The name’s Bond….. James Bond. I can’t tell how long I’ve waited to say those cheesy words, in the right context, and what more appropriate a way than sitting in an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. It all started when I was searching for a new automotive experience. Having driven different model Porsches for a decade it was time for a change. So, a few years ago I ventured into the world of Italian sports car and have not regretted a single moment of it, ever since. And yet even though the cars are now superbly built, I couldn’t drive them daily, so it remained as my weekend (all be it very expensive) toy. This meant my daily runner was a generic mode of transportation that soon became too boring. When I sold the Italian stallion, I was itching for more...

I decided it was time to look for a comfortable coupe that can be driven daily and yet include an enjoyment factor to explore. I also wanted something unique and different to the previous cars I’ve owned. I looked around in Dubai for quite some time but couldn’t find the colour I wanted, as the cars are relatively rare.

I finally managed to source and buy the car directly from the Aston Martin dealer in Kuwait. This black beauty was Premier International Motors GM Kelvin Kett’s personal car so it was in perfect condition having covered 1700 kilometres and less than 6 months since registration even though it was a 2006 model.

Kelvin himself very professionally handled all arrangements to deliver the car to Dubai, with the process taking a few weeks.

When I first saw the car in the metal, it took my breath away, being the V8 Vantage no doubt being one of the most beautifully sculpted cars in the world. The shape, as far as I am concerned, will always be a classic. The proportions are just perfect and the lines so simple. The front grille is modern, while the car’s profile look like a silhouette drawn with one stroke. This is a true case of less is more.

The colour combination of Jet black exterior on the beautiful sandstorm interior also gives a nice contrast. The interior colour also helps the cabin feel light and airy, despite the car being a two seater. And what an interior... The simplicity of the design - which looks very architectural - adds a real sense of sophistication that truly highlights the feel good factor. This is where you begin to feel like James Bond. The instrument panel, although not particularly practical, is pure eye candy.

The starting experience is also very Ian Fleming... switch turned on, clutch in, press the central crystal button, and hear the V8 come to life. The centre console display reads: Power, Beauty, Soul... enough said.

I had already driven a V8 when they were first launched so knew what to expect. The car feels sharp yet comfortable, the handling is a pleasure and the only gripe is that it’s a little underpowered, but then I’m comparing it to much faster cars that I’ve owned. The engine sound is music to the ears and the exhaust has the unique Aston Martin burble that is so special. After a while you appreciate what the English have achieved with this car. It’s not engineered perfectly like a German car, nor does it feel extravagant like an Italian car, it’s an Aston Martin with its own DNA, and that’s something you have to experience to understand. There’s definitely a feeling of exclusivity here. This allows you to accept certain quirks in the car. It’s what makes it individual. The speed alarm for starters is annoying as it stays on between 120kph and 130kph, so I booked the car with the main dealer in Dubai Al Habtoor Motors for a check up and fluid top up and, at the same time have them remove the speed alarm.

I must say I was anxious about the running costs, as my first interaction over the phone was not a good start. The Aston cars in the Middle East come with an Arabic manual, but I wanted to have an English one. The Aston parts department happily obliged, asking me to come over and pick one up, the same leather bound items as the Arabic version, with a staggering $ 544.00 attached to it! I nearly fell off my chair.

Even my Ferrari’s manual, which had to be ordered from Italy, was a quarter of that price. The V8 manual is now a coffee table book in my house! Then I asked for a long type number plate holder (the regular short ones are boxy and hide the grille) and the cost for this was even more of a joke... $ 272. Needless to say I decided to stick the number plate with double sided tape directly on the bumper and it looks perfect.

Luckily, when I took the car in I felt much better after meeting the Manager Sean Jackson, a gentleman who obviously knows his Astons inside and out. He was very courteous and attended to all my queries. The main dealers periodically get software upgrades from the factory and these are automatically downloaded onto the cars so they are always updated. He also test drove the car and ensured all systems were working perfectly.

The car comes with a 3-year warranty. so all these things are covered.

Thankfully the warranty is also extendable. This is crucial as it gives owners long term peace of mind (same as what Porsche and Ferrari offer). Sean also gave me an indication on running costs, which were far more realistic than the number plates. The only other disappointment was the old workshop, which really is not representative of the brand, but from what I understood, a new facility is currently being built.

When I went to pick up the car, there was a beautiful array of Astons at the workshop - and one very special DBS, which looks looked incredible, yet to my eyes. the V8 just as beautiful, being much simpler and less fussy.

Driving home, I put on Amy Winehouse on the superb stereo system, and simply cruised. This was part of the Aston experience and I began to understand it. Then reality bit when I got stuck in traffic having not driven a manual for years, it was something I needed to get used to all over again. Dubai traffic turns you into a lazy automatic gearbox driver, that’s for sure.

I’m now waiting for the weekend to take the car out of Dubai, head to the mountains and really bond with it... or James Bond with it, should I say...?