WT 6 P1 16 - amaus.net martin/200508 works torque.pdf · items — including vintage toys, models, posters and signs. Cars and automobilia worth £2,409,549 — including buyers’

worksThe official magazine forAston Martin Works Service

August 2005issue 20

On the coverBrilliant Bonhams: The Hunter Green Commemorative Collection of nine Aston Martins was the highlight of this year’s auction at Works Service.

We hope you like our magazine and we welcome your ideas, opinions and contributions. If you know someone who has an Aston Martin, please tell them about Works Torque and we will be delighted to send them a copy.

Please write to: The Editor, Works Torque, Aston Martin Works Service, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire MK16 9AN, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 619264 Email: [email protected]

Our sizzling summer!

ContentsBiggest and best: More than 1,700 people attended this year’s Bonhams auction

Taking service to new heights: Arthur Sinclair talks about his mission

A return to Le Mans: Le Mans confi rms the company is recapturing its former racing glory

Driving enthusiasm: What makes the annual Bonhams auction a memorable event

Owners’ club and heritage: news and events

News

3

Features

4

6–7

8–9

15

RegularsA day in the life of: a paintwork technician

Glove compartment: check out the latest stylish accessories we offer

Me and my Aston Martin: Former owner of the Hunter Green Collection, Jack Henley, talks about the cars

11

13

15

12

Welcome to the summer issue of Works Torque — and what a summer it is turning out to be! It was wonderful to see so many of you at the Bonhams auction. I hope you enjoyed the occasion as much as we did.

We have also been enjoying the successful launch of the V8 Vantage, with the international press raving about our latest addition.

For everyone who loves Aston Martin, it has also been fantastic to witness the brand’s return to racing. The latest, very creditable third place in class at Le Mans follows the brilliant fi rst and second at Silverstone, and further reinforces Aston Martin’s position in the top league of world-class motorsport.

Our on-track success can only enhance the image of the world’s most glamorous marque, although for those in the know it may come as no surprise that our core brand values — engineering excellence,

craftsmanship and attention to detail — are leading to success on the track.

While the racing team has been making its mark, Works Service has had some important team changes. Reception Manager, Keith Riddington, has recently left us for Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility. I would like to thank Keith for the huge contribution he has made to Works Service and wish him every success in the future.

Works Service will shortly be welcoming a number of new people to its reception team. This expansion to our front-line operation is designed to enhance our service to customers — we look forward to giving you details in the next issue of Works Torque.

Keith’s departure coincides with an expanded role for General Manager, Arthur Sinclair. Arthur’s great experience within manufacturing means that he is ideally placed to deliver the services our customers value most, and he will continue to

manage the same team of highly experienced craftsmen. So, you can rest assured that you and your car will still receive every care and attention when you call on our services. With best wishes,

Kingsley Riding-FelceDirector of Works Service and Customer Relations

works torque • august 05 issue 20 3

Contents

News

Wonderful WindsorWindsor Castle was the spectacular backdrop for a very special Aston Martin Owners’ Club event in April, the St George’s Day Festival of Aston Martin. Naturally, the team from Works Service was there to support the event, providing a willing band of staff to act as marshals and enjoying the celebration of the marque along with Aston Martin’s customers and friends. ■ See page 12 for AMOC’s report on the event.

Biggest and bestMore than 1,700 people joined this year’s Bonhams auction at Works Service — making it one of the biggest and best yet.

The sale of Aston Martin Motor Cars and Related Automobilia, on June 4, saw the Works Service workshop transformed into an auction room for the day — with 40 beautifully cared-for Aston Martins and a fascinating line-up of collectible items — including vintage toys, models, posters and signs. Cars and automobilia worth £2,409,549 — including buyers’ premiums — were sold.

As in previous years, the standard of cars was extremely high, with demand for places far exceeding supply.

The main attraction proved to be the Hunter Green Commemorative

Collection of nine V8 Aston Martins.

The collection, privately commissioned in 1987 to celebrate the 21st anniversary of V8 production in 1990, were all consecutively registered and finished in Hunter Green coachwork.

The nine vehicles were sold by Aston Martin fan Jack Henley, and raised a total of £815,400, including buyers’ premiums.

Other notable cars were a 1994 Aston Martin Vantage, formerly the property of His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Brunei, which raised £77,400; a 1966 DB6 ‘Short Chassis’ Vantage Volante, which went for £282,000; a 1964 DB5 Convertible, which was sold for £150,000; and a 1994 Virage

Limited Edition Coupe, owned by former boxing World Champion, Lennox Lewis, which was sold for £41,100.

The event was the sixth to have taken place at Works Service, and viewers and buyers were delighted by the standard of cars on auction.

“Every year it gets better,” said Kingsley.

“People had a really good day. We enjoyed the sale and the general atmosphere, and had an opportunity to meet old friends.”

The smooth running of the event followed months of preparation — and a last-minute rush to prepare the workshop to become a spotless auction venue.

“We have a super group of people here and a great team who do a wonderful job of putting on this auction year after year.

“Lots of planning went into making it such an excellent event, and it was a great example of everybody pulling together.”

Ian MacGregor, Vice President of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club, said: “This is as much an established social fixture as a commercial event — and this year’s has been the best yet.”

Main attraction: The Hunter Green collection.

Drawing the crowds: A total of £2,409,549 was realised at this year’s Bonham’s auction.

works torque • august 05 issue 20 54 works torque • august 05 issue 20

News

Aston Martin is proving popular with web users, coming out as one of the top names in three new online polls.

In a new poll by online portal Wanadoo (www.wanadoo.co.uk) the Aston Martin Vanquish S topped the charts. In ‘your favourite cars revealed!’ Wanadoo listed its users’ most desired vehicles, naming the Vanquish as top car, ahead of rivals such as the Ferrari 360 Spider and the Bentley Arnage.

The accompanying text quoted from the recent review of the car by Nick Hall: “After a decade of test-driving almost every car imaginable, I have never stared out the window at any one car for more than an hour. That was until the Aston Martin

Vanquish S was safely parked up in front of my abode.

“It’s big, imposing and visually stunning, with the sleek animal lines,

which mark it out as the most expensive, and exclusive, of its breed.”

The Vanquish S was again top in a NOP poll of Britain’s favourite car names commissioned by eBay (eBayMotors.co.uk).

The car came fi rst for both men and women, beating the Land Rover Discovery and Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Channel 4 also put Aston Martin near the top of the tree in its 100 Greatest Cars listing (www.channel4.com/4car). The DB9 featured at number six.

Clicking our way to the top of the polls!

Taking Works Service to greater heights

Works Service supports TrustAston Martin Works Service was proud to give its support for the ninth year to the Prince’s Trust for the charity’s annual clay-pigeon shoot. The event was held in May at the Royal Berkshire Shooting Ground in Pangbourne.

Two teams of four owners, hosted by Kingsley, attended this year’s event.

The teams were Robin Smith, Keith Halsey, Ella Marquis and Jonathan Mallory, plus Mark Gauntlett, David Richards, Eric Wright and Simon Gregg.

We will strive to build on the reputation of Works Service by offering satisfaction to our customers, through unrivalled expertise and service.

For the past year, this has been the mission of Arthur Sinclair, General Manager, Works Service. As the man responsible for co-ordinating strategy at the Newport Pagnell facility, he is determined to take Aston Martin’s service operation to new heights — offering our customers consistently excellent service.

Arthur comes from a manufacturing background — after many years at Ford, he won his Aston Martin ‘wings’ at Bloxham, Aston Martin’s former facility in Oxfordshire. He joined the company in 1994, as Production Manager for the DB7.

Arthur said: “The delivery of service to our customers’ satisfaction is our goal, and achieving this takes rigorous planning, and a large and highly experienced team.

“We exist to provide the superb service you would expect from Aston Martin Works Service. Customers really appreciate the care and attention that we give their beloved cars. However, we must never lose sight of the fact that customers do have a choice. We don’t have ready-made access to new customers, and this makes it doubly important to ensure we are meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations every time they call on our services.

“We are having to adapt to a new

style of ownership while maintaining our existing solid and loyal customer base.“

To this end, Arthur and his team have been paying close attention to customer happiness. New questionnaires have been introduced to help the team monitor their customer satisfaction performance, and this, combined with good old-fashioned talking, should help further enhance Works Service’s operation.

Arthur Sinclair: We exist to provide the superb service you would expect from Aston Martin Works Service.

a NOP poll of Britain’s

Clicking our way to the top of the polls!

Topping the charts: The Vanquish S came top in the Wanadoo online poll.


News

What the Press said . . .

The Works Service Heritage Restoration Centre is now a year old, and the specialist operation is busier than ever restoring classic Aston Martins to their former glory.

The traditional craftsmanship of the team, combined with clever use of technology to ensure that every restoration is as authentic as possible, is producing fantastic results, whatever condition the car is in at the start.

The fi rst assignment for the team — that DB4 which, a year ago at the centre’s grand opening, was lying in pieces — is now back with its proud owner (see page 14), while several smaller projects have also been lovingly and authentically completed.

Heritage Centre Manager, David Townsend, said: “Looking back over the past year, it’s been very successful. We’ve learnt a lot about how best to undertake future

restorations, which is just as well, seeing that we now have another three cars in.”

So, it’s business as usual for the Heritage Restoration Centre. But surely there must have been some sort of formal birthday commemoration? “Well, yes,” laughed David. “I think we all had a packet of biscuits to celebrate. . . .”

Autocar ran a special report on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, predicting it will “tackle Porsche’s evergreen 911 head-on”, and describing our newest model as “this year’s most desirable sports car — all that Aston image in a sporty two-seater”.

Italy’s Auto magazine refl ected on the very British nature of Aston Martin in its write-up of the DB9 Volante: “Many people had feared that Aston Martin’s models would lose their special British fl avour when the brand became part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group. But in the autumn of 2003, the debut of the DB9, which was followed shortly after by the Volante convertible, put all doubts to rest at once: the brand’s charm remains intact, together with the exclusiveness suggested by the fact that its models are made rigorously by hand at the Gaydon factory.

“Developed alongside the Coupe, the Volante has Aston Martin’s traditional and genteel design qualities. This convertible also managed to maintain its four-seat interior, which features elegant leather upholstery and light wood fi nishes. As for the hood, it folds back in 17 seconds and practically disappears from view.

“The engine, the classic 6.0-litre V12, delivers 450hp at 6,000rpm and 58mkg of torque at 5,000rpm. The model offers a six-speed manual gearbox and the six-speed automated sequential Touchtronic transmission.”

A recent article in The Sunday Times should help whet appetites for the DB9 Volante even further.

Describing the convertible version of the already drooled-over DB9 as “so gorgeous, you’ll want to lick it all over”, Andrew Frankel enthused: “This is a spectacularly dangerous car for everyone other than its occupants. Drive through town and it will be only a matter of time before someone breaks

their nose on a lamp post.”

Centre celebrates

Flashback: DB4 as it was a year ago.

Accolades: The Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Trip of a lifetimeWith his beloved Vanquish primed and prepared by Works Service, Aston Martin-loving Martin Olley took his car (pictured below) on the trip of a lifetime — to see the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Travelling through the Channel Tunnel, into France, Switzerland, and Italy, Martin and three friends drove more than 1,000 miles in three days, to get to the playground of the rich and famous.

Stopping off for a night near Reims, in France, and a second night in the French ski resort of Les Gets, the black Vanquish was admired wherever it went.

“Parking the Vanquish up for the night never worried me,” said Buckinghamshire-based businessman Martin, who also has a DB7 GT and is expecting delivery of a DB9 Volante soon. “People never harm Aston Martins, they just love looking at them — and there was no shortage of admirers as I drove through valleys, up and down mountains and along the Italian motorways.

“This is a trip I like to do every year, meeting friends and clients at the grand prix — and enjoying the journey of a lifetime to get there.

“Now that we are home, the Vanquish is having a well-earned rest. The steep slopes in Switzerland gave the brakes a good workout, so Works Service have given it a full service and I’m giving it a few days off!”

Aston Martin Works Service numbers many racing enthusiasts among their customers — and not just the many people who took the opportunity to cheer on their favourite team at Silverstone and Le Mans — there are also all those whose greatest pleasure is actually to race.

Now there is the opportunity for some of these customers to experience the very latest Aston Martin racing technology for themselves, with the arrival of the DBRS9. Designed as a competition car for club and national racing series, and a bridge for teams and drivers looking towards international GT racing, the DBRS9 is based on the DB9 road car, but shares many design features from the full GT1 specification DBR9.

The car uses the road car’s aluminium bonded chassis with a DBR9-based roll cage. Aston Martin Racing’s engineers have tuned the standard 12-cylinder, six-litre engine to produce approximately 550bhp (an increase of 20 per cent) and reduced the overall weight by 480kg, to increase the power

to weight ratio to nearly 430bhp/tonne. Much of this is down to the extensive use of carbon composite materials for all the body panels (except the roof) and on the interior trim, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows.

The DBRS9 has a six-speed H-pattern gearbox with new, shorter ratios for competition use, which can be upgraded to a full sequential racing box. The car’s ride has been lowered.

While Aston Martin Racing’s focus has been to optimise the DBRS9’s performance, it has also been designed with practicality in mind. Both the seat and steering wheel are easily adjustable, and there is the option of a passenger seat, for demonstration drives. Removable body panels, a modular chassis and a package of spares simplify service and maintenance.

The DBRS9 starts at £175,000 plus options and taxes. The cars will be built to order at Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in Banbury.

Experience the latest Aston Martin racing technology

(Above) Cars 58 and 59 jostle for position at Le Mans, (below left) Car 29 comes in for a pit stop at Silverstone and (below right) driver Pedro Lamy in Car 58 at Le Mans.


Sebring, Silverstone and now Le Mans. Although in the latest and most gruelling race for the DBR9 teams, late mechanical problems prevented a repetition of the amazing feat achieved at Silverstone, Le Mans did serve to confirm that Aston Martin is back.

After the expectations built up by the fantastic fi rst at Sebring, followed by a fi rst and second place at the British track, and a very strong showing by our teams for most of this race, there was a slight feeling of disappointment for the Aston Martin afi cionados, including many Works Service customers, who had made the trip to Le Mans.

The number 59 DBR9 fi nished with Stephane Sarrazin at the wheel. The car had experienced a problem with its radiator with less than 90 minutes to go, but this was repaired in time to allow Stephane to complete the fi nal stint up to the chequered fl ag and

so take third in the GT1 class and ninth overall. Car number 58, had been leading the GT1 class, but dropped down to fourth due to a damaged splitter and later succumbed to a fuel-related problem in the

fi nal 90 minutes. Team Director, David Richards, said: “We gave it everything, but it wasn’t to be this time. We need a bit more testing and a few more races under our belts but we will be back. We were determined that number 59 would fi nish as a thank you for the tremendous support Aston Martin Racing has received over this weekend.”

Dr Ulrich Bez, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin, said: “We arrived with tremendous enthusiasm but with the recognition that this was a development year for us. We came here to learn, and despite some setbacks we gave them a run for their money and fi nished the race with a credible podium fi nish in our class. We’ll be back!”

Experience the latest Aston Martin racing technology

LE MANS “The race has an almost

unrivalled attraction for

British support, regardless

of whether we have cars

competing. But this year the

Union Jacks were almost all

carried by Aston Martin fans.“

— Matthew Pinsent, The Times.

The new Aston Martin DBRS9.



Hundreds of enthusiasts joined this year’s Bonhams auction of Aston Martin Motor Cars and Related Automobilia, at Works Service — with many proclaiming it to be the best ever.

Works Torque spoke to the viewers, bidders and sellers to discover what makes this annual event a highlight of the year for so many people.

A special social gatheringAccording to Kingsley, the beauty of the Bonhams auction, is its role as a high point of the social calendar for Aston Martin owners.

“We know so many people with whom we have built up a relationship over the years. It is great for all of us to be able to talk to them,” he said. “The lovely thing is

that it is not just about the cars — it is about the people, and it brings friends and Works Service customers together.

“The auction provides a forum for people to come and talk to each other. Not everyone came to buy a car, but everybody came to support the event.”

Sale of qualityOnly the most special and best-maintained Aston Martins made their way into the auction’s glossy catalogue — meaning many potential vendors were turned away.

“Bonhams had to make sure the cars were of a very high standard,” said

Kingsley. “It has a reputation as a sale of quality.“It is a unique event. Not many motor

manufacturers, if any, have anything like it.

RESTORATION UPDATE

“A guaranteed parking

space and reserved seats,

an excellent lunch and

refreshments throughout

the day — the package really

was superb value.”

— DB7 owner Toby Hands, from Norwich and his wife, Irene.

(This page) superb examples of Aston

Martin Heritage, (opposite top)

enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the bidding and (bottom)

record numbers turned out for this

year’s auction.


Viewers’ thoughts…

Stuart Freestone, from Brackley, who was looking for a convertible, is a true enthusiast, having owned a Vanquish, DB9, DB7 Vantage, and DB7 I6. He said: “They are completely unique, and the level of service you get can’t be beaten.”

He was joined at the auction by his daughters (above left to right) Maddie, 11, Hollie, 15 and Lois, 12. “They like to vet my cars,” said Stuart. “We like to make sure dad buys what we like,” agreed Hollie. “We particularly like the old cars — and I’d like to own one myself one day.”

Umesh Patel had travelled from Tokyo, where he works for an investment bank, to be at the auction. He was visiting with his father, Sam, from Coventry. “I was surprised and impressed by the range of vehicles,” said Umesh. “It was a real pleasure to come.”

And what does he like about Aston Martins? “It’s the passion that goes into building them,” he said.

Enthusiast Bryan Smart, from Berkhamstead, in Hertfordshire, and his son Tom, were particularly taken with a 1986 V8 7-Litre Saloon, and some of the automobilia. “It has been a lovely event,” said Bryan. “It’s a great social occasion for the Aston Martin enthusiast. It is always fun, but the quality this year has been very high.”

Andy Webb, who used to own a V8 Vantage, and Aston Martin enthusiast Rupert Keyzar, both from Southampton, enjoyed inspecting the cars during the viewing.

“It is hard to pin down the appeal of an Aston Martin,” said Rupert – whose father owned an original DB5, signed by David Brown, which featured in the James Bond fi lm Goldfi nger. “They can be whatever you want them to be, and they have a quality that transcends words.

”My father owned them, and my aim is to follow in his footsteps.”

“To temporarily close Works Service and hold a sale like this for six years in succession is only made possible by the people who work here. Without their drive, initiative and enthusiasm, such an event would never be possible.”

NetworkingThe auction provided an outstanding opportunity for enthusiasts to meet and share their motoring experiences. It also gave them the chance to join likeminded Aston Martin fans, from the Aston Martin Heritage Trust and Aston Martin Owners Club.

Jim White, a Trustee and Treasurer of the Heritage Trust, said: “It was an outstanding event. They really do get better every year. The quality of cars was better than in previous years and the atmosphere was great. To turn a workshop into an auction hall is quite an achievement.”

Ian MacGregor, Vice President of the Aston Martin Owners Club, said: “We work hand-in-glove with Works Service, and this is a great opportunity to increase our membership, get more people involved in the club, and interest drivers to join our European tours.”

Tool box


Word POWER

Word POWER — the Aston Martin A—Z of acronyms.

In this issue: T—W

TMC — Traffi c Message Channel

TP — Traffi c Programme

UHF — Ultra High Frequency

VDU — Visual Display Units

VHF — Very High Frequency

VIN — Vehicle Identifi cation Number

VLF — Very Low Frequency

VMS — Voice Mail Service

WSP — Wheel Spin Protection

Specialist repair centre launched

Booth boasts highest paint fi nish

Works Service has offi cially launched its new Body and Accident Repair Centre.Since doubling the size of the facility at the beginning of this year, the team has

been able to help more customers, more quickly than ever before. The dedicated area is now the largest specialist Aston Martin body repair facility in the world, enabling the team to continue to provide unrivalled care for every Aston Martin and Lagonda.

Kingsley said: “In light of the increasing demand for Aston Martin models, we felt it was the right time to extend our repair facility and ensure that we are equipped to provide the best possible service to customers when accidents occur.”

With access to Aston Martin’s archives and the original patterns, bucks and tooling, the Body and Accident Repair Centre is able to ensure that quality and authenticity is maintained throughout the repair process.

A hi-tech paint booth has been installed at Works Service — ensuring all Aston Martins get the very best paint job.

Arthur Sinclair, General Manager of Works Service, explained: “The booth is designed to meet all existing and new legislation, but the main difference is that there is a greater amount of air fl ow passing through the booth, which means a cleaner environment. This improves conditions for the painters themselves and also ensures we give our customers a higher quality paint job.

“Inside the new paint booth, fi ltered air is fed by an input fan into the booth and extracted by another fan through fi ltered ducting in the fl oor. The new booth has a higher ceiling height than previously and this aids a more uniform air fl ow. The amount of air pumped into the booth is slightly greater than the amount being extracted, which ensures the booth remains pressurised at all times, minimising dirt ingress during the painting process.”

To add to this, we have a lighting level of 1400 Lux, which ensures the painter can see the car exceptionally clearly — supporting our quest for the highest quality paint job for our customers.”

All Aston Martins will be given their fi nal fi nishing paint coat applications in this new booth.■ For information about how our new paint booth can be of service for your car, contact the Works Service team on 01908 619264.

Watching paint dry does not sound like the most exciting job in the world. But fortunately for Paint Technician Steve Spicer, seeing the results of his skilled craftsmanship ‘bake’ in one of Works Service’s four paint ovens is only a small aspect of his role on the team that makes a Works Service vehicle finish second to none.

According to Works Service Business Manager Andrew Merrifi eld: “We certainly believe we can create a paint fi nish like nobody else.” Steve believes that too, and, along with the other members of the six-strong paint team, he has the responsibility

to ensure it happens on every Aston Martin he works on.

The same excellent level of care and intricate attention to detail applies, whether just a small section of panel is being repainted or an entire car.

“We’ll get a car after it has been repaired in the main workshop,” says Steve. “It will be in white metal, and we’ll take it right through to the fi nish stage.

We see the whole process through from start to end.”

That process is incredibly involved though. Its many stages include masking, etch-priming, primer-fi lling, dry sanding, colour application, lacquering, baking, fl attening

and polishing . . . and constant checking for total perfection.

“On average, we would put about 20 coats on earlier cars, plus corrosion-

proofi ng. “There are about 10

to 11 coats on Vanquish and DB9 models.”

For a repaint of an entire car, that equates to about 200 man-hours. “Everything is done by hand,” explains Steve.

“It’s a very labour-intensive job, hence the amount of hours it takes, but also the quality of the fi nish at the end.

“When you see some of the older cars, the state they are when they come in, and then what you can achieve, it’s a real labour of love.”

And we’re sure Works Service customers will agree.


“We certainly believe

we can create a paint

fi nish like nobody else.”

Paintwork technician,

Steve Spicer, prides

himself on giving every

Aston Martin which

comes into his paint

booth the very best level

of care and detailed

attention. It’s a true

labour of love — and

watching paint dry has

never been more fun. . . .

A day in the life of . . .name: Steve Spicer

job description: Paintwork Technician

time spent at Aston Martin: 19 years (in various roles)

Steve Spicer believes that an Aston Martin Works Service

fi nish is second to none.

About the Trust . . .

What is the Trust, and what does it do? That’s a question the organisation has been asked a number of times recently, writes AMHT Secretary Robert Ellis, and so we have been working hard to present a more public face in 2005.

The Trust was established to preserve and enhance the amazing collection, amassed over many years, of memorabilia, trophies, engineering displays, models, photographs, artworks, records, cars, and, perhaps most importantly, knowledge. As an educational charity, one of our long-term aims is to provide a comprehensive centre of knowledge and information for research and educational projects to inspire future generations.

At public displays, the centrepiece has been A3, the earliest surviving Aston Martin, and the third built. The Trust has been able to explain the planned restoration process, as well as publicise the fundraising programme it has started so that the work can be completed.

Why restore it, some ask, as it bears a lovely ‘just discovered’ patina? However, its 1930s body, and the many later modifi cations, mean that A3, as it is, no longer represents the earliest incarnation of Aston Martin.

To launch the fundraising, we have produced a beautifully crafted 1/32

fi nescale model of A3 in its post-

restoration form. Correctly

detailed and fi nished in black and silver, only 250 are to be

produced. Every one sold will help towards the cost of restoring the real thing. At £150, they are bound to become sought-after collectors’ items.■ For all Trust enquiries, please call the Secretary, Robert Ellis, on 01865 400414, or email [email protected]


2005calendar of events

AMOC AND HERITAGE TRUST

Key: ■ AMOC events ■ other events

July 31 Loton Park HillclimbAugust 20 Brands Hatch Race DayAugust 26–28 Rally SwitzerlandSeptember ConcoursSeptember 20–October 1 Palaces TourSeptember 2–5 Lime Rock Vintage Fall Festival, USASeptember 9–11 German Jubilee

September 18 Curborough Sprint — short circuitOctober 1 Oulton Park Race Day.January 2006 International Rally, Invercargill, New ZealandJanuary 27 Ball and prize giving at the Dorchester, London

St George’s Day festivala spectacular successThe Royal Windsor St George’s Day Festival of Aston Martin, organised and run by the Aston Martin Owners Club, was a huge success, writes Michael Urban, AMOC Chairman.

We were privileged to have Dr Ulrich Bez, Chairman and CEO of Aston Martin, with us for the complete weekend of activities.

We are also grateful for the terrifi c support from Works Service for their assistance in supplying cars, including the DB9 Volante, and marshals.

Nearly 300 Aston Martins and Lagondas of all ages drove past the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on April 23, raising large amounts of money for the Prince Philip Trust Fund.

Highlights of the parade for the many thousands who lined the route through the streets of Windsor were seeing Sir Stirling Moss driving DBR1 (the 1959 Le Mans-winning car), and witnessing the fi rst road appearances of the DB9 Volante and the V8 Vantage.

That evening, 250 members from Australia, USA, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Lithuania, France, Holland and Great Britain, with their guests and friends, sat down for the Club’s 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Oakley Court Hotel.■ To contact the Club for information about membership or events, please telephone 01865 400400 or visit the Club website www.amoc.org

Regal line-up: A stunning display of Aston Martins in the private grounds of Windsor Castle (above). Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer, chats to the Queen and Prince Philip (right).

a beautifully crafted fi nescale model of

A3 in its post-

detailed and fi nished in black and silver, only 250 are to be

produced. Every one sold will help towards the


A different tune on a new piano

Treat your DB9 to new alloysEnhance your DB9 with the addition of these classically-designed 15-spoke lightweight alloy wheels. The wheels feature a deeply sculptured profi le and diamond turned fi nish, engineered and rigorously tested to provide the dynamic performance you’ve come to expect from Aston Martin. A set of new wheels fi tted with your existing tyres costs £1,999 + VAT. Brand new tyres and wheels fi tted to your car cost £2,999 + VAT.

How about a new theme for your DB9 interior? Add a contemporary look to your DB9 with this stunning Piano Black interior fi nish. The deep gloss over black is beautiful to look at and makes a statement in style. Available with matching door cappings, to add that fi nishing touch of elegance. ■ Ask Works Service for retro fi t details.

A little luxury for your pride and joy

Treat your DB9 or Vanquish to a set of (interior and boot) premium-quality carpet overmats, with a hard-wearing and easy-to-clean soft pile surface. Edged in quality hide with a heavy-duty non-slip backing, Aston Martin is embroidered on to a discreet label set into the hide edging. Available in our standard range of colours. Non-standard colours are also available to special order. ■ For further details please call Works Service.

Glove compartment

We are delighted to advise that these much sought-after key rings are now available again. You can choose between an Aston Martin design or the David Brown version each at £34.95 or the Works-prepared one at £49.95. These prices are inclusive of VAT. ■ To order yours, either request it when your car is at Works Service, or ask the Team to send it to you.

Vanquish drivers can benefi t from the last word in satellite navigation that pops-up from the dash top — expertly fi tted by the Works Service team. The latest technology, including Real Time Traffi c Messaging (TMC), is now available, ensuring you will always know where you are going.

Time for a new key ring?

Popping up in a Vanquish

■ For assistance with any of the options or accessories on this page please contact the Works Service Team on 01908 619264, email [email protected]


HERITAGE AND RESTORATION

Put to the test: DB4

What better way to celebrate the fi rst birthday of Works Service’s Heritage Restoration Centre than with a trip? But to Scandinavia?

Actually, Heritage Centre Manager, David Townsend’s recent journey north east from Newport Pagnell was purely business, although what he took with him brought a lot of pleasure to one Aston Martin owner. For David was returning the DB4 that Works Torque has been chronicling the restoration of over the past year.

The fi rst car to be wholly completed by the centre is now back with a very satisfi ed customer, after a two-day trip by ferry and truck. It was delivered along with a 100-page ’Provenance Record’, a detailed photographic journal of how the car had been transformed, bound in leather to match the DB4’s interior with its own chassis plate on the front.

“It’s 18 months since he last saw it,” says David. “And he was absolutely over the moon — he thought it looked wonderful! And it really did look stunning when it was delivered. Better than new — but still original.”

The DB4 featured in Autocar magazine.

A fantastic way to celebrate a birthday…

Transformation: (Above) the fully restored DB4 stands proud outside the Aston Martin Heritage Centre and (right) the shell of the DB4 as it was a year ago.

The DB4 featured in The DB4 featured in magazine. magazine.

Do you own a DB4? In 1961, Autocar ran a four-page report on what was described as “the ultimate symbol of success”.

This still stylish car went down extremely well with the reviewer, who proudly proclaimed it as “the fastest production four-seater yet tested”.

It was the DB4’s top speed of over 140mph, which caught the writer’s imagination, but his fi rst impression was its stunning interior style.

“On getting into the car . . . one is immediately impressed by the attention to detail, and the functional layout and fi nish,” he wrote. “Everything save the chrome instrument bezels is black and non-refl ecting.”

With an eye for the comfort of the 1960s motorist, the writer revelled in the DB4’s comfortable leather upholstery.

“Despite the car’s exciting performance, there has been no cheese-paring to save weight,” he adds. “The aids to passenger comfort being as lavish and comprehensive as on a touring limousine.”

But it is the six-cylinder, 3,670cc engine and the DB4’s versatility, which earns it most respect.

“Despite a top speed of over 140mph, it can trickle along without snatch at 15mph in top gear (or 10mph in third), pulling away smoothly as the throttle is opened, all of which makes it a pleasant docile car for town use.”

He adds: “Torque at low speeds is not great, and it is not until 4,000rpm are reached that the power really comes in which it does with a most electrifying effect.”

Concluding, he sums up the appeal of this iconic Aston Martin, saying: “Being permanently in the public eye like all exceptional cars, it encourages one to drive it courteously and well in towns and in crowded traffi c conditions, for one knows that, as soon as the open road is reached, one can accelerate and pass the lot!”


ME AND MY ASTON MARTIN

Few Aston Martin

owners are as

passionate about their

cars as Jack Henley.

“It was a bit like having pedigree dogs and keeping them tied up.”

More than an enthusiast, Jack can accurately be described as a collector. Among his stable of Aston Martins was the unique Hunter Green collection of nine V8 models — which were sold off at the Bonhams auction at Works Service, in June. And while he misses them, he remains devoted to Aston Martin.

“It was great fun owning the collection,” said Jack, following the sale of the V8 Aston Martin Commemorative Collection.

The collection, all consecutively registered and fi nished in identical Hunter Green coachwork with tan leather upholstery, had been beautifully maintained by Jack, who kept them in a purpose-built, climate-controlled environment at his home near Maidstone, in Kent.

“I had them for ten years, and they opened lots of doors,” said Jack, 66, a retired former transport business owner. “I really enjoyed owning them, but wasn’t really using them. It was a bit like having pedigree dogs and keeping them tied up.

“They have been stored in a fully air-conditioned building. It was not a museum —

just a private collection — but lots of people did come and see them. However, I thought that, after ten years, I should move on.

“I miss them,” he added. “It’s been a bit like losing a close relative, but all good things have to come to an end!”

Jack personally drove each of the nine cars to Works Service for the auction, where they were sold as individual lots, raising about £729,000 — excluding buyers’ premiums.

Jack said he was disappointed the collection had been broken up, but was realistic. “I would have liked to have seen them stay together — but there just wasn’t an offer great enough.”

As a keen collector, he also found it strange being a vendor. “It was the fi rst time I had been a seller,” he laughed. “I have always been a buyer.”

Did he have a favourite model? That was an impossible question to answer, he insisted. “It’s a bit like saying ‘what’s your favourite meal?’ — or favourite suit,” he explained. “I like good things, and I drove them all. It all depended on what suited the occasion.”

Jack with some of the unique Hunter Green collection of V8 models.

Jack Henley — facts ■ Jack owned the Hunter Green collection for ten years — and drove all nine cars to Works Service for the auction.■ He remains a huge Aston Martin enthusiast, owning four models: a DB6 Mk II Volante; a DB4 Series 4; a Lagonda three-litre coupe; and a DB7 GT Zagato.■ He is a loyal customer of Works Service. “Works Service is brilliant,” he said. “They are fantastic people for fantastic cars!”

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Treat your Aston Martin to the

WORKS SERVICE

Aston Martin Works Service, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire MK16 9AN, United Kingdom.

Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 619264 Facsimile: +44 (0) 1908 216439

Email: [email protected] Website: www.astonmartin.com

All cars that come to Works Service already receive a

Courtesy Clean inside and out — but now you

can request a thorough VIP valet. . . .

While your car is with us for servicing or repairs you can

choose to have a full VIP valet which is a cut above

the rest — leaving your car looking as good as when

you fi rst fell in love with it.

Also on offer is an additional special treatment

— Autoglym Lifeshine. All exterior paintwork

is treated with a unique protective coating to

enhance shine and ensure maximum resistance

to environmental hazards. The glossy water repellent

coating is easier to keep clean and maintains a superb deep gloss shine. Upholstery

and carpets are treated with a complex waterproof

coating to seal out moisture and resist staining.

Accidental spillage simply beads on the surface, whilst

dust and sticky marks are easily removed. The

Autoglym Lifeshine system offers a unique and realistic

opportunity to keep your car’s appearance in

top condition.

Option 1:

A full valet costs £295, plus VAT and includes:

Exterior:● Wash and leather● Clean wheels● Clean underside of engine bay

and bonnet● Clean door shuts● Clean Volante hood (as applicable)● Polish exterior and chrome

Interior:● Wet vacuum carpets, lower door

pads and boot area● Clean windows● Clean interior trim● Clean interior head lining,

fi nishers and sun visors● Treat leather with hide food

Option 2:

A full VIP valet with Lifeshine treatment costs £395, plus VAT and includes:

Everything in Option 1 above plus:● All exterior paintwork is treated

with a Lifeshine coating● Upholstery and carpets are treated

with Lifeshine protection● Windscreen cleaning booster added

to washer reservoir● Lifeshine Care kit

it deserves

Documents

WT 6 P1 16 - amaus.net martin/200508 works torque.pdf · items — including vintage toys, models, posters and signs. Cars and automobilia worth £2,409,549 — including buyers’