The works of Aston Martin are mightier (than last year)

Go in for a trim and leave with a haircut?

If fitting heated seats and xenons to a 1980s Vantage is your bag, you’re probably be familiar with Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell.

Enter the premises at your peril though. The new car sales team is reporting record sales in March, as customers fail to resist the delights of the latest Aston Martin line-up.

The introduction of the ‘14’ plate in March is partly responsible for the boom, says blah-di-blah, with the latest models – V12 Vantage S and Vanquish Volante – generating the biggest buzz.

Aston Martin has occupied the site in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, for almost 60 years. The former factory is now the centre of Aston Martin’s heritage and classic restoration activities. The facility also undertakes bespoke modifications to both classic and modern Aston Martins. The original red-brick factory buildings were joined by the modern showroom in 2012.

In case you missed it, Aston Martin Works was present at last year’s Goodwood Revival, helping to celebrate the marque’s centenary year. It brought along a 1951 Snowdon White DB2 – only the 15th to have been produced, and therefore one of the very oldest surviving DB road cars.

Also showcased was a 1988 V8 Vantage that had been sympathetically modernised with upgraded transmission, brakes and suspension. Creature comforts, including bi-xenon headlights, satnav and heated seats, had also been incorporated.

Completing the Revival line-up was a 1953 DBS3 that was mid-way through restoration. Once destined to be then-Aston Martin boss David Brown’s personal car, it actually went on to compete in 13 races between 1953 and 1956. Some of our greatest heroes have piloted the car, including Stirling Moss, Ray Salvadori and Tony Brooks. It’s a wonder the new stuff gets a look-in…