Aston Martin Vantage, originally uploaded by andyskelton-a Blog a day http://andrewskelton.net.
The quintessential Englishman’s car, the Aston Martin Vantage is a truely magnificent car. With a hand crafted 6 litre engine, each one has a plaque engraved with the details of the engineer who built it such is the care and attention that is put into the cars.
Having been round the Newport Pagnel factory many years ago, I was overwhelmed by the craftsmanship that went into each stage of the construction. Limited mass production techniques were employed in the bodywork creation, the final formation and fitting using age old techniques involving small hammers and lasts to ensure a perfect fit.
As with most boys, it was through the James Bond films that I first fell in love with these cars, more specifically a certain metallic silver DB5 driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger. An incredibly beautiful car, the styling looks as good today as it did when it was first launched, the sign of a classic design.
When, ten years ago, I was looking for a new car I seriously considered purchasing a metallic silver DB5 in relatively good condition. In the end I bought a scarlet red MGF, in it’s own right a lovely looking car and one that was great fun to drive. However I do regret my decision in one respect, whilst the price of the MGF went down, the price of the classic DB5 went sky rocketing, beyond the means of most people. Perhaps one day, as James Bond would say, “Never Say Never Again”!
Andrew Skelton: 
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