Aston Martin cars have always had a place in my heart. I love the evocative lines, the subtle hint of power, the well mannered exclusivity that each car possesses. A couple of weekends ago a dream of mine came true...
I have driven past the Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell many times and glanced longingly at the beautiful, sleek cars standing outside. The building has changed over the years but the cars on display have always caught my attention.
Up until now I had dared not venture over to take a closer look - feeling intimidated and foolish as I don't have the money to buy an Aston Martin. Since becoming seriously infatuated with photography last year I'd also started to harbour an ambition to get in there and take some photographs. This was just an idea for a long time, the sort of thing you'd mention to an interested friend but never act upon. After all, I can not afford to buy an Aston Martin so why would they be interested in letting me take photographs?
One photography friend said I should just turn up and start taking pictures until they threw me out. This didn't seem right at all though as Aston Martin seemed more dignified than that and I wanted to take my time and try to do justice to the elegant lines of the cars and beautiful building that housed them. So a couple of weeks ago I plucked up the courage to email the Sales Manager and ask him if I could visit to take photos of the cars on display outside. I didn't expect a reply.
The name (Aston Martin) summons unfocussed, but powerful, memories of delight, intermingled with hot oil smells and rasping exhaust notes. With, perhaps, a small undertow of sensual adventureStephen Bayley, The building of a British Brand.
Two hours later he replied saying I was 'more than welcome' to come along! We arranged a date and then I started to get really excited. Batteries charged and lenses cleaned, I arrived on a cool, foggy Saturday morning with a mixture of happiness and trepidation.
I wanted to introduce myself to the manager to thank him for letting me come, so I ventured inside. The Newport Pagnell site has so much history behind it. Walking through the sleek, sliding glass doors into the showroom I felt very privileged and every nerve tingled. There was no-one around, just me and the glossy, gorgeous cars.
Eventually, I found the manager and introduced myself and was told to go anywhere I liked - a free reign was much more than I'd dare hope for. I spent 30 mins or so outside. The fog had dissolved to mist that came and went with watery sunshine in places. The cars were covered in dew and looked amazing. 100 or so photographs later, I ventured inside. The Sales Manager came over and said that all the cars were open if I wanted to open doors and he even popped the bonnet of a Vanquish for me.
The building itself is stunning, all marble and glass but you can still feel the heartbeat of the panel beaters that used to work there. The cars inside were polished to a high gloss and well lit - it was like being in an art installation. Aston Martin has a turbulent history but has survived and 2013 is it's centenary.
My interest for the manufacturer (like so many other people) was sparked by the James Bond films, particularly Sean Connery in Goldfinger standing next to the DB5 on a mountain road in the Alps. The lines of the car, the colour, the style, the feeling it generated have stayed with me ever since. The company's ethos of 'Power, Beauty and Soul' is evident in their cars, their buildings and their staff.
Back to my visit... after another hour or so, the Sales Manager then came over and gave me a pile of literature which included a book on the history of the Newport Pagnell works, a glossy Aston Martin Centenary Celebration Programme which has the history and stunning photographs of 100 Aston Martins over the last 100 years and a lovely pin badge.
My grin was so wide it made my face ache. That night, I dreamt of alpine roads with hairpin bends, growling exhausts, soft suede and new leather smells... Needless to say, if I'm ever in the market for a grand tourer I'm coming back here! My car of choice would be an Aston Martin DB9 in baby blue, with caramel suede interior with baby blue stitching - if anyone's interested!
