Torque works
The official magazine for Aston Martin Works Service January 2005 issue 18
Great cover appeal
Back to its former glory: The race-prepared DB7.
Back on the track… A very special DB7, sold at last May’s Bonhams’ Newport Pagnell auction, has finally fulfilled its destiny by taking to the track, four months after its purchase. The car was one of two DB7s stripped out and raceprepared as part of a project looking into an Aston Martin-only racing series, with the possibility that the car would also compete at Le Mans. Although this original scheme was put on hold, the Works Service-modified DB7 did make its circuit debut at Silverstone in September, at the Aston Martin Owners Club St John Horsfall Meeting. The DB7 was in action against everything from DB2/4s to V8s, although it wasn’t quite used to its full capabilities as its new owner needed to drive it back home afterwards! To all those who saw it, though, its massive potential was obvious. Modifications included alloy front wings and bonnet, Perspex windows, uprated suspension and brakes and some mechanical tweaks, making this DB7 one very potent Aston Martin indeed.
Aston Martin proudly announces the launch of yet another great new product — The Aston Martin Journal. This 192-page, strictly limited-edition book, produced with Haymarket Publishing, chronicles the past five years inside the fastest growing car company in the world. Written by some of the world’s most respected feature writers, The Aston Martin Journal is not a history book, nor a guide to the company, but an in-depth look at how Aston Martin is shaping up in the 21st century. From the story behind the launch of the DB9 to the opening of the company’s new Gaydon facility, The Aston Martin Journal traces the monumental changes within the company, closing with the announcement of the company’s return to racing and a preview of the V8 Vantage, both due in 2005. Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented: “A book like this does not appear as a matter of course, but because we feel we have something to celebrate — and it allows us to share that celebration with some of our closest friends.” ■ The Aston Martin Journal is available to customers at £49 (plus postage and packaging). To order, please contact the Parts team on 01908 305530.
News
Safe in our hands Nobody wants to have an accident — but if the worst happens, the team from Works Service is here for you. Our customers can now call on the services of the new, enlarged Accident Repair Centre at Newport Pagnell, helping you get your beloved Aston Martin or Lagonda back on the road and restored to tip-top condition in the shortest possible time. The area within our workshop is now three times its former size — making it the biggest accident repair centre for Aston Martins anywhere in the world. The newly-extended centre houses both a dedicated area for older cars, and a new area designed for DB9 and Vanquish repairs. Both areas feature the very latest equipment, and our team of highly skilled craftsmen ensure every repair we do is to the very highest standard. ■ For further details of our accident repair services, please contact the team on 01908 619264.
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News
Testing: The new DBR9.
Selling the dream On June 4, Works Service will once again be hosting the annual Bonhams auction. As always, Aston Martin enthusiasts from the UK and the world will be flocking to Newport Pagnell to view a wealth of classic examples of the marque, to soak up the atmosphere — and maybe to meet the car of their dreams. This year’s auction looks like being the biggest and best ever. Since its inception six years ago, the event has been gathering momentum, and now many of our customers regard it as an essential part of their social calendar. Which means that, if you have a classic Aston Martin to sell, there has never been a better opportunity. Owners who enter their cars for the sale can be assured that their car will receive expert care and will be treated in a way that truly reflects its value. Bonhams New Bond Street Managing Director, James Knight, said: “Naturally, owners can be apprehensive about putting their car up for auction. We can reassure them that we will take the greatest care of their beloved vehicles. Transportation, storage and presentation of these unique vehicles
Buzz: The annual Bonhams auction generates great interest.
is handled very carefully – and this is done in partnership with the experts at Works Service. “The seller can also have peace of mind that his own pride and joy won’t just be one in a crowd of four or five similar cars – each one we present at the auction will be unique.” He added: “As the Aston Martin brand becomes even more famous, more and more enthusiasts are aspiring to own one. There is a real depth of demand for the brand, which means that putting your car up for auction is the recommended route for sellers.” Bonhams offers potential sellers detailed advice on value, and in most cases, an expert will visit the owner, and
offer a realistic estimate. They will also recommend placing a reserve price on the car, generally placed at just below the estimate. Sellers pay an initial entry fee, plus Bonhams’ commission – a percentage of the selling price which is agreed in advance with the customer. In the event of the car not meeting its reserve, only the entry fee is charged,” James added. ■ If you are interested in putting up your car for auction at this year’s sale, please contact the Bonhams Motoring Co-ordinator, Marcus Ross, or any member of the motoring department, on 020 7629 6602 or email cars@bonhams.com for a noobligation discussion.
Vanquish S produces passionate response It has been hard to ignore the excitement surrounding the launch of the V12 Vanquish S. The fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin was bound to evoke a passionate response, and it is not just Aston Martin enthusiasts that have been lavishing praise on the car. Since its debut at September’s Paris Motor Show, it has been winning admirers from the national and motoring press. Writing in Autocar, Chris Harris described the Vanquish S as “the definitive front-engined two-seat British super GT”, adding: “It would be
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a delight to wake up every morning with a Vanquish S on your driveway and know it now drives as well as it looks.” Car Magazine’s Kieren Puffett was equally impressed. “It’s the relentless accumulation of speed above 100mph that impresses most,” he explains, adding: “you’ll take any excuse to run it through the gears.” The Daily Telegraph’s Andrew English, wrote: “If you’re thinking of buying one, well lucky you...”. But the final word has to go to Jeremy Clarkson, writing in Top Gear, who remarked: “It is the kind of place you could happily live in.”
A great piece of kit!
Online page: Heritage restoration. restoration
Smart new look Aston Martin has a new-look website: www.astonmartin.com offers customers a wealth of information on everything Aston Martin, including dedicated pages on the range of services on offer from the Works Service team, and back issues of Works Torque available to download. Further elements will be added to the site soon, including an online service booking facility, which the Works Service team expects to be up and running early this year.
The unique Aston Martin Works Service Accident Witness Kit never fails to impress — even those at Autocar were rather taken with it. It seems they ‘found’ the kit in the door pocket of their DB9 press car, and decided to offer it as a prize to the most deserving reader. Under the heading, ‘Crashingly Good Bit of Kit,’ the mag enthused: “Like the car, it’s an excellent piece of kit. It includes an instant camera with flash, a pen and two ‘witness reports’.… All items are adorned with the elegant AM logo and are finished in an understated gloss black.” ■ If you would like to purchase your own kit, please contact the Works Service team on 01908 619264. Impressed: The article in Autocar magazine.
News On the fast-track
A more personal service The Works Service team continues to offer a very special service to new Aston Martin owners — a new-car handover from Newport Pagnell. Whether the next love of their life is a Vanquish S built at the factory neighbouring Works Service, or a DB9 from Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art Gaydon facility, customers have the option to collect their car from the very birthplace of the marque. As well as an expert handover, customers can expect a warm welcome from the Works Service team, plus a guided tour of the workshop facilities. In addition to doing handovers, the Works Service team can also fit a range of accessories to customers’ cars. Recent requests from DB9 owners have included the fitting of headrest pads, carbon fibre interior trims, and proximity sensors. ■ For further details of our services, contact the Works Service team on 01908 619264.
The Works Service team introduced a brand new initiative this summer — fast-track servicing — and your response has been phenomenal. Customers clearly love the same-day turnaround which means their car is away from them for the shortest time possible, and they appreciate the fact that there is no compromise on the quality of craftsmanship their car receives from the Works Service experts. However, such has been demand for the fast-track service the team is striving to be able to offer customers the shortest possible lead time between the booking call and the service date, so they would like to ask you to plan ahead and give the team a week’s notice when your car is in need of attention. ■ To find out more about the fasttrack service, or to make a booking, contact the team on 01908 619264. works torque • january 05 issue 18
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Many cars originally built at Newport Pagnell are returning to Works Service for expert restoration
Fm F With winter upon us, owners of older Aston Martins are taking the opportunity to get their cars renovated at Newport Pagnell’s latest centre of excellence. And they can’t fail to be delighted by the results.
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When Works Service launched its new Heritage Restoration Centre back in May of 2004, all those involved expected it to become very busy very quickly. But the unprecedented levels of demand for the services of Newport Pagnell’s newest centre of excellence have exceeded all expectations. With winter the traditional time for older Aston Martins to enter semi-hibernation, many owners have been exploring the possibility of having their cars renovated by the company that built them originally. “It’s a fantastically busy time for the Restoration Centre at the moment,” Restoration Manager, David Townsend, explains. “We all thought it would be busiest during the summer, but this winter, it has just taken off in a major way. This is how we were hoping it would be.” Four classic DBs are currently enjoying the specialist attentions of Works Service’s craftsmen, with the DB4 that entered the centre in several big pieces back in May now reassembled to its
RESTORATION UPDATE original shape. After e-coating and painting, the chassis has now been mated up again with the body, which looks good in Deep Carriage Green and is ready for the interior and exterior trim to be added, along with the powder-coated suspension and brake components. Having the chassis e-coated — a method that involves dipping it in a tub of high-quality paint and then using electrical current to bond it to the metal inside and out — has ensured a quality of underbody finish that would have been considered almost science fiction when the DB4 was new. “Essentially, we’re applying a modern day corrosion-proofing process to a 1960s car,” says David. “This is exactly the same thing that we did with a DB7. It reinforces our view that an Aston Martin really is a car for life.” Meanwhile, the first car to be completed by the Restoration Centre — a DB5 — has been returned to its European owner, who was, according to David, “delighted with it.” “At the time, he just couldn’t express his excitement. We spent two hours explaining exactly what we had done with the DB5. But he was so eager to get into the car and drive it.”
A special touch was the presentation of four books photographically chronicling the rebuild in depth. The books were bound in leather and, naturally, monogrammed with the Aston Martin logo on the front of each, and the owner was almost as delighted with these as he was with the car itself, as it will allow him to show off exactly what has been done. The DB5 work was more than just a simple rebuild though. Sympathetic modern upgrades have transformed the way the car drives and handles, although despite all the enhancements, “It’s a fantastically busy the car still looks just as original as it did time for the Restoration when built. The proof of any Centre at the moment” pudding is in the eating, though, and not long after the handover, Works Service received welcome feedback from the still-delighted owner. “He drove the car all around the south of England before going back to Europe,” says David. “He’s now having luggage specially made because he plans to do a lot more touring in it!”
EXCELLENCE Attention to detail by the Restoration Centre produces fantastic results
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A time to reflect on a fantastic year The new year is a time both for looking back and looking forward. Reflecting on 2004, I am amazed at how far we have come. With the advent of the DB9, we have welcomed many new friends into the Aston Martin family, and our range of services has expanded to meet their needs. There is even more to look forward to for 2005. We, our friends and customers will be eagerly following Aston Martin’s progress on the racetrack; we will also be preparing for the biggest and best ever Bonhams auction in Works Service .
We can also announce further improvements to our service. With a major expansion of our accident repair centre now complete, we are proud to say that Works Service has the world’s biggest and most technologically advanced repair centre dedicated to Aston Martin and Lagonda. All these initiatives have been made with the customer in mind so that we can continue to offer all our owners the very best for their cars — whether yours is the latest DB9 or an historic and well-loved DB4. We look forward to helping you enjoy your car during 2005, and I
hope to see you at Works Service before too long.
Kingsley Riding-Felce Director, Customer Relations
Contents News 3
Back on the track: A very special Aston Martin DB7 fulfills its destiny
5
A more personal service: new-car handover from Newport Pagnell
On the cover
Features
Unveiled: The new DBR9, which will spearhead Aston Martin’s return to motor racing in 2005.
6-7
Centre of excellence: the new Heritage Restoration Centre is creating great levels of interest
8-9
Dawn of a new era: we take a closer look at the new Aston Martin DBR9 racing car
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Owners Club and heritage: news, events and a road test
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: Service2@astonmartin.com
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Regulars 11
A day in the life of: a Fast-Track Technician
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Glove compartment: check out the latest stylish accessories we offer
15
Me and my Lagonda: Roger Ivett talks about his “obsession”
RETURN TO RACING
NEW
Aston Martin has unveiled the new DBR9 – the car which will spearhead the company’s return to international motor racing in 2005.
is shared with the DBR9 and provides both with a The 6.0-litre V12 DBR9 was unveiled at Aston lightweight rigid chassis. The race engine uses the Martin’s Gaydon facility on November 4 and will same aluminium cylinder block and head as the undergo an intensive testing programme prior DB9’s 450bhp 6.0-litre V12 unit, but with racing to its planned 12-hour debut race at Sebring, modification it is expected to produce in the Florida, in March 2005. region of 600bhp. Aston Martin Racing will run two cars at Sebring The DB9’s double wishbone suspension before moving to Europe to prepare for the Le Mans 24 hours in June. This configuration has been retained, but upgraded. will mark our return to Formula One-style carbon the race which we won in “The DBR9 is the first step in brakes are fitted front and 1959 with Roy Salvadori rear and a competition sixand Carroll Shelby in our return to motorsport and speed sequential gearbox the cockpit of a DBR1. In is mounted at the rear axle. recognition of this, the I know that our customers The wheels have also DBR9 will carry the same been specially designed for green and yellow livery. and enthusiasts are looking the car and are made from Aston Martin Racing forged magnesium. will build 12 Works cars, forward to seeing Aston to be run by three Works The DBR9 was styled teams in the major by Aston Martin Racing’s Martin racing again at an international GT series. own design team, which Twenty racing made extensive use of international level in 2005.” cars, built to the same Computational Fluid specification, will be Dynamics to optimise the made available to selected customers to race or aerodynamics before producing the final body surface. keep in private collections. In the cockpit, a carbon composite dashboard, The DBR9 GT racing car is based on the DB9 lightweight racing seat and the driver’s instrument — but is significantly modified for competition use. panels have replaced all the original car’s trim. The DB9’s bonded-aluminium body architecture The panels are handmade from carbon fibre
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ERA The DBR9 — more than just a car.
composite, helping the car to meet its 1,100kg minimum weight and giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 550bhp per tonne — more than double that of the road car. The result is a GT racing car with outstanding performance but with the beauty and integrity of an Aston Martin. To lead the marque’s return to international motorsport, a new division called Aston Martin Racing has been created in partnership with Prodrive, the world’s leading motorsport and automotive technology specialist. Prodrive, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, will be responsible for Aston Martin Racing’s global operations and will play a pivotal role in the plans to see a competitive Aston Martin programme return to the world sports car championships. Dr Ulrich Bez said: “We need to create heightened awareness of Aston Martin around the world and motorsport will allow us to do this. The DBR9 is the first step in our return to motorsport and I know that our customers and enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing Aston Martin racing again at an international level in 2005.” He added: “The DBR9 is more than just a car. It signals the beginning of a new era for Aston Martin. Motorsport is a key part of our rich heritage and with the Aston Martin Racing DBR9 it will now become part of our future.”
What the press ss said… “There can only be one verdict on the car,” said Classic Driver, “utterly gorgeous.” Sporting Life welcomed the prospect of “the legendary Aston Martin name” returning to racing in 2005, while 4car said: “New suspension, steering and chassis componentry will ensure the DBR9 is a feather-light track demon.” Autocar said the launch of the DBR9, coupled with the DB9 coupe and new Vanquish S, showed Aston Martin was a “blossoming car company reaping the benefits of sensitive management”. Comparing it to the DB9 Volante, the magazine’s Steve Cropley said: “The DBR9 is a beautifully engineered, racing-only 600bhp version of the DB9 supercar.” He praised the car’s handbuilt carbon fibre and aluminium construction, adding: “The DBR9’s superb finish far exceeds most race cars.” The DBR9 “is surely heading for Le Mans glory”, adds the magazine, “if the old adage about greatlooking cars being quick holds true.”
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Word POWER Word POWER — the Aston Martin A—Z of acronyms. In this issue: L–P LCD — Liquid Crystal Display LED — Light Emitting Diode LPG — Liquefied Petroleum Gas OBC — On Board Computer OE — Original Equipment PAG — Premier Automotive Group PAS — Power Assisted Steering
Tool box
Do you know where you are? You know where you are with satellite navigation — or do you? If your navigation system is now more than a year or two old, it may be time for you to change the map CD to keep pace with new road developments and other changes affecting navigation. Works Service can help with upgrading your satellite navigation technology, whether or not the team fitted the original system for you. ■ For advice, please contact the team on 01908 619264.
Gearing up to meet new rules
TLC: Treat your Aston Martin to a well-earned service.
Beating the winter blues Take care of your car as well as yourself this winter. This time of year always puts extra strain on cars, even when they’re as well built as Aston Martins. Earlier, darker nights and lower temperatures mean the battery has to work harder than usual due to increased electrical usage, and however advanced a vehicle is, the good-old fashioned fan belt is still a vital link in any engine’s chain. It’s also essential that safety-crucial items, 10
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such as tyres and wipers, are operating at optimum performance, and antifreeze is at its optimum level. To make sure that your Aston Martin — old or new — is in the best of health during the winter, talk to Works Service on 01908 619264, who’ll be happy to undertake a thorough examination, and also check for the effects of road salt underneath the car and remove any potentially harmful accumulation if necessary.
The Works Service team is geared up to meet new standards on the sale of financial products. New regulations are being introduced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and come into force on January 14. They cover products relating to insurance, including warranty protection and breakdown recovery services such as those offered by Works Service. In anticipation of the new rules, the team has reviewed its products and policies to ensure it complies fully with the new regulations, meaning even greater peace of mind for our customers. ■ To find out more about the Works Service range of extended warranty products, please contact the team on 01908 619264.
A day in the life of . . . name: Christian Lewis job description: Fast-Track Technician time spent at Aston Martin: 4 years
From the moment the owners call to book in their cars, Christian and the rest of the Fast-Track team are hard at work ensuring everything runs smoothly for a rapid and professional service. When Works Torque caught up with Christian, on a typical day in FastTrack, there wasn’t much time to stop and chat. Such is the nature of the six Fast-Track Technicians’ roles — getting Vanquish and DB9s in and out of the Newport Pagnell workshops in a few hours — that the team is constantly on the go. “It’s about getting it right at speed,” said Christian. But although the working day is intensive, there’s still the same feeling for the cars that you can observe in the rest of Works Service. “Whenever you’re working with an Aston Martin, it’s always personal. Each car has its
own character, and no two are the any delays can affect what else is due same.” in,” explained Christian. However, the The Fast-Track process starts system can be flexible as well. immediately a customer pre-books “There have been a few times where his car in. The day before the vehicle a customer has driven past and just arrives, all the necessary parts are popped in to see if there was a slot parked next available — to the service and we could “If anything unexpected bay so they’re fit his car immediately needs to be done, the in without to hand when upsetting the rest of the technician will try to fix needed. work flow.” “It’s also A service essential that it within the day” can take the vehicle between two and six hours, depending itself arrives on time. With three to five on the customer’s, and the car’s, cars a day going through Fast-Track, requirements. “If anything unexpected needs to be done, the technician will try to fix it within the day. Obviously, all the parts are immediately available to us here. Otherwise, we’ll give the customer the option to leave it with us, or put it back in another day,” said Christian. “A lot of customers have also requested upgrades while their cars have been with us. Headrest pads, parking sensors and upgrades of the music system have been popular.” Once the service has been done, the car goes off for a service valet, by which time another one has replaced it on the service ramp. And then it all begins again….
Christian and the rest of the skilled Fast-Track Technicians ensure quick but thorough servicing. works torque • january 05 issue 18
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AMOC AND HERITAGE TRUST Make a date…
AS announced in the last issue of Works Torque, the next Aston Martin Heritage Trust event is the Walter Hayes Memorial Lecture at the RAC in London on January 19. Jeremy Main will be speaking about the DBR9’s development and this year’s competition plans. As you would expect, tickets have been going quickly. The Trust will also be represented on the AMOC stand at February’s International Historic Motor Sports Show at Stoneleigh. The Dudley Coram Memorial Lecture will take place on April 10 at the Barn, and will be as fascinating as ever. Details will be publicised on the website, www.amheritrust.org Incoming Trust Secretary, Robert Ellis, said: “The Trustees would like to wish all readers of Works Torque a prosperous New Year. “Last year saw some changes at the Trust. However, plans for 2005 are advancing, and all the administration is now being dealt with directly from the Barn. “Watch the website for details of all the Trust’s events and other developments during the year.” ■ For details of any of these events, please contact Robert on 01895 400414.
calendar of events
2005 Key:
January 29 April 9
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■ AMOC events ■ other events AMOC Annual Presentation of Awards Curborough Track/ Instruction Day
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High-profile event
THE highest-profile event ever for the Aston Martin Owners’ Club is set to take place on Saturday, April 23 — The Royal Windsor St George’s Day Festival of Aston Martin. The main part of the festival will be a strictly Members-only affair, and will feature a parade of more than 200 Aston Martins. The parade of vehicles will assemble in Windsor, drive through St George’s Gate and then on slowly through the private grounds of Windsor Castle, passing a dais where the cars will be reviewed and a photograph taken of every vehicle participating. The event, held in association with the Rotary Club of Windsor and Eton, will raise funds for the Prince Philip Trust Fund, and all members taking part will be asked to contribute a donation of £50. The historic parade will include some of the very earliest Aston Martin models as well as the very latest, together with some world-famous racing cars and some four-wheeled stars from the James Bond films. The cars will then gather in Frogmore, where there will be an
Royal Windsor St George’s Day Festival of Aston Martin April 29 Mallory Track Day April 30 AMOC AGM May 1 Mallory Race Day May 14 Wiscombe Hillclimb May 22 Curborough Sprint — long circuit June 4 Bonhams Auction June 5 Spring Concours — Waddesdon June 11 Snetterton Race Day June 26 Donnington Race Day April 21-24
opportunity for owners to socialise. The public will then be admitted to view the cars and enjoy an equestrian and military display put on by The Light Cavalry of The Honourable Artillery Company. Members will also be able to enjoy other AMOC events before and after the parade, including a New Orleans Jazz Cruise on the Thames on April 21, and a glittering 70th Anniversary Dinner on the evening of April 23. ■ For further details, or to enquire about membership, please contact Diane Howe, Club Secretary, on 01865 400400, or visit www.amoc.org
St John Horsfall Race Day. Silverstone July 24-26 Goodwood Festival of Speed July 15 Goodwood Track Day July 16 Goodwood Sprint July 31 Loton Park Hillclimb August 20 Brands Hatch Race Day September 18 Curborough Sprint — short circuit September 21 Grand Palaces Tour —October 1 — Switzerland & Italy October 1 Oulton Park Race Day July 9
A celebration of true style… In the autumn, Aston Martin revealed an impressive new collection — a range of merchandise and fashion accessories celebrating the most significant period of change in the company’s 90-year history. The Aston Martin Collection features items from luxury clothing to children’s toys, as well as a range of leather luggage designed by Aston Martin’s Interior Design Manager, Sarah Maynard, whose influence is seen on the interior of the DB9. Many of the 120 items are unique to Aston Martin, from the sterling silver ‘Wheelspinner’ cufflinks to the colourful selection of ladies’ suede driving gloves. Every piece has been chosen because it either reflects Aston Martin design or has an inherent quality that is unique to The Collection. ■ To view the full collection range, visit: www.astonmartin.com
Umbrellas – the long and the short of it Whichever Aston you drive, Works Service has got you covered — with an eye-catching and elegant range of umbrellas. The team at Works Service is offering customers the traditionalstyle Aston Martin umbrella — a perfect fit for your DB7 or Vanquish — at a bargain price. The new DB9 driver, meanwhile, can now order a purpose-made, shorter-length umbrella which exactly fits into the car’s boot, and has all the quality and style you expect from all things Aston Martin. ■ For further details of how Works Service can protect you and your car from the weather, contact the team on 01908 619264.
Glove compartment Precision engineering — on your wrist! Aston Martin has revived a link which goes back more than 70 years with venerated Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre in order to create the AMV0X1. This exclusive gentleman’s timepiece houses precision engineering in a design inspired by the past, with the case, hands and functionality reflecting the rich heritage of the two companies. However, the colour of the dial, the high-tech case and the layout of the digits, which are arranged in a sweep of 270 degrees rather than the conventional 360 degrees, give the watch a contemporary look. The watch will be produced in two versions: a limited numbered series of 750 pieces in titanium, and a special edition in stainless steel. ■ For further details, contact the Works Service team on 01908 619264.
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HERITAGE AND RESTORATION
Put to the road test: Lagonda Are you a Lagonda owner? In 1977 Motor Trend magazine ran a fourpage report on the launch of a motoring legend, whose space age looks made a huge impression on the style-conscious 70s motorist. “One of the most elegant wedges
yet seen on four wheels,” wrote an excited John Blunsden, adding: “If the styling is exciting, the interior and its equipment are remarkable.” And it is not difficult to see why. In place of the standard instrument panel, the car featured a strip running
Motor Trend magazine’s 1977 road test.
the full length of the fascia, with a rectangular ‘read-out’ above the steering column, coupled with a series of touch-sensitive control surfaces. “The latest Lagonda offers a new concept of luxury car accommodation and car control, including electronically controlled instrumentation,” he added. To the reviewer’s delight, more touch switches controlled the lights, windows, door locks, seats, air conditioning and screen cleaning — as well as the automatic cruise control and automatic transmission selector. The four-overhead-camshaft 5340cc engine, a top speed of 140mph and a 0–60mph acceleration time of seven seconds were all appreciated, and the car’s 17ft 4in length also impressed. He concludes: “It’s one heck of a car with which to revive the classic name Lagonda.” All these years on, it’s hard not to agree.
The language of Lagonda It seems incredible that a car known for its futuristic good looks should have taken its name from an ancient language spoken by American Indians. Lagonda is named after the Shawnee Indian word for Buck Creek, a stream near Springfield, Ohio — the home town of the car’s developer, Wilbur Gunn. An engineer and opera singer, Gunn came to the UK as a performer, and at the end of the 19th century built motorcycles at his home in Staines. In 1904, he built his first three-wheeled ‘tricar’. In 1913 Gunn introduced the light 11.1, and a year later a four-seater. The company rapidly established a name in motor racing, and in 1921, a single-seater Lagonda set five records and covered 79.17 miles in one hour. The records were all lost to Aston Martin one week later. A Lagonda won at Le Mans in 1935, and in 1938 a V12 saloon covered 101.5 miles in one hour. Lagonda’s name was kept alive by Alan Good, who re-formed it as LG Motors, and launched the 4.5-litre LG45.
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1948 saw the merger of Lagonda with Aston Martin, under David Brown, and production moved to Feltham. Two- and four-door saloons and a convertible followed. When, in 1955, David Brown took over Tickford Motor Bodies in Newport Pagnell, production was moved to the site. In 1961 the 4.0-litre Rapide was launched. In 1972, the company was sold to Company Developments, which in 1974 produced the Lagonda V8. The takeover of Aston Martin Lagonda by American Peter Sprague and Canadian George Minden in 1975 heralded the appearance of a new V8 Lagonda in 1976. Its strikingly modern appearance and advanced specification made a huge impact. It remained in production until 1990.
ME AND MY LAGONDA
A natural
OBSESSION
Aston Martin
Roger with his 1980 Lagonda.
Lagonda enthusiast Roger Ivett’s passion for the marque comes from his appreciation of 007 movies — and a love affair with his 1980
Roger Ivett — facts
Lagonda.
■ Roger works in finance and lives
Roger Ivett’s Lagonda is no everyday vehicle.
In 1995, Roger Ivett bought a 15-yearold car to use as an everyday vehicle to commute between Luton and London. Nothing too unusual in that perhaps . . . except the car he chose to cover around 10,000 miles a year in was a 1980 Lagonda, one of the most distinctive, flamboyant and complicated creations the marque has ever built. “I’d always liked Aston Martins — I guess it was the James Bond connection,” says Roger. “The Lagonda I liked subsequently, after I saw one in Highgate which planted a seed in my mind.” That seed didn’t just grow into the 1980 gold Series 2 example (chassis no 13049) you see here. It also became something he has good-naturedly referred to as an ‘obsession’, leading to him joining the Aston Martin Owners’ Club and the Lagonda Club, organising events for other owners and setting up a highly informative website at www.astonmartinlagonda.net Living close to Works Service means that Roger’s Lagonda has had the best of
in Harlington, Bedfordshire, handily close to Newport Pagnell for when his Lagonda requires any attention. ■ He has one Lagonda at the moment, but would ideally love to own more. “I’d like to have one of each of the three dashboard designs!” ■ Non-enthusiasts are often surprised that Roger’s car was built by Aston Martin. “Usually, they come up and ask what it is. On these early cars, there aren’t too many identifying badges.”
care, proving generally reliable over the last decade. Even its advanced electronic dashboard — spectacular for the 1970s — has only had the ‘odd glitch’ during the car’s British and French trips. There was a momentary aberration in 2001 when Roger sold his car, but almost immediately regretted it. “I knew where it had gone, and six months later, I went and bought it back!” And there are certainly no plans to part company with it again. “It would have to be under duress. Although I might consider changing it for a different one….” works torque • january 05 issue 18
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Aston Martin Works Service, Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire MK16 9AN, United Kingdom.