A Year Of My Life - Aston Martin DB2 MKIII

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A Year of My Life Aston Martin

DB Mk III

A Year of My Life Written by Ron Powell owner of DB MKIII WYE 847 produced by Living Legend Productions Aston Workshop www.aston.co.uk

OCTOBER 2010

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I

am an Aston Martin DB MK III. I have the Chassis No. AM300/3/1815 I carry the Reg. Plate WYE 847. My first use in the public domain was April 1959.

I am made up with 3 Ltr. Twin Cam Engine, No DBA/1404, Twin S U Carburetors Originally, I had a 4 Speed Gearbox DBCW/S/396, this has since been changed, My Rear Axle No. B58/450 with a Ratio 3.77:1 is retained. I was painted Sea Green, with off White Interior.

I was first Owned / Registered by The Africore Mining Company based in London. I don't have any memories of any great happenings in particular to make note here, except, I was serviced regular, had a radio fitted in June 1959, I don't know where that is now, a number of Engine Tune ups, I seemed to eat Spark Plugs, I had a gearbox problem in September 1959, and someone bumped me November 1960, at 17982 miles. So they had me repainted, Snow Shadow Grey.

Nothing flash, it made a change.

Later, I lived somewhere else with other people. 1962 I went to Northants, Then I was in London again for a time, 1966 I was in Milford Surrey, Then I was in Farnham for a year or so, then I went to a new home, with John Herring, AMOC Member. There was several cars here, some being worked on. It was January 1968, and I remember being used in cold weather. Then in June some things started to happen.

I was being got at, Parts removed, then coming back to me all nice and clean.

My chassis was given a real seeing to, then Suspension, Wheels, Hubs, Steering, Tyres, Brakes, Radiator, Lower body parts, Bonnet, Door Handles & Locks, Windscreen Wipers Motor. Then my whole Body was Rubbed down till I had no covering at all, what a nice feeling when they started to cover me over, they finished me in a beautiful British Racing Green. Close to my original colour, but better. And all the time there was John, making notes of work done and work to be done. Good company. It was at this time my Engine and Gearbox were removed, then I got a new Twin SS Exhaust System. Lots went on, and when My Engine came back, it had a new fangled thing in it, an Oil Temperature Sensor Capsule. And a New Gearbox with a fancy thing, Overdrive. My Interior then got attention, and I was in one piece.

All this going on as well as other cars being used and attended to, and we moved home a few times, but John was always there working on me, making notes, and time just went by.

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CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER FIVE

2009

June 2010

CHAPTER TWO

Saturday 5

October 2009

Monday 7 Tuesday 8

Thursday 22

Friday 11

Friday 23

Saturday 12

Saturday 24

Sunday 13 Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Wednesday 16 Thursday 17

Sunday 25 Monday 26 Tuesday 27

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER SIX

March 2010

September 2010

Friday 5

Friday 10 Sunday 12 Tuesday 14 Wednesday 15 Thursday 16 Monday 20 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 22 Thursday 23 Friday 24 Saturday 25

Monday 8 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Friday 12

CHAPTER FOUR May 2010 Friday 21 Saturday 22 Sunday 23 Monday 24 Tuesday 25

KEY NOTES

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CHAPTER ONE

2009

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2009

I am in a single car Garage, in Weybridge, covered up, pretty much in full order, some parts in boxes and wrapped up, and I am not really ready for the road.

I could hear things like, Need to get finished, Should be sold off to be used...

It was 16th June 2009. Off came my covers, John and two guys I had not seen before, touching, smiling, “No need to start her�, they were saying.

I did not know it but I was being inspected for Sale.

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2009

9th July 2009, it all started to happen. I was pushed up the road to meet a Car carrying Van, lots of pictures were taken, I was loaded into the Van, it was quite a treat being put inside a clean box, and all the while John looking at me... and then the door was closed. I had been on trailers before, had work done on me before, but always came home, but I felt this was different.

Waiting to be loaded

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2009

I was unloaded at a new place, lots of cars here, some right nice, some having attention. I was at Aston Martin Works Service Newport Pagnell.

Then more inspection, the 2 guys at my home were here, and others. All the time I was not worried at all about being here, somehow I knew I was in good hands. I was left in the company of all these Aston Martin cars of different sorts, some older some younger. Then, they went about me. All the things that had been done over the past years were checked again. I was taken to bits, some parts came back clean and renewed, some new things were added. Engine attention, Cylinder Head removed, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, some new Parts added, Water Leaking, Fuel Leaking, 3 months I was there, but all the time I knew, I was getting better, and soon something was going to happen.

Shock absorbers Renewed. Alfin Rear Drums.

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CHAPTER TWO

October 2009

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OCTOBER 2009

After some time, and I had been out on the Road a few times, driven about, and checked and adjusted.

October 21st, it was late afternoon, I am started up and driven to the front of Works Service. There, is one of the guys that had come to see me in June and had helped to get me loaded into the Van in July. He was looking pleased. With Heritage Works Driver at the Wheel, we went for a drive, we left Newport Pagnell and shot down a road... first time I had been to a 100 in a very long time, marvelous! We stopped, and the new guy took the driver seat, and we headed back to Works Service, slower than when we left it! I spent that night in Works Service knowing, I was in for a different life from now on.

Thursday 22.

A special Disc was fixed to my Windscreen, I was started up, by the new guy, taken outside, it was 1.40pm, a Cold Grey but dry day, I had 62 miles on the clock, half a tank of petrol according to the Gauge. We went through Newport Pagnell onto the M1, South, it felt good to be out, and running at a 60-70 mph, this overdrive thing in the Gearbox is making a lot of difference. I had not been on such big traffic busy roads like this before, but I was being taken through the traffic with ease.

Through different built up areas, now a place I recognised, I was at home...

Then there was John, camera in hand, wearing a light Grey Aston Martin Jumper... He said, “I knew it was you, I heard you coming� lots of touching, Engine started up, Revved up quite a bit, bunch of Photographs again, I was beginning to think maybe I look as good as I feel.

It felt good to know that John was pleased to see me. After some time, the New Guy gets into the driver's seat, starts me up and we are off... with John left in the back ground, was I going for more attention to return later, where was I going.

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OCTOBER 2009

We travelled back the way we had come, but this time the traffic was dense, at one stretch 24 miles in 2 hours, and I was getting hot! Then we are on the M1 again, heading North, the road is clearer and the New Guy gets me moving, he must be aware of the Darkness coming and not knowing what I will be like in the Dark. Off the M1 into Newport Pagnell. We arrive at Works Service, Its 7.00pm, I am low on Fuel, and I have a Headlight off, and an indicator is not working. I have 192 miles on the Clock.

Friday 23.

Next morning I am seized upon, light and indicator are fixed.

Then with the New Guy, lots of photographs again, then I am loaded up with boxes of bits, Oil Coolant Checked, all ok. Then more talking and touching, then, with the New Guy I am off again. At the local Petrol Station, My Fuel Tank is filled to the top, I cannot remember how long it's been since this happened last! More people looking at me, some older than me!

Then, we are off, onto the M1, North, Click, Speedo not working. Running good, 2300/2400 rpm (60-70 mph), weather is cold but dry. North. No stopping. We turn off A1M onto B Roads, this is good, left, right, up hills gear changing, over bridges, roads are a bit narrow, seem to be making a lot of noise! Cannot be any problem, the New Guy has the window open and is wearing the Grin he has had on since we left Newport Pagnell...

We rejoin the A1, still heading North, then off onto the A19, then along smaller roads, into Yarm. Gates, People, more Photographs. Its 4.00pm, dry, cold, my Fuel Tank is at 1/4 1/2, I have covered over 200 miles none stop, in the driving time of approximately 3.5 hours, and feel great.

I am shown the place I will be staying at while here and my Digs Partners.

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OCTOBER 2009

Saturday 24.

I am pushed out into a cloudy day. All the Boxes are removed, I am tidied up, Washed, leathered off, Bonnet up, Oil and Coolant added, and I try to take in what's happened. 40 years I have been more or less unused, and now, in 2 days I have covered 300+ miles, roared South and North on Roads I did not know existed. This is looking good.

Sunday 25.

I am pushed out into a sunny day.

The New Man is joined by the younger guy he was with back in July when I was loaded into the van. This can only be good, as since then everything just gets better. I am checked over, touched, more photographs, and we are off. I am given more Petrol, some 34.5 Ltrs. After some time I am driven by the younger guy, strange, he has the same grin!

He is a younger guy not as old as me, and he says, “I know why you have bought this dad”... “Bought this Dad”!!! So now I know!

Not a long ride out, main roads, country roads, all the time I know I am being talked about.

Monday 26.

My New Man pushes me out into a cold sunny morning.

Checks me over, and we are off. I figure its West and North.

A stop in a Lay-by so soon... tea and food, I knew the stop was not for me!

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OCTOBER 2009

We travel on a main road, A1M North, onto other roads, after some very narrow roads, we arrive at a place with lots of Aston Martin Cars.

We are at the Aston Workshop Beamish. More people looking me over, checking me out, touching talking.

We are on the move again. South, A1M. Then more people, more photographs. Another new guy in the passenger seat, a short drive and return, I think I am being shown off. Then we are off again. South. We arrive at place, not cars, more like Vans, but with windows. A Workshop area, lots of people, some my age, and 1 very young guy. He is on my Driver seat, more pictures.

With the young guy in the back, and another new guy we are off into a nearby town, short stop, then the other guy is driving me back to where we came from.

Another short stop, and we are off again, before I realise it we are “Home� and I am put away for another night.

Tuesday 27.

I am outside again, Grey day Cloudy, checked over. Stand about a lot today. Mid Afternoon before we are off. Same route as yesterday and we arrive at the Aston Workshop.

More talking over me, I have done 572 miles. Raced up to 80+ mph this weekend and loved it, but now I am left with new people again.

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CHAPTER THREE

March 2010

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MARCH 2010

Friday 5.

During this period in care, I was given attention to Speedometer, Oil Leaks, reposition of my Wing Mirrors, Electrics for Lights, Battery Cut off Switch and Number Plate Light, they removed some old letters off my rear, and painted, my Front Wings, Fuel Filler Cover and Rear Body Area. I had been tested, cleaned and checked again. I was being attended to for my New Man.

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MARCH 2010

My New Man was here, he has someone new with him, more talking, checking me out. We were off, filled up with Petrol, 41 Litres. My Speedo / milometer repaired is reading 198 miles, we head through a small town on narrow roads. The New person asks where is the seat belts?, and, its noisy isn't it?, But she was smiling all the while! Soon we were on the Major Road again South I reckoned. Onto Narrow roads, and into Yarm.

Monday 8.

Out into a Cold Dry day. Headed West, and then North, small roads, open area Cold but Sunny now. We are very high up on a pretty lonely road, more photographs.

Onto more small roads, meet up with other people. More talks, inspection, touching. We depart and go East. Not a main road, through an old town, a Castle. A small Town, into a residence area, invited into private property, gravel driveway, Car house, Modern Sports car, Short Stop over. We depart 5.45pm. We arrive back at home, its Dark, and Cold. I have done 158 miles today, and have recorded 398 miles.

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MARCH 2010

Wednesday 10.

Early, its dark and wet, we almost sneak out of the Village, onto main road heading South, a screech from the Speedo Head, and the Needle is erratic, and finally it falls off its spindle... More Petrol 53 Ltrs.

Further South, onto major Motorway for quite some time. Off Motorway into industrial area. Security, big car park, many Astons here, Big imposing building...

After some time a couple of guys come over and give me a clean, lots of rubbing. I am placed outside some very important looking Glass Doors with water on each side of me... More Photographs.

3.45pm, we depart, my Mileage is reading 602 miles. At 696 miles we stop, more Petrol 45 ltrs. We set off again, 6.10pm, North on major Motorway. Arrive at Home 7.40pm My Mileage is showing 791, today I have done 393 miles.

Thursday 11.

Afternoon. Cold but Dry. Small Roads, small built up areas, I think we are looking around. I seem to have miss fire that I think started yesterday, a cough when at Cold. One stop for a short time, then short journey to home. Today I have done 36 miles.

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MARCH 2010

Friday 12.

Same drive as yesterday, but this time another guy is with us and he gets to drive me Home.

Mid afternoon, we head North on a route I have been before, and arrive at the place where there are lots of Astons. We are at the Aston Workshop. My Mileage is reading 891 miles, this weekend I have done 695 miles. Am I being left again?

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CHAPTER FOUR

May 2010

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MAY 2010

Friday 21.

Since being left I had been taken to pieces again... That misfire was a leaking Head Gasket, which lead to a major overhaul of the Cylinder Head. As well as in the time I have been here, I have had attention to...

Speedometer Head - Recondition

Check seat rake adjustment o/s and n/s

Brakes check and adjust

Electric Cooling Fan fitted

Road Springs - Replace for Harder Set

Greased all points

Cigar lighter plus extra electric outlet supply plug

Re-locate seat runners and fit support o/s

123 ignition system fitted

Oil leaks

Fuel Reserve Pick Up Checked and Rectified

Wipers

And now, at a time I thought I was being collected, a New Water Pump is needed, There is lots of attention around me, there's a sense of urgency, but no one is in a rush. I had been tested, cleaned and checked again.

12.45pm My Man is here, loaded me with bags, Not even a wash, and we were off. Petrol 35 ltrs. My Mileage is reading 903 miles. Small Roads to start, then with some urgency we are quickly on the Motorway and getting a move on. 1st hour we cover 60 miles, 2nd hour 74 miles, and I am Revving, 2500-2800 rpm.

We arrive at a place I recognise, its where I was brought back to life, and first driven by My Man. Its Newport Pagnell, where I was Re Started. I get more Petrol 37 Ltrs. I am driven into a small Car Park, with other Astons, and then washed and Leathered by My Man. We are Joined by the Younger Guy, and one of my Digs Partners, the Silver Renault 197. I have covered 255 miles today nonstop, mileage is reading 1158 miles.

Saturday 22.

Early, Morning Dew Leathered off, Dusted over and we are off. Just a short Drive to Works Service, again I know where I am. I am placed in a very prominent position. The place is empty, but soon fills up with Aston Martins, and people everywhere, more photographs, throughout the day.

Late Afternoon, sunny evening, we are off, My New Man and the younger guy, in tandem with the Silver Renault 197, and later a DB7 Zagato. After some time, approaching a roundabout the DB7 goes past, followed by the Renault, I was doing my best, but I need a bit more slow down time before entering roundabouts... In the Roundabout a BMW decides to overtake me as we are exiting... Well he was obviously Not aware of the “Drift� room I need!! I bet he thought I was going to push him into the Centre Reservation!

We arrived at a lovely building and the car park has many Astons. I made my presence known with a few Barks from my Exhaust, which brought several to look, and talk

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MAY 2010

Sunday 23.

Early morning, Sunny, Warm. We depart in a convoy of Astons, I am at the front. We arrive at a place where there is more cars than I have ever seen before.

Through Gates and long lines of cars, Arms waving, we are directed on to a carpet almost the same Colour as me. I am parked up next to and within sight of so many Astons, and a very large Building.

My man and the younger Guy, are squirting Water on me and rubbing me down. I did not know I was dirty. Many people come around me, it feels good to be looked at and I think talked about too. All day new people looking as if they know me, I wish my Bonnet was open so they could see inside.

After the day is nearly over, we depart to a small nearby town, and I am parked for a short while.

A Short stop over, and we are off again, in Tandem with the Renault 197. We are soon on a Motorway heading North and not hanging about, 2500 / 2800 rpm, and all the time the Renault either just in front or just behind us. We left the Motorway and the company of the Renault, Cough, Cough, Fuel low, Reserve Pick up switched on. Good job that was fixed...

More Petrol 57 Ltrs. I had done 310 miles on this 57 ltrs, stuck in traffic and driven pretty quick at times.

Almost home now, and a change of direction, into town, built up area, after another Stop over for some time, we got home and my Mileometer was reading 1500 miles.

Monday 24.

Early, and we are off to The Aston Workshop. I am inspected, worked on, tightened up, Cooling System is Flushed and new Coolant is added. Late afternoon, I am collected by My Man, and feeling crisp we head south to Yarm. At home my Mileage is 1595.

Tuesday 25.

Midday, Grey Clouds. We are off on Local Roads narrow and twisting. Then to a Water Fronted place, with what looks like homes on Water!

Late afternoon, we are on our way to The Aston Workshop. I am left again, my Mileage is showing 1689.

This weekend I have done 788 miles.

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CHAPTER FIVE

June 2010

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JUNE 2010

Saturday 5.

During my wait for My Man, I have had attention to:

Cigar lighter plus Power Socket Polarity Change Surplus Silicone was cleaned off Cam covers Oil Leaks on Timing Cover & Oil Filler attended to Oil Leaks from Engine rectified Baffle Plate on Oil Filler fitted Electrics Replacement Control Box Battery Terminals Attention to Hand Brake and Foot Brake, checked and adjusted Drivers Side Seat Squab re fitted New Stainless Steel Wire Wheels and New Tyres fitted Replacement Air Filter Elements fitted Midday, We set off, Petrol 46 ltrs. Mileage was at 1690. Headed South to Yarm, feeling crisp and tuned up, we head via Middleton Tyas, Scorton, Worsall. After a stop in Yarm, we are off through narrow lanes and small Hamlets, with a Caterham 7 in Tandem, and at a Sociable looking place I am parked in the Sun with people looking at me. A short stop over, and onto another place for a short stop over. Dark, we set off for Home. At Home my Mileage is reading 1796 miles

Monday 7.

Morning, Grey Skies. Short trip to the place where they have these big vans with windows, and a Workshop area. My Steering Wheel was removed and after some time a New Steering Wheel is fitted. There's a wrong Screw fitted there! At Home, I am loaded with all sorts of Gear, even Spare Parts that could be used on me... where are we going? I am put to rest wondering...

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JUNE 2010

Tuesday 8.

Morning. Cool, Grey Skies Light Rain. My man and the younger guy, and we are out through a wet village.

Petrol Station, I am filled up. 20.39 ltrs. Mileage is at 1807.

Quickly onto main Road, hit a grouse, onto Motorway. Rain gets heavy, Wipers are working overtime. Wiper Arm comes off, lands and stays on Bonnet, retrieved ok. 20 mins later, same again, Wiper Arm comes off, Blade stays on Bonnet but Arm is lost. Stop for Wiper attention. Fit Spare Arm and Blade, retain with ESSS (Equipment Secure System-String).

Weather is atrocious, made worse by trucks in outer lanes.

Petrol at 1917 miles 18.81 Ltrs, miles for last fill up 110.

Driving, 3rd hour 30.32 miles 4th hour 58 miles. We come to a place I recognise, this is Newport Pagnell, and we have a short stop over at Works Service.

We are soon heading south again, still raining, off the Motorway through an area I recognise...

We come to a familiar area... Weybridge, my old home.

Engine revved up, John came to see me, and although I was very dirty he could see I had been changed. We went for a drive, it was strange him in the passenger seat, he did not say much but I know he enjoyed the ride out.

We were soon on our way again heading South. At late afternoon we arrived at the Coast. This is new. Where were we going? My Mileage is now at 2139. Evening, we boarded through a big hole, and I spent the night in a very strange place.

Next Morning, Wednesday 9 June, We left from this place, stopped in a large open area, things were stuck on me, and more photographs were taken.

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JUNE 2010

We headed off, and I realised we were on the wrong side of the road. Petrol Stop 37 ltrs, my mileage was at 2142.

We set off again, East and South. We travelled on, we had one stop, nothing eventful. The younger guy is driving now, and he is not shy about the throttle... At 2284 miles, we stopped at a place I did not know.

Bags were removed from me, and we went into a town, stopped at a Service Station and I was Power Washed. Glad to get all that road dirt off me. Just what was needed after 400+ miles of driving in the rain.

The weather improved now, and we went South, narrow hedge back twisting roads, great, still on the wrong side of the road, all good fun.

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JUNE 2010

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JUNE 2010

We go into what I think was private property, right at home here, more photographs, more people talking over me.

Short drive into small town. Stop over, more people looking at me taking photographs.

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JUNE 2010

Stop over for some time and then headed North in the dark. Back at the place where I was unloaded, and here I stayed. It was a rainy night. My Mileage is now reading 2353, and I stand here all the next day.

Friday 11.

Morning, its sunny and warm. We set off through narrow lanes and end up on a Major Road... People, Banners, Cars, this is somewhere special. We go down this Road and return twice! Then the younger guy drives and I think it's a competition who can make me sound the loudest! More Photographs. We are on the Mulsanne Straight!

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JUNE 2010

We depart and on more narrow roads. We arrive in a crowded place and I am threaded into a parking slot Next to some much newer Astons. I am clearly the oldest Aston here, and I don't recognise any Number plates and I believe I have travelled the furthest to be here. Not bad at my age. I am asked to be moved so some famous Guy, Tall, Fair Hair, Craggy Face, can move his Ford Fiesta. Mind you, he does look at me for a while and say's to My Man, Beautiful, I was quite embarrassed...

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JUNE 2010

After being here for some time and countless photographs and people touching and sitting in me and talking over me, we depart and travel through even smaller roads than before, past farms and animals all woke up by my Barking Exhaust. When we arrived at our night place, my mileage was at 2454.

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JUNE 2010

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JUNE 2010

Saturday 12.

Early, Grey Skies. Set off and quickly got into lots of traffic. Glad I got that Electric Fan fitted. We arrive at a very colourful place, lots of Cars, lots of people, we are directed to a parking place, getting lots of attention, I am at a very special place of cars. I am locked up and left watching lots of people go passing by, and I spent the night here.

Sunday 13.

Fairly early I was taken to a colourful area, with New Astons standing about. More Photographs, more people standing about talking over me.

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JUNE 2010

Later, I was returned to the place I was at before, to wait out the rest of the day. Evening, Sun Shine, depart through people walking about, onto fairly quiet roads, to small town shops, then to the place we had spent a previous evening at, and another night passed by. My mileage was at 2486.

Monday 14.

Sunny cloudy. I am loaded up with all the gear, and here we go again. We depart to waves from people who had first greeted us, through a small village, onto a main road, plenty of other cars and trucks.

At a Cross Roads we park up and I am in full view of My Man and the younger guy, and traffic going on its way, some blasting horns. What a wonderful way for them to have breakfast. After some time we are off. Along this main road, then off into a wooded road, climbing up, bending this way and that, the noise is terrific through the woods, dropping down onto quiet narrow road, and then back onto a main road. Onto the main road again, for some miles, then into a riverside place, lots of people looking about, we stop over for some time, and I hear of a certain Old Bridge, and a place people landed at years ago to help others.

It's sunny and windy, and we just sit.

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JUNE 2010

After a time we are on our way. A short drive to a place on the coast and cars in lines. I am parked up next to a Car older than me. There is talk about me, the Numbers on my front number plate being wrong! Seems I am wearing numbers that are too small for my year! More talking and everyone seems happy. We board through a big hole, like before, but it's not so dark this time. We are leaving this place, my mileage is 2599.

After what is a restful rocking time, we are bumped up to what I learn is a Dock. Drive out into the evening, not quite dark, but the light has faded. Into a queue of Cars, slow moving, plenty of cross cars talking, and slow moving. Its dark now, and then we are through a gate and out onto the road, we pass the Old Car we shared the queue with, to the sound of horns...

We are getting a move on now, 2500 - 2800 rpm. A stop outside a small building, then forward for Petrol, 3.54 ltrs, mileage is at 2760. Out onto Motorway, nonstop, off Motorway through small narrow roads, its dark, and into Yarm. Its early morning, still dark, my mileage is 2926, I am at home.

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JUNE 2010

Tuesday 15.

Midday. Sunny cloudy. We go to a place I have been before, Big White Vans, Workshop. I am Washed off, cleaned inside, checked over, ready for whatever. Return home, polished over, I seem to of been talked to for quite some time, before being put into garage and left for the night.

Wednesday 16.

Early morning. Sunny Cold. Out through the village High Street, plenty of traffic, along a familiar road out of town, heading North. Onto Motorway, off onto narrow roads, we arrive at Aston Workshop. Lots of looking at, plenty of talking. Afternoon, we depart, Petrol 44.7 ltrs, mileage is 2979. South, Motorway and then through narrow roads to Car Parking area, lots of new cars. A short stop and then onto Yarm.

Late afternoon, at start up attempt, I got an electric problem. Bonnet up, checking, re start ok, Through village, to country road, across roundabout, stop at next roundabout, on an incline, Stalled, at start attempt, Electric problem, I think it's my Solenoid, lots of traffic, some shouting, guys jump out of a van, pushing me.

Bump, I'm started, we're off. Stopped outside Sociable looking place, quiet. Not a long stop, and My Man is back. He is with some guys I don't know, looking me over, Bonnet up, lots of talk, A tool, a spark I am Started, Bonnet down, farewells and we are off. What a technical start up, looked better than a push I suppose, especially with all the onlookers of the Sociable place!

A Strange route, though several villages, we seem to back track a few times, before coming to a familiar Road, leading into Yarm. A sunny evening. My Mileage is 3050.

Thursday 17.

Afternoon. Sunny and Blue Skies. A good day to be out. Bonnet up, A tool, a spark I am Started, Bonnet down we're off. Out of the Village, Exhaust Barking its Rasp, out along familiar roads, onto Motorway, off Motorway, and through Town and then narrow roads to Aston Workshop. Am I to be left again for more work on me? My mileage is 3105 and this trip/weekend I have done 1,380 miles. I feel great.

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CHAPTER SIX

September 2010

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SEPTEMBER 2010

Friday 10.

Cloudy Dry. At Aston Workshop Beamish. During this waiting time I have had attention to:

Passenger Seat Squab refitted Switches have been relocated to Original positions Hand Brake and Foot Brake check and adjusted Solenoid change Clutch Check Travel & Adjust Headlights replaced Change Fluid Reservoir Wiper Arm Driver Side Exhaust Rattle Clock attention Hand Brake and Foot Brake check and adjusted Electric Power Assisted Steering fitted.

Afternoon depart, through Places, and on familiar roads, running crisp, feeling fresh, Power Steering helps and makes me feel even more of dream. We are quickly in Yarm. My mileage is 3192.

Sunday 12.

Oil added, 100 milliliters, just off full mark. Petrol 46.31 ltrs. Mileage is 3201. Through Town places, into built up area, but only for a short time. Out of town to new houses, a new place I have not been before, looks like they are finishing off. Building a garage, I wonder what is going to live in there...

Not a long stop over, and we return to Yarm. My mileage is 3211.

Tuesday 14.

Cloudy Light Rain. With my Man and the younger guy, out of Yarm, a different route, new country lane, a bit slippery. What's this place, line of cars, bright men waving directions, into private area again, other Astons, one similar to me, some nearly as old as me, and wow, park up next to an Aston a lot older than me! We are at Croft Autodrome.

People walking about, one car acting Nuts, on 2 wheels burning out tyres, and generally showing off, Some exhibitionist, Huh, I don't know.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

Sun is out now, nice day, Here we go, err, this looks a bit different...

Why are My Man and the young guy putting on Helmets! Why are we into a deserted strip of tarmac...

What's with the flag waving... whow steady on, Ok lets go then, Don't rush me I'll get there, steady, let me go out, good keep me to 4500 that's enough, Right, set me up let me lean into it, turn in, cosmic, O right an left that's a twister, we're running now, what's the Pointy things for, are well he seems to know they are for something, Down a gear is enough, let me drift I can't hold on that well, come on get me going sooner, don't forget the 4500 self limit we got other days to see yet, right, plenty of room let me rip, what only 85... come on... love it... yea round again... come on.

A short stop. The young guy is in the driver seat... flags... yea lets go, never mind talking about the steering being better, get down a gear, right and left, come on use the fancy overdrive thing, down to 3rd is ok, let me drift, come on plenty of room lets go...

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SEPTEMBER 2010

So that was a track Session. Cosmic.

Then More photographs. Out into the country lanes, tailed by a DB6. At a country Sociable looking place, short stop and onto yet another Sociable looking place. Parked up with the DB6.

After some time, we are on the road back to Yarm, past Croft Autodrome, for a mo there I thought we were going back in...

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SEPTEMBER 2010

We arrive at the place I have been before, the place where the garage work is going on, and we are joined with another young guy. 3 up, I don't remember this ever before.

Through narrow lanes, I hope nothing comes the other way, not far, and a stop, I can see water, and funny little things waddling about... more photographs. Return to the narrow lanes, not too far, and back at the same house. Short stop over, and my Man and the 1st younger guy take me back through narrow lanes on yet another route I have not been on before. Back at Yarm my mileage is 3286. Today I have done 75 miles, some of which I did not know I could have so much fun!

Wednesday 15.

Its dry, bit cloudy. I am packed up and loaded with all sorts of gear... this has happened to me before, not too long ago. My man and the smiling lady, and we are off. Petrol, 22.30 ltrs. Out of the village, on familiar roads, to motorway. Stop at Hopwood Park mileage 3472. (186 miles) Depart after a short time, travel for another 84 miles, and end up in a cave... white walls and tools. Lots of gear unloaded, maybe I am gonna be here for a while. I had 5.5 hours driving and covered 270 miles. My mileage is at 3556.

Thursday 16.

I am reloaded, and inched out of this hole in the ground. Its midday, cloudy, but dry. I am driven a short distance, and parked up in some sort of care place, and can big structures on the water. A short stop over, and a drive out of this Town, we get Petrol, 47.09 ltrs., mileage is 3580. We are quickly on the motorway, getting along nicely, lots of looks from other car passengers, and even one taking pictures. We are getting along good, and then we are over taken at some speed by a big car a lot older than me.

We stop, for a Wash! I suppose one cannot arrive dirty where ever it is we are going eh. More people talking over me, I wonder why. After a short drive we are amongst other cars, people waving, into a field, Oow, these are big Vans, am I to be parked alongside these, and a DB6 I have meet before, greetings, I know this guy, from Aston Workshop, and another DB6, what, Lord who, races cars, is he important I wonder. My mileage is 3179. I am unloaded, and more photographs, and looks like I am going here for some time. Still nice company though.

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The next few days, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I am cleaned each morning, driven through people, and 1 day parked in a field with so many other cars it's unbelievable, and at other times parked at the Aston Workshop Show Stand. Cosmic.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

Monday 20.

Morning. Sunny. My mileage is 3719. I am about to be loaded up, wait a minute no I'm not, Lord DB6 is alongside me taking photographs...

Then the loading starts, and we're off. Some small roads, but we are quickly onto Motorway, 1 hour 10 mins 72 miles, 2nd hour 64 miles, “I'm noisy�, she said previously, but she went to sleep, and so, we were up to 100 no problem at all, with plenty left for another time. 12.30 Petrol stop, 1st Station on big Motorway, 33.41 ltrs, mileage 3911. 50 min stop, and back on the road. 4000 miles turned over at a place called, Junction for Leeds. Off the Motorway, on familiar roads to the House with the garage being built, short stop over, and on our way to Yarm. At Yarm my mileage is 4081. 794 miles this weekend trip.

Unloaded. Then a short time later, I am packed with some lighter things, another trip? We set off, on familiar roads to start with, then on new roads, driving North for about an hour. At another Car Park, for the night. My mileage is 4134, Sunny evening. Dry night.

Tuesday 21.

Cold, but its dry. With My Man only, we leave this car Park, and head South I reckon, some Motorway, and then onto a familiar road, turn off at a Shed...

Short stop, some local village pottering about and taking in the views. Then onto familiar roads, Petrol 50.23 ltrs. Mileage at 4200. A Wash, and to Yarm, rubbing and touching, all very cushty, into garage for the night.

My mileage is 4203.

Wednesday 22.

Afternoon, Cloudy. Out of Village, West I reckon, short drive, at the Workshop area again... What's to do now...

Talking going on, looking at my Front, A new Number Plate to be fitted... What's wrong with the one I got?

Bits being removed, standing with no Front Number. O I like the look of this, A Period Number Plate & Numbers, it's more like how I should of had all that time ago. The Guy doing the talking while we were that queue was right, the correct Number Plate does make a difference. I just get better and better. Out into the evening sun, to that Sociable looking place, but just a short stop, then we are going through Villages I have not seen before. New things all the time. Into Yarm and Home.

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Thursday 23.

Midday, Cold but its dry. Into the Village, quite a bit of traffic about, but I always get let out, I think it's so they can look at me, but hey, that's just my thinking. Out on familiar roads, then onto Motorway, and through narrow lanes again, we are coming to Aston Workshop, it's not that time again is it... I feel so good. A stop over and we are off on a very short drive, next door, now this is a Sociable looking place. Terrific, Raining.

Dark now, and we're off. No problems, but as soon as we on the Motorway, I can tell My Man don't like my rear view mirror position, and it is soon turned away... But my Heater is Good. Yarm and home, my mileage is 4308.

Friday 24.

Evening. Cold & Damp. From Home to the place where the Garage work is going on. Short stop, and we are off again, another new guy this time getting in, I think he likes me. I cannot make out all of what is being said, as My Man is giving it some, it's the sound ya know, brings all boys to their knees. A big Car Park another Sociable place. Another short stop, and we are heading home to Yarm.

Saturday 25.

Morning, Sunny, but cold and some cloud. Out of Village, onto familiar roads, to a place I have been before, 2 people join us, 3 in again. A quick short drive lots of Ooow's and Arrr's, and we are back and the Passengers are out. To a Petrol station, not thirsty, another wash... arr, just Wheel Arches and Wheels.

Onto Home.

Late afternoon, some light luggage, and out and on familiar roads, Motorway again, I know where we are going, sure enough onto the narrow roads again, we are at Aston Workshop. I am driven into a big room full of Astons... quiet. All locked up. I am here again. What will they do this time. How can I get any better?

My mileage is 4375.

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SEPTEMBER 2010

It's been, a time of big change for me...

A Year since My New Man put me into that Van, July 2009 - July 2010.

A Year since I was woken up and used, October 2009 - October 2010, and what a Year, 38 times I have been out with My New Man, over 5 different periods.

Had / Drank 842 liters of Petrol, Covered 4863 miles, even though my milometer shows 4375.

Been on Roads I never knew existed, and tore round a Famous Autodrome.

Been to another Country.

Had compliments from Famous people.

Had more pictures taken of me than I thought I was worth.

Been with other Cars that gave me pleasure to be with.

Been with people I just know love every moment spent with me.

I have had a Pair of Sterling Silver Models been made of me.

I have had a Book Written about me... A Car for all Time.

It's Been a Good Year.

Thanks To: Everyone at Aston Martin Works Service Newport Pagnell Everyone Aston Workshop Beamish Co. Durham Clive Dickinson & Tim Wallace of Aston Art Beamish Co. Durham Tim Stamper Workshop at Cleveland Motor Homes

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KEY NOTES

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KEY NOTES

New / My Man...

Ron Powell

Younger guy...

his son Richard

Other person, I'm noisy but still fell asleep...

Margaret, Ron's Wife

John Herring...

AMOC Member, Sold Me to Ron June 2009

Heritage Driver...

Gordon Higgs

Famous Guy...

Derek Bell

Digs Partners...

Renault 197 & VW Sirocco 2.0Ti

Place with Big Cars with Windows...

Cleveland Motor Homes Teesside, Workshop Staff

Young Guy...

Kirk Jackson

Young Guy...

Andrew T Bakica

Other Guy drives...

Craig Jackson

Other Guy drives...

Dave Parvin

Other Guy drives...

Brian Murry

Sociable looking places...

Masham Hotel Hartburn Hartburn Village is listed in The Doomsday Book with Caterham 7 Blackwell Ox, Carlton, Cleveland Chequers Inn, Dalton, Near Croft Autodrome The Spa at Lemington, Near Croft Autodrome Black Horse Beamish The Manor Maltby Teesside Petite Auberge Restaurant Hotel de France La Chartre-sur-le-Loir

Very High up...

Bowes Moore on way to Plumpton, and Tim Stamper

Town with Castle...

Barnard Castle on way to AMOC Northern Rep. Residence

Wed 10th March 2010...

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KEY NOTES

May 2010...

Parked in Car Park with other Astons, Swan Revived Newport Pagnell Bonhams Auction Works Service Newport Pagnell Belfry Hotel Spring Concours at Blenheim Palace Small Town is Woodstock

Tuesday 25th May...

Water fronted place is Hartlepool Marina

Arrived at Coast...

Portsmouth

Large open area...

St. Malo arrivals area

France locations...

Pavace, Chateau la Sarthe, Malicorne Petite Auberge Restaurant Hotel de France, La Chartre-sur-le-Loir Breakfast Square Beaumont Village, Route D47 Pegasus Bridge, The Historic Site of Allied Forces Landing Ouistreham Caen Port

September 2010...

Hole in ground is Bristol Hotel Car Park

House with Garage being built...

In Laws House, Thornton Teesside

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KEY NOTES

Aston Martin DB Mk III. Chassis No. AM/300/1815. Registration No. WYE 847 Note of Miles Speedo Recorded Miles & Trip meter discrepancy, and Trip down period result in Miles shown are an indication Note of Miles Day Use No.

Details

Trip Reading

Oct 2009

At Collection by AM Works Service Gordon

56

8

Day 2

Newport Pagnell Weybridge & Return

64

128

Day 3

Newport Pagnell to Yarm Speedo packed in

192

Day 4

Sunday 25th with RR

Day 5

Yarm to Beamish to Durham to Yarm

add 100 miles

Day 6

Yarm to Beamish

add 40 miles total 572

Day 7

Beamish Yarm

45

Day 8

Yarm Penrith Yarm

Day 9

Yarm Gaydon Yarm

398

393

Day 10

Local

791

36

Day 11

Local & Beamish

827

63

Completed

add 200 miles add 40 miles

March 2010 158

total 695

May 2010 Day 12

Beamish Newport Pagnell

255

Day 13

Newport Pagnell, Belfry Hotel Oxford

62

Day 14

Hotel Blenheim Palace, Yarm

282

Day 15

Yarm Beamish Yarm

95

Day 16

Yarm Local Yarm Beamish

94

total 788

Speedo repaired June 2010 Day 17

Beamish Teesside Local Drive

793.1

106.7

Day 18

Local Drive

899.8

9

Day 19

Teesside - Portsmouth

909.7

334

Day 20

St. Malo France -Le Mans - St. Pavace

243

214

Day 21

Mulsanne - Le Mans - St. Pavace

456.2

101

Day 22

St. Pavace - Le Mans

557.9

21

Day 23

Le Mans - St. Pavace

577.2

13

Day 24

St. Pavace - Caen

589.4

440

Day 25

Local Drive

29

10

Day 26

Yarm - Beamish -Yarm - local

39

85

Day 27

Yarm - Beamish

124

47

total 1380

Miles covered as Noted and totaled is 3435 Mileage reading does not include mileage covered while Speedo was being Repaired Last Reading was at Car to Beamish 17 June 2010 Day 27 Trip 208 / Mileage 3105

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KEY NOTES

Aston Martin DB Mk III. Chassis No. AM/300/1815. Registration No. WYE 847 Note of Miles Day Use No.

Details

Start of Day

Completed

Mileometer Reading September 2010 Day 28

Beamish Yarm

3192

50

Day 29

Local Drive

3211

19

Day 30

District Drive

3286

75

Day 31

To Bristol

3556

270

Day 32

To Goodwood & including 3 days local use

3719

163

Day 33

Goodwood to Yarm to Newcastle

4134

415

Day 34

Newcastle to Yarm & some Local Drive

203

69

Day 35

Local Drive

4219

16

Day 36

Yarm Beamish Yarm

4308

89

Day 37

Local Drive

4318

10

Day 38

Some local Drive then Beamish Aston Workshop

4375

57

total 1233

Miles covered as Noted and totaled is 4863 Note of Miles Speedo Recorded Miles & Trip meter discrepancy, Speedo and Trip down period result in Miles shown are an indication, showing some 450 est. short.

1959 - 1962

1st Owner

17982 miles no details

1962 - 1968

Previous Owners

No details

1968 - 1969

Previous Owner

minimal road use

1969 - 2009

Previous Owner

Restoration, No road use

July 9 2009 - October 2010

As used 4863 miles (recorded 4375)

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A Year of My Life Aston Martin

DB Mk III

A Year of My Life Written by Ron Powell owner of DB MKIII WYE 847 produced by Living Legend Productions Aston Workshop www.aston.co.uk

OCTOBER 2010

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A Year of My Life Aston Martin

DB Mk III

A Year of My Life Written by Ron Powell owner of DB MKIII WYE 847 produced by Living Legend Productions Aston Workshop www.aston.co.uk

OCTOBER 2010