A record total of 410 Aston Martins made Simply Aston Martin the best yet, featuring a DB7 25th anniversary timeline to get Beaulieu’s events season off to a stylish start.
With a 32% increase over 2018’s turnout of 311 cars, yesterday’s rally showcased some of the most glamorous cars on the road – as Aston Martins of every age drove into the grounds of the National Motor Museum for 2019’s first Simply event.
Celebrating one of the most successful Aston models, 23 examples of the much-loved DB7 made a real-life timeline on the Events Arena, spanning a long production life from 1994 – 2004. Hoods were lowered on DB7 Volante convertibles as they went on show in the spring sunshine alongside sleek DB7 coupes.
Aston fans were spoiled for choice by the variety of supercars on show, ranging from the glamorous 1955 DB2/4 DHC, 1959 DB MkIII FHC and 1962 DB4 Vantage, through examples of the classic DB5, DB6 and V8, to the V8 Coupes of the 1990s. Well represented was the modern-day DB9, while special edition Vantage GT8 and Vantage N430 were joined by two of the very latest Aston Martin Vantages.
The diverse line-up included members of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club, while dealer Aston Martin Chichester brought an impressive selection of the latest Aston Martins from its showroom.
Collecting the most votes from show-goers was Stephen Webb from Fareham with his 2018 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Tag Heuer Edition. One of only 50 examples built in collaboration with watchmaker Tag Heuer, and one of just a handful in the UK, the DBS with its twin-turbo V12 engine won the People’s Choice Award. He was presented with a commemorative trophy and Autoglym prize by Beaulieu’s Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee.
Stephen, who has owned his rare machine for just a few months, said: “I’ve always had Aston Martins. I just love them.”
Also presented with Autoglym prizes were runners-up Phil Dixon, with his 2017 Aston Martin Vantage GT8, and Les White, with his 2016 Aston Martin GT12. Phil, who had driven down from the Midlands in his bright yellow GT8 which he had owned for just a month, said: “To say you own an Aston is a special experience. I’ve bought it to go on a massive road trip.”
Les White, from Buckinghamshire, has owned his GT12 from new and said: “It’s just unique, very comfortable and makes a great sound!”
Next in Beaulieu’s calendar of 10 Simply rallies is Simply Audi on Easter Sunday April 21st, followed by Simply Ford on May 5th, Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th, the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. Tickets can be bought in advance online.
