[Davil]

I’ve traded the CS on another car. I’m sure I’ll regret this in the future but I don’t really have room for 3 fancy cars and wouldn’t want to keep the CS in the carport. So reluctantly I think it’s time for someone else to love and enjoy it. I still maintain that if you could just have one car the CS is pretty much unbeatable. It will always have a place in my heart.

Since I got my AMR MY18 Aston Vantage with its glorious naturally aspirated high revving V8, manual gearbox, perfect hydraulic steering I found that every time I wanted a pure fun drive it would always be the Aston. Any time I needed to go somewhere that would be unpleasant in a manual old school then I’d take the CS.

I’ve also been unable to get the roadster bug out of my blood. They are so nice here in Sydney other than daytime summer where you get fried. The other nine months. Just lovely.

I also have the mistake of using an app that pings me when cars of interest came up.

I came across the most gloriously spec’d Vantage Roadster I’ve seen. Just stunning. Only 4000km (2600miles) and still under warranty. It was in Melbourne and by planetary alignment I just happened to be going down there for F1. Did a load of negotiation. Left saying I’ll think about it. The final thing that made me do it was that I met Berndt Maylander the F1 safety car driver who happened to love his Aston safety car (both previous and current), then, during one of the sessions out came the safety car. What a sound. It sounded so much better than the F1 cars. So, well that was it. I struck a counter offer and it was accepted.

What a car. It has a super smooth ride when required but is still tremendous fun at slow speeds in the way that the CS is and a 992 isn’t. When you switch it into track mode. My goodness. What a sound. Plus it is so bloody quick. They’ve also tuned the ZF8 so well it can bang off the shifts in this mode. Way better than the G series M cars. I’d guess its more like the CSL tune. The torque is insane.

Being designed from the outset as both roadster and coupe the chassis is very very stiff and there’s no shake at all. The ride handling balance, steering, everything is a work of genius. You can thank Matt Becker ex Lotus for that as he is the guy that developed it. It’s quite remarkable.

I’m going to miss the CS. I’ll also really miss this forum, so many great people. I think I will still pop by to say Hi.

Mandatory pics.

[Beenz]

Congrats on the new acquisition, even if it is at the expense of the CS. Understandable to trade, as long as it’s Porsche, Aston, or McLaren. Maybe the hardtop now has to be swapped out for an MP4-12C…?
Btw please call me if you are ever going to relinquish the remaining blue beast 😝
Regards

[Davil]

That other blue thing is Boris the bullet dodger. 24 years old. It’s pretty much a family member. I’m unable to sell it. Part of the kid’s childhood memories. Still a fun car to this day and does serve a useful purpose when it rains or if I have to encounter scary mums that drive SUVs that just want to crash into you.

[IcewaterPete]

Congrats on the fine acquisition! After reading your post I was kinda let down that there wasn’t a sound clip of you revving the life out of the Aston. I do get the love affair with naturally aspirated V8’s glorious sound. Enjoy the drive!

[IcewaterPete]

Originally Posted by Davil

… does serve a useful purpose when it rains or if I have to encounter scary mums that drive SUVs that just want to crash into you.

Priceless humor that transcends all continents! Thanks for a good laugh as I just returned this morning from my own gauntlet run having to meet someone during school drop off time. Holy moly so glad I get to take the train to work everyday!

[E46M3forRay]

what a stunning and a beautiful trade !! I certainly wouldn't regret doing it 2 more times if i ever in your shoes and stumbles upon that elegant gorgeous looking gem.

Congratulations

[NYNick]

Personally, I'm the kind of guy who is happy to see someone veer away from the crowd and pursue another vehicle that suits his fancy. An Aston Martin seems like a really good choice, although I've always been leery of maintenance costs.

Have at it my friend! You only live once and there are many, many cars to enjoy!

[NPTM]

Congrats - that spec is phenomenal…and an NA V8 is an even more endangered species these days…enjoy to the fullest, sure you will! And agree on stepping outsid BMW, but only thing I’ve noticed is this is best community around! So def stop back and drop some exhaust vids from time to time so us S55 guys can live vicariously through you haha

[Jimjamz]

What a beauty. Doing some work that involved Aston. I had to share the following with you. Completely understand the move.

[Jimjamz]

I often wonder if I’d gotten the manual if I’d not have sold mine.

I’m into the 992 manual T in a few weeks so the answer will be clearer.

[Davil]

Thanks everyone! As NPTM says this is without doubt the best community and also the best app. I’ve been here since 2018 when I got my M2C that I traded on the CS. How time flies.

Like JimJamz I’ll still be checking in. The CS is a brilliant car. I’d like to be in Harry’s position and have a barn. I still think it is the best BMW ever made and I’ve owned over 10. I know in years to come I’m going to slap myself for not keeping it.

Such a lovely thing.

[Davil]

Originally Posted by Jimjamz

What a beauty. Doing some work that involved Aston. I had to share the following with you. Completely understand the move.

Oh wow. Did you do this marketing?

Aston was my childhood dream but I never thought I’d own one. Since age 9.

BMW was my later teenage dream and became a part of my life for so many years.

I love them both.

Overall I just love cars. I think that’s the same for all of us on this forum. So many cars I’d love to own regardless of brand. I explain it to my wife by mentioning Imelda Marcos and her shoes. Does that help? Maybe not. 😂

[Reddevils7]

Can't blame you with going for an Aston. The last gen vantage V12 will definitely be high on the list for my next car, whenever that may be

[ESB]

Congrats!! That Vantage top-down must be such a thrill to drive ... and listen to. Obviously does not compare but I got a convertible mini cooper s last year to complement the M2 and having the air in your face is a really great feeling.

Enjoy!!

Keep the VIN so that in the future if you ever want this CS back you can maybe track it down or something.

[Jimjamz]

Definitely not taking any credit for their great marketing . It struck me they have a very clear vision and each car is executed against a singular purpose. The Vantage definitely seems to tick all the ‘Thrill. Driven’ boxes for me. One day we’ll need to shoot our post CS era cars next to each other on a drive. I’d look forward to that ✌🏽

[F87EVO]

Congrats ! Sad to see you go but im glad that you will still pass by and say hi !

Enjoy always in good health , and yes the whole point is to experience as much of the good staff that is still left on this planet. Soon things wont be the same !

Love its spec , and in general your garage with the older AM ! Just perfect

[Hedoniste]

Awesome AM congratulations ! Enjoy

[W///]

I've always been curious about AM's but have never had a chance to drive one before. Not that they're in the same league, but 2010's Rapide can be had for not that much money. I've always been curious what the maintenance looks like.

Congrats on an awesome pair of cars!

[///M TOWN]

Congrats…

[medphysdave]

Originally Posted by W///

I've always been curious about AM's but have never had a chance to drive one before. Not that they're in the same league, but 2010's Rapide can be had for not that much money. I've always been curious what the maintenance looks like.

Congrats on an awesome pair of cars!

I've always wanted one as well. The 2015 vanquish volante S models are coming down in price.

[Davil]

Originally Posted by W///

I've always been curious about AM's but have never had a chance to drive one before. Not that they're in the same league, but 2010's Rapide can be had for not that much money. I've always been curious what the maintenance looks like.

Congrats on an awesome pair of cars!

Rapide is a great car. Especially the last AMR ones. They are rather large though! They also have the V12 which is a bit more expensive to maintain for obvious reasons. That’s a lot of cylinders. They were actually assembled in Austria in the same place they make the Supra & Z4. All of the other Astons are made in England with the exception of the DBX which is made in Wales. All paintwork is now also done in Wales. Other than Rolls Royce you won’t find better paintwork. Zero orange peel and so beautifully done.

As with most cars, once the cars are getting older, the vehicle and owner history becomes the main thing. They are fundamentally very reliable cars, but as with all cars they need to be maintained. What can happen is that cheaper ones get bought by people who are already scraping their budget and they don’t maintain or look after them properly. Also, as with most other brands, stay away from the first year model. The later you can go in a model’s life the better the car as Aston are always evolving them throughout the model life.

[Davil]

I took one of my friends for a spin in the local national park. Look what I parked behind.

A lovely OG M2.

Green blue calipers (you know what that means). Cup 2 R tyres. LBB does look lovely in our Australian sun.