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Damon Hill's Vantage point
There seem to be two brackets of car in this sector: the heavier grand tourer-type car - the category in which the Vantage fits - and then the lighter, nimbler cars like the Ferraris and Porsches - and the Vantage definitely isn't one of those. The Aston is actually going to appeal to a completely different mindset.
You're buying something quintessentially British - Bond and all that kind of thing. I think the challenge for Aston Martin has been to come up with something that is constantly capable of fulfilling those preconceptions and, apart from the points I've mentioned, I think the Vantage has definitely done that.
Let's face it. People are not expecting to go racing in this car. Most people are going to cruise around in it and enjoy the power it has. It may have a very slow pickup, but it also has lots of beautiful low-end torque. The stopping power's important and it helps that the brakes seemed impressive enough.
'People are not expecting to go racing in this car. Most people are going to cruise around in it'
In terms of handling it seemed very well planted, but it does feel like a heavy car. I'm guessing that they've had to put relatively stiff springs on it and tight bars. As most Vantages will be driving down roads doing about 40mph, this is a car you would expect to glide slickly over the bumps. Unfortunately, it doesn't.
However, all things considered, the Aston Vantage stands on its own merit as a machine, but one which can disregard the competition in its field, because of its unique qualities. There is no question that it is a beautiful product.
And it's an ideal car for the P1 International fleet because, like Ferrari and Bentley, Aston's heritage means that the Vantage becomes another chapter in the story of one of the most desirable brands of automobile in the world.
Our members will want to drive this car because they will want to add it to their portfolio of driving experiences.
Nevertheless, I think there's still work to be done with this Aston. The attention now needs to be focused on getting the full experience out of driving a V8 Vantage.
Damon Hill
Read Aston Martin Vantage Car Review
Aston Martin Vantage road test
V8 Vantage Roadster - April 16, 2007
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