This might be about as basic a question as it gets, but I tried a search and came up empty.

Noticed a lot of V8V's have the "Vantage" logo removed from the rear hatch. While I'd argue it's a cleaner look, I actually prefer having the logo there.

-Any recommendations where to buy a replacement?
-Does the new part already have the correct adhesive applied?
-Anyone know the exact measurements for placement?

Thanks in advance for the insight, as usual.

 

Buy from the dealer or from Stuart at Velocity. If new, it already comes with adhesive. Use blue painters tape to create guide lines along the bottom and right edge of the boot lid to help you with placement. You only get one try with the adhesive, so having a reference edge with the tape really helps.

 

So is the vantage an optional thing, mine doesn't have it either. Think I'd like to put one on.
Chris

 

I've wondered the same. Seems to me that fewer owners would intentionally remove the badge as compared to the number of cars out there that are de-badged.

 

When you place an order for a new car, there is a no-cost option for de-badging it. Many people, dealers included, choose to order it without badges because it disrupts the look of the rear of the car.

 

Thanks Karl! Figured it was something like that.

 

"Disrupts" is a bit strong

 

I think some Vantage owners chose not to have the Vantage logo on there simply because they liked the idea of being confused with a more expensive model. To many regular joe on-lookers an Aston is a lot like a Porsche... They all look the same so why not pay 130+ for a car that could otherwise be 250+

 

When I was looking for a used Vantage V8 I found that over half of the cars did not have the Vantage nameplate on the rear deck. Mine had it and I actually preferred having it. I am one of those guys that would CHOOSE a Vantage model over the others... Regardless of price.

 

Considering most people don't even know what an "Austin Martin" is (eye roll), I don't think you can expect someone to know which are the "more expensive" models. Besides, when the "cheapest" car is still into the 6-figure range, I don"t think it really matters. It's really a bit presumptuous when people refer to the Vantage as the "baby" Aston just as much as referring to the Gallardo as the baby Lambo. We really do have a warped sense of perspective when our cars cost as much as many people's homes.

Funny story: For the Sebring 12hr race, I made commemorative GT4 vinyl decals for my car (they have been on there since ). I was out washing my car when a neighbor in his late 30s early 40s and his wife went by walking their dogs. He saw the "GT" stickers and asked curiously if my car was a Pontiac. Me, thinking he was kidding, decided to play along and said "why yes, yes it is". To which he replied, "I didn't know Pontiac made such a nice looking model. It was at this time I realized he wasn't kidding and really didn't have any idea what my car was. I explained to him that it was an Aston Martin and he still looked puzzled. I said, "you know, the James Bond car?" More blank stares followed by, yeah I haven't really seen any of the recent movies. It was at this point that I felt tempted to ask him for his Man Card and tell him that his license had been revoked.

 

This came from the sales manager at my dealership who actually specs the cars for the showroom.

 

I'm one of those kind of guys who took the Vantage nameplate off my car and put it on my Mazda Miata daily driver —because I want people to think it's a more expensive car.

J.K. Sorry, I'm in a weird mood.

 

Classic!

 

karlfranz,
That's a great story and really "Proves the Point". Friends of mine who know it's the "James Bond Car", still call it an "Austin Martin"--just as some people have no idea "Porsche is a 2-syllable word", after all it is Dr. Porsche's name and should be pronounced as he would.

 

Reminds of me when I was in high school and had a summer job parking cars at a nearby golf club. The number of 420SELs with 560 badges (and similar sadness on other cars) blew my mind. Later, I used to see 500SELs and 500SLs with 600 badges (and, of course, the all important "V12" emblem) all over the Hamptons. Made me laugh and cry at the same time.