Martins Monopolise Museum For Inaugural Event

Classic Aston Martins were the stars of the show at Beaulieu’s inaugural event to celebrate the marque.

The 350-plus Aston vehicle turnout left Simply Aston Martin’s organisers in no doubt that the event will be given a repeat performance next year.

The event began in the grounds of the New Forest-based National Motor Museum (NMM) on Sunday, April 10.

Visitors could see the very latest Astons on the market, courtesy of Chichester’s Aston Martin dealership, while Aston Martin Owners’ Club members were also out in force.

So what high-powered Astons were on show?

Motors from across the age spectrum showcased the brand. They included cars from the:

• 1930s and the pre-war era: These included an 86-year-old Aston Martin International Series One and a precious Le Mans Short Chassis dating back to 1933
• 1950s/60s: These included two DB6 Volantes and a rare DB2/4 MkIII Fixed Head Coupe from 1959. Only four other such Coupes were built
• 1970s/80s/90s: DB7s and V8 Vantages abounded, while a special edition DB i6 GTS from 1996 turned heads
• 2000s/10s: Bringing the collection right up to date was the very latest Rapide S and DB9 machines. A Quantum of Solace 2009 DBS special edition Bond car also proved very popular

Best of the rest

• A distinctive Cygnet, famed for being the Aston stable’s smallest-ever model
• Two brightly coloured N430 limited editions

And the winner is…

Visitors and owners alike had the chance to vote for the best motor on display in the show’s People’s Choice Award.

• Favourite Car: This went to Sussex-based Tim Davis’ jaw-dropping International Series One. The 1930 vehicle has been in Mr Davis’ ownership since 2011. He was presented with a special Autoglym presentation pack and a Beaulieu trophy. The venerable machine then led a parade featuring some of the other favourites around the Beaulieu grounds
• Runners-up: A black DB9 (2009, owned by Steve and Lisa Mackay) and a rare DB4 Vantage Series 4 (1962, owned by Terry Seaborn)
• Best of the rest: A Le Mans team DB2 (1950, owned by Tony Green), a Cygnet (2011, owned by Ian Sheppard), the new GT12 (owned by Nigel Brain), a DBS (2011, owned by Stephen Mount) and a DB7 Vantage V12 (2003, owned by Doug Hale)