Aston Martin Vantage news - Disad-Vantage - 2008

We're constantly bemused by the number of tuning houses that turn their oft-unwelcome attentions to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Why do they feel it necessary to try and visually improve on something that really, really doesn't need improvement? Aren't there enough pig-ugly cars out there to mess with?

Premier4509 is the latest house to have a shot at, erm, upgrading the Vantage. You get a bodykit built from 'high grade fibre reinforced plastic' - so, plastic then? - and a host of 'optional carbon fibre accessories'. Handbags and compact mirrors and soforth, we assume.

"Aston Martin is a classic brand," says Premier4509 boss Hironoa Yokomaku without a hint of irony, "and my focus for the creation of this new design was to capture the classic lines and invigorate it with masculine shapes."

The only saving grace is that a mere 300 modified Vantages will be produced. Until the next misguided effort comes along, at least.