Speccing an AMV8 Vantage

[RRG]

Don't worry, I'm not going to go in a quandry over whether to specify the first aid kit or whatever - I know that's been done to death already on this forum

My dealer has just asked me to spec my car for Jan 07 delivery - wahey! What I want to know is should I go up to the factory to spec the car? I've not been offered this option but I remember reading a few posts about those of you who took early delivery visiting the factory, but can remember if it was to spec the car, or simply to see it on the production line.

If you did visit for speccing purposes, was it worth it? Should I demand that my dealer let me go?

cheers

[siscar]

It's worth going to the factory for the experience if nothing else. I didn't find it particularly useful for working out a spec, although I had already seen a car at the launch with the colour I wanted (Toro Red). You do see a number of cars although when I was there they were almost all black or grey (but then most people seem to go for black or grey).

I think that they are having problems fitting people in though, they do the tour individually and I don't think they have the capacity to cope with the number of people who want to do it. At least that was the impression I got.

[anonymous-user]

I was under the impression that the factory visits had now ceased!!!

[siscar]

garyhun said:

I was under the impression that the factory visits had now ceased!!!

I've no information either way on that, it was back in January I went. But I'd be surprised if they've stopped them, having a 'showcase' factory and then not letting people in to see is a bit daft and it is one of those experiences that help make AM ownership special.

[v12Aston]

THEY ARE STILL DOING FACTORY VISITS - a friend specced his car two weeks ago and found it very useful. As you say, even if you dont find it useful for the colours it is a very impressive place to visit. Makes the old cheque feel a little better about leaving the pocket, too.

[williamp]

If you join the owners club you can visit the factory for free (and Newport Pagnall). A lot cheaper then buying one of those mass-produced things

[v12Aston]

True, but doesn't keep the marque, that you love, going!

[RRG]

Spoken to my dealer - can get a trip to the factory in July

Will provide my spec next week but can apparently change it for up to 60 days.

Equipment is easy, speccing colour & trim is a major (but pleasurable!) headache. Why does EVERYONE go for silver or black with black?? So boring!! I'm determined to do something a little more original... Watch this space.

[shadytree]

RRG said:

I'm determined to do something a little more original... Watch this space.

Just remember a little more original might not be to everones taste come resale.
Pink Aston's get killed in the 2nd hand market !

[RRG]

too true oh wise one

however, don't see why I should spec it purely for owner #2's pleasure!

don't worry, I'm aiming for original but in good taste (hopefully...)

that kestrel tan leather option looks too good to miss, but what paint colour to match it with... hmmm... Monaco Blue? Goodwood Green? Californian Sage?? Thoughts appreciated all...

[shadytree]

RRG said:

too true oh wise one however, don't see why I should spec it purely for owner #2's pleasure! don't worry, I'm aiming for original but in good taste (hopefully...) that kestrel tan leather option looks too good to miss, but what paint colour to match it with... hmmm... Monaco Blue? Goodwood Green? Californian Sage?? Thoughts appreciated all...

Rich1231 is your man in Kestral. Looks very nice

[siscar]

RRG said:

too true oh wise one however, don't see why I should spec it purely for owner #2's pleasure! don't worry, I'm aiming for original but in good taste (hopefully...) that kestrel tan leather option looks too good to miss, but what paint colour to match it with... hmmm... Monaco Blue? Goodwood Green? Californian Sage?? Thoughts appreciated all...

Toro Red - looks stunning and is the colour AM used themselves at launch, for press cars and even for the car in their reception. Park a Toro in a car park with other Astons and see how it is the one everyone is drawn to

[g55dxb]

Agreed, Toro red is stunning. It was my second choice after Mercury Silver. I don't care if there are 10,000 cars in the same color as mine...as long as I continue to get the smile on my face every time i see it.

[Colb2]

I went for Chiltern Green, red calipers and Black interior. Dealer has reordered for his showroom car the same colour.

The car looks traditional and shows the shape perfect. Everyone that has seen it approves and have just spent the day with a photographer who drove 2 hours to get shots for a calender.

Guess beauty is in the eye of beholder whatever you select there will be those for and those against. Go for what you want and don't be swayed..

[cirks]

g55dxb said:

Agreed, Toro red is stunning.

So true....So, who bought mine from Grange in the end?

[RRG]

Currently moving towards Ghillies (dark) Green

However, the last green car I had (Chimaera in Cureton Green) I wrote off...

Not like me to be superstitious, but is green an unlucky colour???

[mjk1]

Definately worth visiting the factory to choose the colour if nothing else. I originally specced metallic black but when we got there and saw all the different options we prefered the meteorite silver. Different cars suit different colours and in my eyes the V8 definately looks best in meteorite. Look forward to getting it in 3 weeks.

[RRG]

Ok. I've bored you all with this so far so here is whats going on;

Went into the dealer today to place an initial spec-

Celeste Blue (light silvery blue, like Jaguar ice blue)
Caspian hide
Caspian carpets
Silver coarse stitching
Tailors grey headlining
Piano black facia trim
Black brake calipers

However, there was a Vanquish in the showroom in midnight blue (ultra fine mettalic) which looked great, and could be superb on the V8 with Kestrel Tan hide... Going to factory in July which could result in a total change in direction (again)

Additionally, you may be interested to know that 07 model years cars have gone up in price but include the following as standard;

full leather
tracker
new style seats with more 'wraparound' (dealerspeak, non mine)
LED illumination of door handles at night
+ a few other bits & bobs

Delivery in Jan 07. Suddenly its all starting to seem a bit more real

[razbox]

RRG said:

..you may be interested to know that 07 model years cars have gone up in price but include the following as standard;

full leather
tracker
new style seats with more 'wraparound' (dealerspeak, non mine)
LED illumination of door handles at night
+ a few other bits & bobs

What's the new price?

[RRG]

hate to say this - but can't remember...

think it was £84k, but that probably included the dealers 1.2k delivery & preparation / slush fund charges...