The latest Aston Martin V8 Vantage was officially welcomed to the South West at a glittering event in the premises of Aston Martin Bristol. Around 360 invited guests, many of them AMOC members, enjoyed a drinks and canapes reception before the star of the show was unveiled by dealer principle, Aaron Allnutt and his team.
Aaron Allnutt introduces proceedings
Presentations by Paul Collett (AML Regional Manager UK & South Africa) and Tom Clayton from the AML New Vantage Regional Team, bracketed the big reveal, supported by impressive and stirring videos in thundering surround-sound... almost enough to drown out the firing of the new twin-turbocharged V8... almost!
Three Mikes, a Judy and a Bev. Area 4's French, Jones and Haynes enjoying the pre-reveal drinks
A huge and welcome surprise for everyone was the presence the Le Mans 2017-winning GTE Pro-Vantage #97 along with driver Jonny Adam who famously piloted the car across the winning line after the most exciting ever last lap of the famous old race. See story here.
Jonny answered questions on the stage about the old and new race cars (the latter of which he and his fellow drivers and race team are very excited about) and then stayed all evening for photographs and chats. It was a joy to hear how pleased he was to have delighted so many people back in June and that the only external noise he could hear from the car was the cheer from the grandstand as he crossed the winning line!
The Le Mans 2017-winning car of Jonny Adam, Darren Turner and Daniel Serra
Meanwhile, the party continued downstairs where there were a few more special exhibits, including the recently-launched DB11 Volante and the sister Le Mans Vantage Race Car #95.
Lots of attractions downstairs too, including the #95 Race Car...
... and the new DB11 Volante.
Also on-site was a practical display by Vaughtons of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, makers of the famous Aston Martin wing badges.
Once again, the Aston Martin Bristol team put on a great evening with everyone, from technician to principal, being on-hand to help in every way. A special mention here for Evie Dibble who co-ordinates all of their events, in addition to her other roles in the Dick Lovett Group.
The departing view: lots of Vantage variants, including the Aston Martin Heritage Trusts's AM Vantage of 1973 (left)
Andrew & Gillian Fawkes were delighted to meet Le Mans-winning driver, Jonny Adam (photo by Donna Bannister, AMHT)