A car collector from Wiesbaden, Germany, drove 370 miles to St Moritz, Switzerland, in his DB5 in order to attend Aston Martin On Ice. His car was the centre of attention throughout the event and was even taken onto the ice field for a display of drift driving, showing the delighted spectators the superb driving capabilities that it still possesses. The same DB5 was later on display at the German Skyfall Bond film premiere (see news in brief). One of the most popular events in the Aston Martin calendar, Aston Martin On Ice offers dynamic driving in a unique and spectacular environment, with guests staying at the 5-Star Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, a breathtaking location in the heart of the Engadine countryside.

Customer Ride and Drive experiences

Customers across Europe have recently been able to enjoy Aston Martin Ride and Drive experiences. At the famous Nürburgring circuit, drivers had the opportunity to negotiate the long and winding roads and compare two or three different models. The driving was followed by a big open-air barbecue and the day was deemed a huge success.

Another Ride and Drive was held in Stockholm Sweden at a dedicated proving ground close to Arlanda Airport. Despite the inclement weather, 100 prospective customers and 30 Aston Martin owners joined in the activities, held by Aston Martin Stockholm. The drivers were coached in three different exercises by three Aston Martin instructors. At the end of the day, Aston Martin owners and club members got the chance to take to the track in their own cars. About 35 Aston Martin cars joined in—the oldest was a 1950s DB2 Volante.

A third Ride and Drive event took place in Frankfurt, at the exclusive Roomers hotel (www.roomers.eu), where a special, cosy Aston Martin lounge was set-up. DBS owners from across Europe were invited to test drive the Vanquish accompanied by professional Aston Martin instructors. Guests came from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France and Romania. The one hour road route included a stretch on the open German motorway.

News In Brief

• Philippe Britto Le (below) from Luxembourg has 150,000 miles on the clock of his V8 Vantage and says he will never sell or trade it. Due to the amount of time he spends in his car, he sees the interior as his living room, and demands the best possible upholstery, which is why he bought an Aston Martin. He has a penchant for wrapping cars—the V8 has already been wrapped in three different designs, including exposed carbon fibre and its current brushed aluminium.

  

• Aston Martin Luxembourg welcomed 200 guests to a premiere of Skyfall and afterparty, with a champagne welcome, flying buffet and cocktails. Two cars were on display and there was Aston Martin-only parking in front of the cinema featuring over 30 cars.

  

• In October, five Aston Martin Vanquishes were taken to 19 key dealers across seven European countries for Ride and Drive sessions. The dealers were able to invite potential buyers for 45-minute test drives in the company of an Aston Martin instructor to present the Vanquish’s new features.