flick of the tacho needle as you’re pressed ever more firmly into the embrace of the winged bucket seat. For my money it trumps the robotised manual in the likes of the V12 Vantage, not just for smoothness but also for speed of response.

On the way across country, the road finally clears and opens up into the distance and I can’t resist selecting Sport and pinning the throttle. The first time you unleash the full 568bhp, it’s like entering a slightly different dimension, an ever-so-slightly scary one, as a titanic force absolutely launches you along the tarmac. Even in third gear and on a bone-dry road you can feel the tyres fighting to contain the torque.

If you’re fortunate enough to have driven any of the current breed of supercars, this is no more than par for the course; if your reference points are rather more prosaic (i.e. merely fast), it takes a few moments to mentally recalibrate. Anything significantly quicker, like the current gen-3 Vanquish for example, and you really need race-driver reactions (not to mention a track) to be able to drive them anywhere close to their true potential. On regular roads, this gren-2 Vanquish feels monstrously rapid.

On sinuous and undulating tarmac, while grip is formidable, the Vanquish’s chassis is anything but inert. You can really feel all four tyres working, especially the rears. It’s

And when I climbed back into the Vanquish S I rediscovered what I’d been missing. A cleaner connection with the tarmac, especially through the steering. A cleaner connection with the engine, too. The DB11’s throttle response was superb for a turbocharged engine, but the Vanquish S’s was just that little bit crisper. And the noise! Like a trumpet player removing the mute, the nat-asp V12 sounded glorious.

The top-end rush, the way the power just kept growing as the revs climbed and climbed, was just intoxicating, the air behind crackling.

But there’s so much to love about the ‘regular’ Vanquish: a timelessly handsome and big-hearted car that’s quick when roused, tautly suspended and blessed with handling that’s more agile and precise than the car’s size suggests. And that engine, of course. An underrated and sometimes unfairly overlooked Aston, the gen-2 Vanquish deserves to find a growing following.

PETER TOMALIN HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. AT VARIOUS TIMES DEPUTY EDITOR OF PERFORMANCE CAR, EDITOR OF EVO AND MANAGING EDITOR OF VANTAGE MAGAZINE, HE’S HAD A LIFELONG LOVE OF ASTON MARTINS AND CURRENTLY OWNS A 2006 V8 VANTAGE.

19

VIEW FROM THE SHOWROOM

Neal Garrard, commercial director of Nicholas Mee & Co, is a big fan of the gen-2 Vanquish. ‘The last of the first-generation Gaydon models, and of course the last with the naturally aspirated V12 engine, many consider it to be peak Aston Martin,’ he tells us.

‘You do see them for £60-65k, but at that level it’s probably with higher mileage or gaps in the history. Our advice is look to spend at least £75k to get the right car; and add around 10 per cent extra for a Volante.’

‘There was a degree of cynicism when it was launched, a feeling that it was just a development of its DBS predecessor and didn’t really justify the Vanquish name. But that faded as the press and public discovered just what a fine car the gen-2 Vanquish was.’

Post-2014 cars do generally fetch more (think £85k plus), but Garrard advises not to get too hung up on insisting on a car with the eight-speed ’box. ‘Some people actually prefer the gearing of the six-speed,’ he says. ‘Personally it wouldn’t be a red line for me. I’d just want the best car, with the right number of owners and service history, and the colours I wanted.’

And that goes for all versions. The coupé was always the staple of the range, whether the six-speed original, the revised car with the eight-speed box from MY2015, the more powerful S model or the run-out S Ultimate. Almost 3000 coupés were built in all, compared with 1341 Volantes, including a final run of 54 Volante S Ultimates.

Further up the price ladder, a really nice Vanquish S is £110k-plus, an Ultimate around £130k – and currently undervalued at that, reckons Neal, given the market performance of the original Vanquish S Ultimate. Zagatos today are around £300k for Coupé and Volante, up to £450k for the more exotic Shooting Brake and Speedster.

By the time the second-generation Vanquish went off sale in 2018, some 4500 had been sold across all variants (compared with 3400 DBSs and around 2600 first-generation Vanquishes).

Which means that while it’s still rare enough to be a genuine event when you see one in the wild, there’s always a good selection available at all price points.

Whatever your budget, a gen-2 Vanquish makes an excellent purchase today. Buy well and there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises in store. ‘Fundamentally, the Vanquish was based on tried and tested technology and engineering,’ says Neal, ‘being an evolution of the original VH platform and the V12 powertrain that had already been well-proven in the DB9 and DBS. The cars just continued to evolve and refine and improve.’

So, how much do you need to spend to put a really nice example of the last of the big naturally aspirated V12 Astons on your driveway? Browse the classifieds and you might see an early six-speeder for as little as £60,000, but before you splash your tax-free pension lump sum, a few words of wisdom from Neal.

20

So, what do you need to be aware of when considering a second-generation Vanquish, and what will the running costs be like? Over to the workshop…

FULLBORE

21

VIEW FROM THE WORKSHOP

‘The gen-2 Vanquish is a model we know well, and we’re delighted to maintain a significant number of examples for our national and international client list,’ says Chris Green, Service & Aftercare manager at Nicholas Mee & Co. ‘Our experience is that the Vanquish is a robust and reliable model, generally requiring only regular maintenance and servicing.’

So, unsurprisingly, that service history is key. These were £200,000 cars when they were new, the production flagships of their day, and you want to be certain that no corners have been cut in their upkeep. So the first thing to look for is an unambiguous record of regular servicing, either within the official dealer network or by recognised specialists.

The official service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes sooner, so in reality most cars receive an annual service ‘though we can live with 18-month intervals,’ says Chris. Nicholas Mee & Co charge from £970 for a standard service to £1392 for a major one, which is every four years.

‘They’re the same servicing costs that would apply to a V12 Vantage, DBS or DB9,’ says Chris. But you also need to factor-in wear and tear items. The adaptive dampers are £2000-plus for a pair; a set of front brake pads will be £1250, and while tyre prices vary depending on brand, a set of new rears could cost up to £600. Taking everything into account, Green reckons on an annual maintenance budget of £2000-£2500 averaged out over four years.

The good news is that component failure is relatively rare.

The basic construction of that wonderful V12 engine stayed pretty similar right through its life, and despite power outputs growing from 420bhp in the DB7 Vantage to 595bhp in the gen2 Vanquish S, it has proved a resilient unit. ‘The V12 is pretty bombproof,’ says Chris. ‘We rarely see an issue with the unit itself; the only failures we’ve seen have been down to lack of

22

servicing. And the gearboxes are similarly robust.’

Coil pack failures are one of the few recurring issues with the V12, usually revealed by an engine warning light. ‘They just deteriorate with age, and there’s no particular pattern.

Some cars go five or ten years without issues, some need a replacement after two or three years.’ It makes sense to replace all the coils on each bank at the same time, which means you’re looking at up to four hours’ labour and a bill of around a grand per bank. So it’s well worth checking the history of any potential purchase to see if they’ve been done recently.

Also check the condition of the carbon-ceramic brakes (which Aston refers to as CCM, for Carbon Ceramic Matrix). Generally they last longer than the cast-iron equivalents, but Chris says they’ve seen a few cars with damaged/cracked discs, replacement of which can run into several thousands. ‘If treated correctly, they provide both improved braking performance and longevity compared with traditional discs,’ says Green.

‘We strongly advise owners to avoid using any wheel cleaning products that may contain corrosive materials; washing with soap and water, Autoglym being our ‘go to’ supplier, is sufficient.’

One of the Vanquish’s USP’s is, of course, its carbonfibre bodywork, which means it doesn’t suffer from the localised paint bubbling and corrosion that can be found on other Gaydon-era Astons. And combined with the aluminium platform, it means that your only concern from a structural point of view is accident damage, so check the underside – every surface should be crisp and straight – and the bodywork for any unevenness that could point to repairs. The front splitter is quite vulnerable and a replacement will cost more than three grand (six grand for the S version, plus fitting). As ever, if you’re not confident of spotting any flaws, a survey by a well-known specialist will always be money well spent.

FULLBORE

23

24

FULLBORE

MAKING GREEN GREAT AGAIN A client commission to upgrade and refubish a 1986 Aston Martin v8 Efi Volante

»

25

IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER INCREDIBLY BUSY YEAR FOR CHRIS GREEN AND HIS TEAM IN OUR SERVICE & AFTERCARE DEPARTMENT, ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH THEIR NEEDS INCLUDING EVERYTHING FROM ANNUAL SERVICING AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE THROUGH TO PAINT CORRECTION AND DETAILING, INTERIOR RENOVATION AND COMPLETE VEHICLE REFURBISHMENT AND RESTORATION.

O

ne of the rewarding projects completed this year has been on another of our favourites, a classic Aston Martin V8.

On our YouTube channel in recent years we have shared two similar ‘case study’ videos, one detailing the refurbishment of a 1986 Aston Martin V8 Coupe

and the second, the extensive renovation and upgrading of a 1983 V8 Volante.

These videos show in detail the many ways in which, using our extensive knowledge of the 1970s and ’80s production V8s, we employ our expertise to refurbish, upgrade and make personalised recommendations on how to improve these magnificent cars.

Both previous videos are worth watching, even after viewing our latest case study, as they centre on different examples of late-80s V8s requiring different levels of work. They continue to prove popular viewing, acting as an inspiration to other owners considering similar projects for their cars.

This 1986 V8 Efi Volante on which we have recently completed such work was identified as a car with potential, then acquired with our support from a prominent auction in late 2024 One of just 44 UK right-hand drive examples of the V8 Efi Volante, a model introduced in 1986, it features the ‘V585’ series, electronic-fuel-injected V8. This one is finished in the attractive and rare Aston Martin colour Burnham Green.

»

26

FULLBORE

»

27

copy

Now, almost 40 years old – a fact we find easy to forget – the car had covered just 14,000 miles in the hands of its previous owners. Our considered opinion after an initial static inspection for our client was that it would make an excellent foundation for sympathetic refurbishment and would benefit from some of the upgrades we offer. The new owner appreciated the thinking behind our suggestions and, with his own objectives taken into consideration, we were commissioned to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade programme. The owner’s aim was to enhance the car both mechanically and cosmetically, while also improving its comfort, driving dynamics and general usability in today’s driving environment.

28

Once delivered to our workshops, a more detailed inspection confirmed the Volante to be in an aged, but honest and only moderately dilapidated condition. Like many, it had suffered from a lack of regular use and specialist maintenance. The alloy body had various minor imperfections, and the original paintwork was aged and micro-blistered on most panels.

Inside, the original 40-year-old interior was in need of attention with some general discolouration, while the walnut veneer finishers showing signs of delamination and cracking. The original Beige carpets were heavily stained. Several electrical and mechanical components, unsurprisingly, required replacement.

FULLBORE

29 29

To anyone who knows the subject of Aston Martin, its story is a deeply satisfying journey into the mind of a legend, whose technical prowess goes before him.

30

FULLBORE

The original, and in generally good condition, hides were still intact and the seats in good shape, but required an interior-out deep clean and several applications of non-invasive leather preservation products and hide food.

Even with a low mileage from new, the vehicle, at almost 40 years old, was ripe for preservation. The object of the exercise was to bring it up to optimal cosmetic and mechanical condition, while installing established upgrades to improve its driving dynamics and to satisfy the new owner’s brief for a fully refreshed V8 Volante capable of frequent use in all road conditions.

Working together with our client has produced, what we hope you will agree, a tastefully upgraded and improved V8 EFi Volante. The works took six months earlier this year.

So, let’s run through the various exterior works undertaken and completed.

To summarise, the initial inspection revealed the paintwork on most panels, although apparently wellpolished and with good lustre, was micro-blistered.

There was some light paint bubbling around the windscreen. Some stone chipping, general marks and imperfections were evident, all commensurate with the car’s age and use. With a report recommending a complete repaint signed-off, the car was transferred to our paint specialists for the windscreen to be removed and the body stripped down, panels corrected to remove any dents and then repainted in original colour to a ‘mirror finish’.

All glass, bumpers, front and rear valances, exterior handles, lamps, window frames, mirrors, and fittings were dismantled and removed and an inspection for any corrosion carried out.

With ongoing care and maintenance, this late-model V8 Volante will continue to give great pleasure to its latest owner and future custodians for many years to come.

31

32

FULLBORE

33

34

FULLBORE

With the body now stripped down, a detailed assessment was completed: all panel gaps and surfaces were corrected including the doors, boot and bonnet; all panel edges profiled and aligned to achieve an immaculate fit and shape to the body. A final inspection of the body under perfect light conditions was completed prior to the application of primer, which was hand-flatted between coats. After one last expert look, the body was sprayed in Burnham Green and clear-coat lacquered using modern and highly durable materials in all stages of the process.

The deletion of the standard rubber-faced bumper overriders and fog lamps as requested required welding to the bumpers before re-chroming. And a new lower front valance, of the type fitted to ‘PoW specification’ Vantage Volantes incorporating a discreet lower lip spoiler, was custom-profiled and fitted prior to the new paint being applied.

The recessed headlamp surrounds, usually finished in body colour, have been refinished in satin black, which gives the illusion that the car is narrower when viewed from the front.

Exterior works to the customer’s request included the refinishing of the front grille in bright silver, a period ‘special request’ alternative to the original satin black.

35

THE INTERIOR AND CONVERTIBLE HOOD On inspection, the original beige Everflex hood was found to be torn along several stitch-lines and in an aged and shrunken condition. This was removed, and the part-timber framework and insulation material evaluated before a new hood was tailored and fitted in our trim department using Dark Green Boyriven rubber-backed woven fabric that complemented the body colour.

Still disassembled, the tired interior and boot carpets were removed and an entire new set of Wilton, cut-pile wool carpets tailored and fitted, again in a mid-green to match the leather upholstery’s green piping, with all edges bound in matching green hide.

36

Now back from the woodwork restoration specialist, the newly veneered burr walnut interior trim-set was then re-installed on the dashboard, doors and centre console.

The new owner, not wishing to be out of reach and with a liking for music, replaced the original 1980s Blaupunkt radio/cassette player with a retro-look Blaupunkt ICE system incorporating DAB radio, Bluetooth streaming and telephone connectivity, along with a high-power amplifier and suitable loudspeakers.

FULLBORE

37

38

FULLBORE

39

40

FULLBORE

After receiving a mechanical and electrical major service, including a suspension and brakes overhaul using new servos and master cylinder, suspension geometry adjustments, air-conditioning service, new exhaust clamps and hangers, a thorough electrical check, fitment of improved headlamps and more, the car was back on its wheels. But not the original-fit 15in BBS alloys, as these were replaced with a set of factorysupplied 16in Vantage-type Ronals and new Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.

A combination of uprated front anti-roll bar and 16in modern-construction tyres gives additional grip in all circumstances while not detracting from the V8 Volante’s well-judged ride quality. This set-up significantly improves the car’s directional stability and grip when cornering and braking.

To keep the paintwork looking as good as it did when it left the paint shop, Gtechniq Ceramic Serum coating was applied by our Gtechniq-approved in-house specialist prior to the car being exposed to the elements Now, with the exterior refurbishment complete, the interior refreshed and the car having received a through mechanical and electrical overhaul, after road testing and final attention in our Detailing Department, here we have it: a stunning 1986 Aston Martin V8 Efi Volante, now back with its enthusiastic and appreciative new owner, a car that can be seen

occasionally cruising the leafy lanes of Buckinghamshire.

Still with fewer than 14,000 miles recorded, and now presented in superb condition throughout, this rejuvenated Volante has not only satisfied the owner’s wish for a bespoke, refreshed Aston Martin, it is now set to give driving pleasure for many years to come.

Discussing a bespoke programme of refurbishment, personalisation, preservation and improvement with the owner of an Aston Martin is a highly satisfying process for us and owner alike.

We hope you have enjoyed this video detailing the V8 Volante’s transformation earlier this year from sadly unused, to ready to rock and roll. And everything completed in just six months If you happen to be an Aston Martin V8 owner and any aspects of this video inspire you to think of improving your car, our Service & Aftercare team would be delighted to hear from you. They can provide further information on the refurbishment process, the various options available and typical costs for specific work.

For more information on our activities, services and Aston Martin cars available and previously sold, why not check out our YouTube channel for similar videos?

You can subscribe to receive alerts on all our videos including case studies such as this one.

41

42

FULLBORE

43

TALKING H

A video round up discussing the hot t

44

»

FULLBORE

HEADS 2025

topics in our world of Aston Martin.

»

45

WAS IT REALLY 12 MONTHS AGO WE SAT DOWN TO DISCUSS ALL MATTERS ASTON MARTIN? Well, indeed it was but, as always, the team was raring to go and this time Nick and Neal were joined by SCC Private Members Founder and MD Bradley ‘Brad’ Carr and Simon Lane, Co-founder and Commercial Director at Encor Design.

Once again Steve Wakefield kept order in the chair and Talking Heads, now in its fifth year, was as interesting as ever. Subjects covered this time included: • Annual review. A look at movements in the market and Sale of the Year. Which turned out to be a (very, very) big surprise. Over to Nick…

• Unrelated, ahem, the Cygnet. Brad and Simon’s input as former sales and engineering staff at AML during this period was fascinating. Could the factory do it again?

• New car sales. Every supercar manufacturer is experiencing challenging times. One niche market bucks that trend: ‘unobtainable’ hypercars for superrich buyers “on the list”. Someone paid $26m for one this August. A good thing?

• Aston Martin at Le Mans and in F1. 2025 is probably best described as ‘work in progress’ for our favourite racing teams. But over 400,000 spectators made it to the main Le Mans and a good proportion were there to cheer on the pair of howling works Valkyries. Here’s our take.

»

46

FULLBORE

47

48

FULLBORE

• Restomods. From the Ring Brothers’ Aston Martin DBs V8 to Porsche 911s ‘reimagined’ by Singer, they are in the news. Simon is involved in his own project, so if you have always fancied a late-20th century British sports car brought right up to date, look no further.

• Le Mans Classic 2026. Next year’s big event in France will see Aston Martin DBR9s driven at proper ‘Le Mans speeds’. Bring it on. Anyone going?

• 60 years of the DB6 and Volante. For everyday DB5 money there’s another generous 2+2 DB Aston that wins friends wherever it goes. We played a fun 3-card game to establish everyone’s favourite Volante – and you can too.

• The 2-car garage game. Guests can choose any car, for Nick and Neal it has to be Astons with an eye on future values.

• Sum up the market in late-2025 in five words. No one kept to the five words bit, but it’s interesting…

We had a terrific time recording it and we trust you will enjoy watching it. Do give us feedback, and use the comments section to ask anything Aston-related, whether it’s values, cars to buy, future trends or racing.

Until next year.

VIEW THE VIDEO

49

50

FULLBORE

HOW TO SAFELY STORE YOUR ASTON MARTIN CAR THIS WINTER

A QUESTION, WE ARE OFTEN ASKED! As the colder months approach, your Aston Martin deserves more than just a place to rest — it deserves the right protection. Whether you own a Heritage or New Era model, preparing properly for winter storage ensures your car remains immaculate and ready to perform when spring arrives.

Here’s our expert guide to winter storage, including the essential steps and recommended Aston Martin care products.

STEP 1:

ASSESS YOUR STORAGE SPACE Choose a clean, dry, and secure space. Whether it’s your private garage, professional storage facility, or a dedicated car unit, make sure the area is free from leaks, damp patches, and clutter. Protecting your Aston Martin starts with the right environment.

»

51

STEP 2

PREPARE YOUR CAR Properly preparing your Aston Martin for winter storage is essential. Follow these steps:

1. Clean & Protect Wash and wax your car thoroughly to remove dirt, road salt, and contaminants. Wax acts as a barrier against moisture and oxidation.

Tip: Our Swissvax Aston Martin Care Kit contains everything needed for a showroom finish before storage.

For professional detailing, our Valeting & Detailing experts are on hand to advise or assist.

2. Change the Oil Fresh oil prevents harmful acids from sitting in the engine during storage. Pair this with a new filter for full protection.

Our Service & Aftercare Team can guide you through this or carry out the work for you.

Read the full article here

2

3. Fill the Tank + Add Stabilizer A full fuel tank prevents condensation, while a stabilizer keeps modern fuels from degrading and clogging injectors over time 4. Battery Care Connect either a: • C-Tek MXS 5.0 Battery Conditioner • Genuine Aston Martin Battery Conditioner This keeps the battery optimally charged and healthy all winter. For extended storage, removing the battery is also an option, but most owners prefer the simplicity of a conditioner.

5. Tyre Care Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure and use TyreDox supports to prevent flat spots from forming on hard surfaces.

»

52

2

FULLBORE

53

54

FULLBORE

STEP 3:

INVEST IN THE WINTER STORAGE PACK

3

Our exclusive Winter Storage Pack is designed for Aston Martin owners who demand the best:

1. Car Cover: This high-quality cover with a soft fleece lining protects your car’s body and paint. It’s easy to put on and take off, and it proudly displays the iconic Aston Martin ‘wings’ logo.

2. Battery Conditioner: Ensure your battery remains in optimal condition throughout winter with this advanced charger.

It offers battery diagnosis and optimized charging for cold weather.

3. TyreDox Set: Prevent flat spotting and tyre damage with TyreDox’s carefully designed rubber surface. Each set includes four individual rubber TyreDox.

»

55

STEP 4:

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE Our Winter Storage Pack is available in a variety of size variations to perfectly fit your Aston Martin model.

Find out more here

56

4

FULLBORE

STEP 5:

COVER AND PROTECT With your Aston Martin prepared and the Winter Storage Pack in place, it’s time to cover your car. Use the Aston Martin Indoor Car Cover to shield your car from dust and potential damage. Ensure the cover fits snugly and securely.

»

57

FINAL THOUGHTS By following these steps, your Aston Martin will rest safely through winter and be ready to roar back to life in spring.

For tailored advice, professional storage, or to book pre-winter servicing, contact our Service & Aftercare Team at Nicholas Mee. Protect your investment now and enjoy peace of mind all winter long.

58

FULLBORE

59

WHAT’S IN STOCK In this section we showcase a selection of the best examples of Aston Martin motor cars from the 1950s to the present day, all available for sale at our new, purpose-built ‘destination’ premises on the historic Hatfield Park Estate in Hertfordshire.

Prior to delivery, all cars are supplied serviced according to schedule, with a pre-delivery Inspection Report, 12 months MOT and 12 months warranty.

Finance for any vehicle is available with our dealer partner, Classic & Sports Finance.

»

FULLBORE

61

1987 ASTON MAR T I N V 8 V ANT AG E ‘X - P ACK ’ £335, 000

N

EW

A

I RR

VA

L

OVERVIEW Finished in Windsor Red with Magnolia hide and Beige Wilton carpeting. Original five-speed manual ‘X-Pack’ (one of 81 RHD) with optional factory sports exhaust, Harvey Bailey handling pack, Becker Cascade hi-fi and Nardi steering wheel.

Delivered new to a long-term Aston Martin enthusiast in 1987via HW Motors (‘HWM’) of Walton-on-Thames. Early maintenance history carried out by HWM includes replacing the speedometer in 1988 when the odometer showed 12,200 miles. Today,

PLAY VIDEO

62

accounting for this, the car has covered a total of 54,500 miles.

Last sold in 2011 via Nicholas Mee & Co., this well-kept ‘X-Pack’ has been regularly looked after by Aston Martin Works, leading marque specialists and other main agents, covering just 3,000 miles in this period. This much-loved ‘X-Pack’ Vantage, in outstanding condition, is available for the first time in 15 years and is supplied fully serviced and prepared to our usual high standards, with a new MOT and our own 12-month warranty.

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

FULLBORE

2017 ASTON M ARTI N VA NTAG E G T8 £142,950

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

1 960 AST O N MAR T IN DB 4 SE R IE S II £475,0 00

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

Call (0)20 8741 8822

1971 AS TON M A RTI N DB S R ES TO R E D A ND UP G RADED £195,000

1967 AST O N MAR T IN DB 6 V O L AN T E £ 535,0 00

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

63

1997 ASTO N MAR T I N V 8 CO UP E ‘WOR K S D R I V I NG DY NAMI C S’ £115, 000

OVERVIEW This V8 Coupé was commissioned in Zagato Gladiator Red with Black hide and many options, including Aston Martin Works Driving Dynamics (AP Racing six-pot front brake callipers with larger discs; bigger rear brakes; uprated road springs/Koni dampers; revised anti-roll bars; Dymag wheels; and a sports exhaust). Drive this car for even a short period on the road and you immediately appreciate the improvements.

As an ‘under the radar’ Newport Pagnell Aston Martin, it’s highly

PLAY VIDEO

64

usable, and meticulous maintenance by the current (first) owner means it is also in ‘concours condition’ throughout, with just 27,000 miles from new. The V8 Coupé cost over £140,000 when new in 1997 and is one of the last models from the traditional coach-built era. Just 101 cars (LHD and RHD) left Newport Pagnell between 1996 and 1999. It comes with a detailed history file, MOT certificates, and service and upgrade invoices, is fully serviced to date, and is prepared to our usual high standards with a 12-month warranty.

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

FULLBORE

1969 ASTON M ARTI N D B6 V AN TAG E SP EC I FI C A TI ON £299,950

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

2 013 AST O N MAR T IN V 1 2 Z AG AT O £425,0 00

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

Call (0)20 8741 8822

FER R AR I 308 G TS J UNI OR

BY AG OSTI NI £32,950

2004 AST O N MAR T IN DB AR 1 – L HD £ 199,9 50

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

65

2019 ASTON MAR T I N V ANQ UI SH Z AG AT O SHO O T I NG B R AK E £425, 000

OVERVIEW Finished in Scorching Black over Metallic Black hides with Spicy Red contrast stitching. ‘As new’, with only 27 miles. Debuted during Monterey Car Week in 2017, the Vanquish Shooting Brake completed the Vanquish Zagato quartet of: Shooting Brake, Coupé, Volante and Speedster. Ninety-nine were built, only 48 in RHD. Based on the VH-architecture Vanquish S, Zagato specification makes it even more potent thanks to an uprated 595bhp V12, carbonfibre bodywork, 8-speed gearbox, adaptive

PLAY VIDEO

66

damping and CCM brakes. Naturally, it has typical Zagato styling cues such as a ‘double bubble’ roof (with glass inlays). Though a ‘Shooting Brake’, it’s a strict two-seater. This car has the Villa d’Este pack and numerous other options. One of the most dramatic cars of the last decade, straightforward to own and maintain and likely to become collectible, the one-of-99 Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake is a fitting way to end the glorious VH chassis platform/V12

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

FULLBORE

1969 ASTON M ARTI N DB6 VOL ANTE £645,000

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

1 998 AST O N MAR T IN V8 COUPE £89,9 50

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

Call (0)20 8741 8822

2 016 AS T O N M ARTI N VANQUI SH VO LANTE 8-SP EED £104,950

1978 AST O N MAR T IN V 8 MAN U AL £ 195,0 00

MORE INFO Call (0)20 8741 8822

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

67

1959 ASTON MAR T I N D B MK I I I D HC £P O A

N

EW

A

I RR

VA

L

OVERVIEW Supplied new to Aston Martin main agent Brooklands of Bond Street. One of just 84 Mk III DHCs and one of only 14 with the DBD triple-carburettor engine. Further options included the desirable overdrive and twin exhausts, all present on the car today. Delivered in Peony Red with Off White VM 3323 hide, with a Maroon Everflex fabric roof, and registered ‘DB 123’ to Cyril Mann of London in January 1959.

owned by Victor Gauntlett, its third owner. Subsequent guardians include Genesis manager Tony Smith. Today, this is a totally ‘as built’ Mk III DHC in original condition, to the best specification, with 39,000 miles recorded and still bearing the registration ‘DB 123’.

We have known this car for many years, from the time it was

A future owner might wish to commission a sympathetic cosmetic restoration, or simply enjoy it the way it is today: a highly usable Aston from the great Feltham years, barely touched by the metalworker’s torch or painter’s spray gun.

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

68

FULLBORE

2012 ASTON M ARTI N DBS ULT I M A TE #18 OF 100 £124,950

N

EW

A

I RR

VA

2 016 AST O N MAR T IN DB 9G T V O L AN T E £86,9 50

L

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

Call (0)20 8741 8822

2012 ASTON M ARTI N V 12 VA NTAG E £85,950

1 989 AST O N MAR T IN V 8 V AN T AG E V O L AN T E ‘ X - P AC K ’ £ 350,0 00

MORE INFO Call (0)20 8741 8822

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

69

1960 AS T O N MAR T I N DB 4 G T £P O A

OVERVIEW A sensational DB4 GT finished in Aston Martin Sea Green with Connolly House of Commons Green interior, as delivered in October 1960. After an early life in the hands of only a handful of owners, maintained at Newport Pagnell, the car passed to Le Mans racer Simon Phillips in the 1970s and was later enjoyed by gentleman drivers Hubert Fabri and Lord Drayson. During this time it was a regular at all the top events, including the Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic and the Goodwood Revival, where motoring knights Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jack Brabham enjoyed its power

PLAY VIDEO

70

and handling in the Tourist Trophy. The recipient of a complete ‘world class’ restoration by all the correct marque specialists to ‘as delivered’ specification. Covering only 3,000 miles since completion, it has made occasional visits to the concours lawn, scooping the Duke of Marlborough Award at Salon Privé in 2020.

Full history and photographic restoration files accompany the car, which will also come with a copy of the out-of-print Palawan book The Aston Martin DB4 GT.

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

FULLBORE

2020 ASTON M ARTI N DBS G T Z AG A TO £P OA

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

2 000 AST O N MAR T IN V 8 V AN T AG E V O L AN T E ‘ SP E C IAL E DIT IO N ’ £P O A

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

Call (0)20 8741 8822

1960 ASTON M ARTI N D B 4 SERI ES 1 £465,000

1 967 AST O N MAR T IN DB 6 – V AN T AG E SP E C IF IC AT IO N S £ 299,9 50

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

PLAY VIDEO

MORE INFO

Call (0)20 8741 8822

71

72

FULLBORE

CONSULT THE EXPERTS We roll into 2026 with some superb stock available but, having had an excellent run of sales towards the end of 2025, we will be actively looking for new stock examples in 2026, excited as always as to what may present itself!

For expert advice and confidential discussion on the current value of any Aston Martin, our highly experienced and knowledgeable team are on hand to assist. Outright purchase or consignment, we are pleased to provide our expert opinion on values and the most satisfactory route to market.

Opposite are a few of the cars we have handled in 2025.

Nick

Neal

Oliver

73

ROB JOHNSON IS DIRECTOR OF CLASSIC & SPORTS FINANCE

74

FULLBORE

T H E ROB R E POR T 2025 Classic car finance expert Robert Johnson with his view of the market at year-end.

Sitting down to write this piece for my colleagues at Nicholas Mee & Co, I cannot help but reflect on the year with very mixed emotions. Having been in the industry since my teens, I have witnessed constant shifts in market trends more than most, and can reflect clearly on the good and not-so-good times. But what makes a good or not-so-good time?

Undoubtedly the specialist car market – defined by higher-value and historic cars – is in a state of change and evolution, but not necessarily a victim of a ‘bull’ and ‘bear’ market scenario, a theory I hear often.

When people talk about ‘the market’, they seem to be referring to the values of the cars they own – what they paid for them and what they can sell them for. Very few refer to that market as the place they go for fun and reward, irrespective of the cost, gains or losses. If you treat a motor car as a commodity, then you must accept so-called market trends. The real car enthusiast values the engineering, drivability and styling of a classic, and the privilege of being a custodian of remarkable human ingenuity at whatever cost.

Indeed, we are all feeling the political influence over what we buy, whether through the technology manufactured into new cars or the tax restrictions on older cars. Either way, this has never really been any different, and political policies rarely restrict a gentleman and his motor car from coming together.

We are a nation of motor-engineering lovers and the passion runs deep. Even if there are generational shifts in the interest in certain cars, at the end of it all there is

something interesting out there for all of us – and the desire to own it is stronger than ever.

From the buying activity I have seen this year, there are sectors of the industry that are doing very well.

Performance cars – such as many Aston Martin and Porsche models at a certain price point – are in good demand. Limited-production cars, especially those with a V12 engine and manual gearbox, remain top of the list and, as I have said many times in previous articles, the right car at the right price, from the right supplier, remains key. Being sold something or being helped to buy what you want are two very different things, and one key element I have learned over the years is that value always outweighs price.

As your finance provider, we are a key part of the process and our consistent service offering is about the complete journey – ensuring what you buy is suitable for your requirements, good value in terms of cost and will be supported well into your ownership by the supplying partner. What matters to you matters to us, and forms the basis of a long, trusting relationship.

The finance packages we offer for the purchase and refinance of all assets have never been better. With a diverse portfolio of competitive funding options, our experience ensures a smooth journey and, with the pending interest-rate reduction this month, 2026 is already feeling more positive all round.

My best wishes for 2026.

75

76

FULLBORE

BY STEPHEN ARCHER, VICE PRESIDENT, ASTON MARTIN OWNERS CLUB

OWNING AN ASTON MARTIN: The view from the Club

»

77

T

he Aston Martin Owners Club is 90 years old this year, making it one of the oldest singlemarque clubs out there, and we were thrilled to have won ‘Club of the Year’ at the 2025 Interna-tional Historic Motoring Awards. I have witnessed this great worldwide organisation, and the classic car movement in general, evolve over the past 60 years. Someone should write a book on how we got to where we are today! Though most of our 8,000 members are in the UK, nearly half are spread around the globe.

Amongst the membership there is a notable increase in female participation, which is great to see. Along with other single-marque clubs where models are still in production, the ownership profile of the AMOC has evolved and now comprises far more 21st-century product; a result of volume production of the past 30 years. It’s worth remembering that between 1913 and 1984 Aston Martin made only 10,000 cars, including all pre-war, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s ‘DBs’, and most of the V8s.

Interest in classic cars seems to grow and grow, and it is fascinating to see the ways in which Aston enthusiasm is directed, how people enjoy their cars in ever-changing ways, as is the envi-ronment in which we all live. Astons are raced far less than they used to be by enthusiasts, but rallies and tours are greatly on the increase. Concours are still popular, but the less serious the judging the better; not everyone wants to clean every unseen nook and cranny nowadays.

The reality is that the great Astons from the last century are being driven less, which poses the question: are they too valuable for owners to risk using? For some, perhaps. The post-financial crisis of 2009 led to a price spike, but since then there has been a correction.

There is a signifi-cant upside to values softening – new enthusiasts are now finding Astons more accessible.

The DB7 is a very good car and an ideal entry to Aston ownership; plenty were made and running costs are reasonable. The ‘VH platform’ Gaydon cars now present an ownership opportunity: very good cars at affordable levels, e.g. the same as an electric Mini. Fewer people currently buy Astons primarily as financial investments, which is no bad thing. The Aston community in gen-eral and the Club in particular have always been sustained by a passion for the cars and what they can do, not an interest in running them as an asset class.

We all share an opportunity to grasp the future. The world of Astons is no stranger to the ageing-owner syndrome, so we must encourage young people to get involved and experience the char-acter and joy of these fine cars. Some will go on to become devotees and owners. We should set up events where the younger enthusiast can get their hands on Astons and see what they are all about. And for those who see classic cars as ‘not green’, there is a duty on us all to educate people on how environmentally responsible it is to keep older cars going, while also understand-ing and preserving the skills that went into making them in the first place.

»

78

FULLBORE

79

copy

80

FULLBORE

STEPHEN ARCHER VICE PRESIDENT, ASTON MARTIN OWNERS CLUB (Stephen has been involved with Astons for all his life, owned cars from every period and been an AMOC member since the 1960s.)

AMOC Membership, what does it include?

• Invitations to some of the most prestigious Aston Martin Owners Club events.

• The opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts and collectors from around the world • Access to exclusive content and benefits tailored for Aston Martin owners.

• Welcome Membership pack – includes exclusive Members only AMOC pin, AM Monthly, Membership card, AMOC keyring.

The Aston Martin Owners Club offers a complimentary 12-month dealership membership to any client who purchases an Aston Martin through Nicholas Mee & Co, giving them a great introduction to the Club.

LEARN MORE HERE

81

82

FULLBORE

THE TEN-TWO CLUB IN 2025 DATES FOR 2026 Some memories of this year’s meetings and the provisional dates for 2026.

»

83

WE ENJOYED ANOTHER YEAR OF FOUR-MONTHLY TEN-TWO CLUB MEETINGS IN 2025, HIGHLIGHTED BY ONE IN SEPTEMBER WHEN WE PLAYED HOST TO SEVERAL DB6S. THE OCCASION, ORGANISED WITH THE HELP OF ASTON MARTIN HERITAGE TRUST REGISTRAR TIM COTTINGHAM, WAS A CELEBRATION OF A SIGNIFICANT ‘DB’ ASTON NOW IN ITS 60TH YEAR.

The Ten-Two Club is an informal gathering of passionate car enthusiasts with a focus, naturally, on Aston Martin.

The NM&Co team is always on hand to help existing or future owners with enquiries ranging from simple maintenance, upgrades and restoration to finding an Aston Martin (classic or recent) that fits their needs. If the latter, there will usually be several cars brought along to study, and enthusiastic owners to chat to.

It’s a relaxed morning with space to park and some great food on offer, including the best bacon butty on the planet. Well, we think so, anyway. We always wanted our move from London in 2018 to enable us to set up as a motoring ‘destination’ – a place for enthusiasts to head to on great driving roads, with quality coffee and good conversation waiting at the other end.

Everyone is welcome, whatever your car. A high point in 2026 should be our September event, when we will celebrate the famous ‘wedge’ Lagonda. Fancy dress welcome, but not compulsory.

84

PROVISIONAL DATES FOR 2026 ARE: • 16 May 2026 • 11 July 2026 • 26 September 2026 We are always working on ways to make the Ten-Two Club even better, so stay tuned for more information shared in our monthly emails. You can also keep up to date with news, announcements and photos on our dedicated TenTwo Club Instagram feed @ten_two_club.

As always, do check before you set off. We look forward to seeing you at Essendonbury Farm next year.

FULLBORE

85

86

FULLBORE

VANTAGE MAGAZINE RETURNS THE INDEPENDENT ASTON MARTIN MAGAZINE

It’s back. Our beloved Vantage magazine is available again after a short hiatus, and we are certain the world of Aston Martin has missed it.

V

antage, a staple in the Aston Martin community for many years, is packed with fantastic original and exclusive features on the marque.

It includes driving impressions of models past and present and guest contributors’ stories covering road trips and tours, all mixed with current news from the factory. The previous editorial team under Peter Tomalin has been reunited and, with the help of publishers Hothouse Media, has released the first of what will be a sustained run of the magazine we’ve missed so much.

This high-quality, 188-page new Special Edition is a cracker, with diverse and interesting features accompanied by superb original photography and exclusive stories. With our support, we now understand there will be further exciting copies of Vantage coming down the line in 2026.

As distributors of the magazine, we have plenty of stock, and the latest Vantage can be on your doorstep before Christmas by simply clicking the button below.

Copies cost £10.95, including free postage to the UK (discounted rates to other territories also available).

Show your support and save yourself a tedious search at the local newsagents!

GET IT AT THE ASTONSTORE

87

PARTING SHOT 88

Given the hand-made nature of the marque it can hardly be described as a painted DB6 bodies on dolly wheels going through the Newport Pagnell fac

FULLBORE

a ‘production line’, but this terrific photograph from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust shows ctory in the second half of the 1960s. Wouldn’t it be great to know which cars these were?

89

OP E N I NG

Nicholas Mee & Company will be clo 1pm Tuesday 23rd December to 8

For any sales enquiries during th info@nicholasmee.co.uk Viewings can be arran 90

FULLBORE

G HOU R S

osed for the Christmas holidays from: 8am Monday 5th January 2026.

hat period, please either email or call 07718 340811. nged by appointment.

91

92

FULLBORE

93