Why Do We (I) love Aston Martins?

"Victorious Secret" (victorioussecret) 12/19/2013 at 11:30 • Filed to: Aston, Martin, Writing, Thoughts, Ramblings

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Oh yes, it's happening. I've thought about writing something like this for months, but between school and work and procrastination I never got beyond the title. But I shall venture forth into the madness that is my writing. For you, the people. Who am I kidding, this is all for me.

Maybe the title is a little misleading, after all not everyone loves Astons. I'd wager there are people that don't even like Astons (though I can't even begin to imagine such a world where such people exist) but I think what I can say with some certainty is that we all like flawed cars.

Yes, flawed. Mechanically, emotionally, philosophically flawed cars. Cars that have such glaring issues that you are compelled to look to something else entirely, yet you end up simply looking the other way and embracing the madness. The weird. The downright silly.

That is how I've generally felt towards Aston Martin. They are a bit silly. They tell you about "Power, Beauty, Soul" when you start the cars up, because that clearly makes any sense to anyone. Meaningless words, or are they? I'll circle back to that one.

See, I've noticed this rather apparent issue with most (all?) Astons made. They aren't that particularly competitive. It honestly does pain me to say it, but they aren't. The Vantage, the DB9, the DBS, the Rapide; nothing is inherently doing the job better than the competition and it definitely isn't doing it at a lower price point.

You get your noises and your power and your often gorgeous design, rarely do you get something that is definitively the single best example in the class. I say rarely, because I think at times AM reminds the world they are more than willing to play with the big boys when they feel like it, but they don't always do it. Maybe because they really don't have to anymore.

Yes you can say "But Victorious, that 911 C2S is cheaper than a Vantage but it offers more versatility and its better on the track and its even better value" and you'd be 100% right. I can't dispute many of those things. I wouldn't even know how to, because on paper most cars have the equivalent Aston beat if not looking like a poor decision.

But, and for me the important but, is the "Power, Beauty, and Soul" bit. Yes, I'm agreeing with whatever nutjob at Aston who thought it was a good idea to put that little bit into their cars.

There is something there, something intangible. Something I couldn't write and describe even if I had all the time in the world. Its personal, its complicated yet its also brutally simple. Is it madness? Maybe. Is it love? Maybe. It is rambling because I don't know how to describe what Astons make me feel (apart from the feelings in your pants)? Well, that is also a possibility.

There is no rationality in what I've said to most people, except for those who share similar sentiments. I think this extends to a lot of cars and to many brands. There is no realistic way to explain the viewpoint, and why I believe it. The best I can do is share it and even then, it might only make sense to me.

I love cars. We all love cars. We all have that car as well, or group of cars. Or a brand of cars. The one that is hard to justify or explain to even understand. The one that we love above all else. The one whose existence will only ever have exceptional meaning to you, and those that share that sentiment.

Why am I writing this? I don't know. I thought it would be a nice change of pace from writing essays to just write something I have some interest in, and to improve my writing because I know everyone single one of you will go Mr. Grammar Nazi on me as soon as I submit this.

Brian Silvestro > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 19:26

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This times 1000. Aston Martin is my favorite company of all time. They don't build cars to compete, they build them for the sake of building wonderful machines. I'd take an Aston over any other car.

Manuél Ferrari > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 19:28

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"But Victorious, that 911 C2S is cheaper than a Vantage but it offers more versatility and its better on the track and its even better value"

I think the Aston might be more versatile. Every Aston ships with secret features that can really come handy. You never know when you'll need to shoot a missile at another driver or deploy a cloud of smoke that lets you get away without having to kill anyone.

Manuél Ferrari > Manuél Ferrari 12/18/2013 at 19:35

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And on a more serious note I think the Vantage would be very versatile for anyone that doesn't have kids. It doesn't have back seats like the 911 does. As long as you don't need the rear seats for children the Vantage would be as versatile if not more. It has the rear fastback hatch. That cargo space is probably comparable to having the frunk and seatbacks in the 911.

I cross shopped a used Vantage against a used 997 C2. I only bought the Porsche because I was worried about Aston's reliability. I didn't buy the Porsche because I thought it would be more versatile or because I cared about stats. The V8 Vantage would have felt just as good to drive on public roads as the C2 does.

Sometimes I really wish I had got the Aston. I heart my 911, so not saying I regret the purchase at all. The Aston just would have been a much more exclusive car. And it would have been a better car for date night. The 997 is a pretty crap car for non-gearhead passengers to be in. The short wheelbase and chassis setup makes for a terrible ride in places like LA that have poor roads. I'm guessing the Vantage would have had a nicer ride. Things are different with the 991 but the 997 is the contemporary of the Vantage. It's not fair to compare the Vantage to the 991 until a new version comes out.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 12/18/2013 at 19:37

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I wish more companies were like Aston. Pretty much any high-end modern sports car is going to be fast. More of them need to look and sound awesome.

pauljones > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 19:50

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I like them as a general rule because the are an almost perfect match for preferences in driving. Rather than focus on any one thing, Aston Martins tend to focus on a car that has everything in balance, and I like that.

They aren't the fastest cars out there, but they are as fast (and actually faster) as you'll ever need or want a car to be. They aren't the most technologically advanced cars, but the use technology appropriately; that is, they use technology not as a gimmick to be stuffed in every nook and cranny, but rather as needed to genuinely improve the vehicle. Aston Martin has historically understood that a proper motoring experience is so much more than speed - it's about speed, sound, feel, poise, composure, and just a little bit of flash.

No Aston Martin will ever truly be the best at anything - but a proper Aston Martin is so damned good at everything that being the absolute best by the nth degree simply becomes irrelevant.

And, finally, because I'm as much of a shallow bastard as anyone else, they are the most beautiful things on four wheels.

At least, they used to be; and then Marek Reichmann (may he sit in industrial design hell) came along and ruined the cars he's touched thus far. The DBS and the Rapide were once the supermodels of cars - and then Marek Reichmann came along with the new Vanquish and its horrible spoiler and the disgusting new fish mouth grille of the Rapide S. It was like Adriana Lima with the nose of the Wicked Witch of the West, or Candice Swanepoel with the ass of Roseanne Barr. He just utterly ruined beautiful pieces of industrial design.

He hasn't done much of any significance to the Vantage yet, but it's only a matter of time. I dread that day.

Bandit > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 20:07

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Why do I love Aston? They are drop dead gorgeous. I can't think of an ugly one built at any point in their history (excluding the Lagonda). Are those your photos? They are awesome.

Victorious Secret > Bandit 12/18/2013 at 20:07

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Every one except the gauge one would be my own, so thank you!

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Manuél Ferrari 12/18/2013 at 20:08

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I couldn't own an Aston cause I'd get a boner every time I washed it.

Manuél Ferrari > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 12/18/2013 at 20:11

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LOL. Especially if it was black with yellow brake calipers. You might get a boner just walking up to it.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 12/18/2013 at 20:16

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That's the only reason Aston sells cars. I like it that way.

puddler > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 20:26

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pretty sure thats a fusion, bro.

zadtheinhaler > puddler 12/18/2013 at 20:39

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You need your eyes checked bro, that's a Mustang.

EL_ULY > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 21:04

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they are ok. Sucks that after a couple years here at my Aston dealer not only working on them and driving them but dealing with customers and now currently in the parts department, they don't tickle once fancy as much. lol and don't even get me started on Lotus. I thought Aston's had the dumbest defects, Lotus are just sad. You may now dismiss this post :]

Bycjoe > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 21:21

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I agree whole heartedly, they may not be the "best" at anything, and they do have their issues, but when you drop the clutch and hear that luscious V12 snarl suddenly the numbers don't quite matter anymore. We had the privilege of building the Atlanta dealership and as a result I have been loaned a V8 Vantage and a limited edition DB9 and I was mesmerized.
I've always loved Astons since I was a kid and it was a dream job. Really exacting standards for the dealerships too, the floor tiles were 1X1 meters(solid travertine weighing in at a whooping 150lbs a piece) and had to line up perfectly with doors and pillars and wall tiles, all the plans were in metric as well. It was quite an undertaking for our normally residential remodeling company. Anyways first post here just thought I'd share that and some pictures.

willkinton247 > Victorious Secret 12/18/2013 at 21:52

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Man, that's how I feel about the viper

puddler > zadtheinhaler 12/19/2013 at 00:45

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aston sould be slobbing fords knob. a quad turbo twin ecoboost would be the bee's knees.

zadtheinhaler > puddler 12/19/2013 at 02:37

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Oh man, that'd be friggin' sweet .

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 11:37

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Why do we love Astons? Because Bond, James Bond.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 11:38

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I remember one time I was waiting for my mom to pick me up from school. It was an hour after school had got out so the mile long street in front of my school was empty. Anyhow, I'm sitting in front of the school when suddenly a gray Vanquish (this is 2004) rolls up to the light. The light turns green and the guy guns it down the straight, keeping the throttle pinned all the way down.

That was the first time I had seen an Aston Martin in person and that memory stuck with me, especially the sound of the V12. I've been fascinated by them ever since.

ddavidn > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 11:38

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I haven't really driven one, but I like the way they look and sound. Plus, there's a Rick Ross song about them, so how can you go wrong?

But really, it's the sound they make. It's a front-row seat to a symphony every time you drive to work.

ncasolowork2 > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 11:41

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It seems like every single Aston Martin is gorgeous. They're all super models.

wabbastang > pauljones 12/19/2013 at 11:46

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You made all the right points. They have a "special" quality that most anything else does not even with a higher price tag - specifically, most supercars which often seem just utilitarian somehow. An Aston is making an effort, with class, to be something beyond both a transportation method or a trophy. It doesn't care about the most power or the most speed. It isn't just an Aston because it has that badge attached as many supercar-class vehicles seem to be anymore, it earns it in how it is composed as a whole. They are fantastic.

Skynet > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 11:53

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I agree with the article. From a logical standpoint Astons are horrible. They are slower and more expensive than their competitors. Yet I find myself drawn to them. Personally, I think its the looks and the class.

A base C7 vette will destroy most Astons for half the price but they lack the classiness inherent to every Aston.

Tekamul > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 11:55

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Why? For me it's all about looks.

There is something about the Aston form that is just....perfect.

A 911 is immediately identifiable as a Porsche. You know it's fast and amazing, just because you know it's a Porsche. A debadged AM is unidentifiable to so many, but still hits all the right nerves just from looking at it. The grill, the proportions, the contours. Sex on wheels. Then you hear it, and melt.

It is highly illogical to love such a flawed machine, but so many times, that's how you know it's love.

twinturbobmw > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 12:06

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I have always loved Astons for their looks but not what they were, if that makes sense. I always thought, yes Astons are great and make a great noise, but why not get a C2s or 997 Turbo? It was this summer that I got it. It was the summer I rode in a beautiful Jet Black/Sahara Tan modified Aston Martin V8 Vantage . I had always loved that car. The carbon fiber body kit, the lowered suspension, the modified exhaust that screamed when the valves opened. But after grabbing the handle and opening the swan door then lowering myself into the passenger seat did I see what they were all about. The car felt special. Like nothing else I had ever experienced in a car. Not even the low, mid-engined Ferrari F430 or Audi R8 V10 Spyder had the same feeling. Black Piano finish lathered the dash and center console. The two-tone black and tan leather so smooth and stunning. An Aston is like nothing else. It gives you a feeling that you're in something special. A feeling that can't be matched in any car. A feeling nobody can explain.

Matthew Henry > Victorious Secret 12/19/2013 at 13:24

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You are completely right. For the price point, there are faster cars, more maneuverable cars, more reliable cars, more exotic cars, more luxurious cars. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better car, though. I don't know what makes Aston-Martin better than all the others—but Aston is better. Maybe it's the "Power, Beauty, Soul" bit.

Manuél Ferrari > Skynet 12/20/2013 at 01:06

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The crazy thing about the C7 Z51 is it makes EVERYTHING else look expensive now.

Skynet > Manuél Ferrari 12/20/2013 at 16:17

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Agreed, but if you had the money for either car, which would you buy?

I would probably do the vette but it would be a tough choice. There's just something about Astons.

Manuél Ferrari > Skynet 12/20/2013 at 16:29

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It would be tough. If money was no object I would go with the Aston. If I was on a budget I would go with the C7. If I was going to do a lot of track time I'd go C7 too because it would just be easier. Lots of after market parts for Corvettes and lots of Corvette owners at the track to get info and ideas from.

The Aston would be amazing on the road. I don't care that they all look the same, cause they all look awesome.

Nedus > Victorious Secret 12/28/2013 at 12:43

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You don't buy cars like this with your brain. You buy them with your heart, because you love it and want it. Exotics, classics, anything that is terribly impractical but gets your pulse going.

If you're looking at an Aston and rationalizing the purchase, comparing it to the competition in terms of numbers, you're doing it wrong.

SalamanderSmile > Victorious Secret 12/28/2013 at 13:16

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I recently bought an 09 V8 Vantage to replace my M3 that was totaled. I've always wanted one, but never thought it would actually happen. It's expensive, it's temperamental, the service costs should anything break are ridiculous, but I still wanted one.

I ended up getting this beauty, and luckily it has been perfect so far! What a blast to drive. Our 911 is more common here in Phoenix, AZ, and doesn't get too many looks anymore. But the Vantage always draws eyes. I love that. It's a work of art, and I'm so happy I get to enjoy owning one for a little while. : )

67mgb > Victorious Secret 12/28/2013 at 14:24

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One word: Class

Neutral President > Victorious Secret 12/28/2013 at 15:27

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Love is often not rational. It's what makes it so crazy and passionate. It's love because it makes no sense.

merkyg > Victorious Secret 12/28/2013 at 19:37

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Don't kill me, but Astons don't really do it for me. Theres a gorgeous DB4 I see from time to time but I see quite a lot of new-ish ones around here (lots of poncy football players live in the area), and Astons from the last 20 years or so just don't quite grab me in the way the '68 Charger up the street does...

SteveH > Manuél Ferrari 12/29/2013 at 00:31

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I had a 911 for 3 or 4 years, and loved it, but when it came to time for a change I got a Vantage instead.

The 911 was better in every quantify able way (including luggage space), but it just doesn't have the same level of event everytime you drive it.

I live in central London, so it's my only car, and it makes going to the supermarket, crawling along in traffic a fun experience :)

SteveH > Victorious Secret 12/29/2013 at 00:36

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Mr Secret, if you ever find yourself in the UK, give me a shout. I have many Aston-owning friends all over the country and can hook you up with a ride. PH Aston owners are quite a tight knit community and mostly a really good laugh.

Manuél Ferrari > SteveH 12/29/2013 at 01:09

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I'm kinda jealous :)

What color is your car?

Spasoje > Victorious Secret 12/29/2013 at 03:30

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Jay Leno described it well, when talking about a DBS.

" But Jay, the Shelby Mustang has 600 horsepower for a third of the price! Sure, but there is a thing called sophistication..."

SteveH > Manuél Ferrari 01/02/2014 at 18:34

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Black. It's an N400, they came in black, eye searing orange, or odd silvery blue colour.

Manuél Ferrari > SteveH 01/02/2014 at 19:07

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Reading about the N400 now. Very cool car!!