Getting the Fitment Right
Before ordering an Aston Martin body component, check the following:
- Model and year – Establish the exact model and generation.
- Specification – Check body style, market and vehicle specification.
- Original part number – Use the number from the existing component whenever available.
- Vehicle side – Confirm left-hand or right-hand application where applicable.
- VIN – Use the vehicle identification number when compatibility is uncertain.
These details are more reliable than choosing a component simply because it looks similar to the original.
When the Part Is Difficult to Find
Some body components, particularly those for older, rare or limited-production Aston Martins, can be difficult to locate through a standard catalogue search.
Exotic Auto Parts provides a parts enquiry option where customers can submit their:
- VIN
- Vehicle make and model
- Vehicle year
- Description of the required component
- Contact details
- Supporting attachments
The site states that enquiries are sent to the parts team with a target response time of within 24 hours.
This can be useful when a component requires additional identification rather than a straightforward catalogue selection.
A Practical Check Before Ordering
Before purchasing, confirm:
- Exact Aston Martin model and year
- Original part number
- Left- or right-hand application
- Body style and specification
- Genuine, OEM or aftermarket status
- Associated trim, brackets or hardware
- Availability and lead time
- Whether VIN confirmation is required
If the accident damage is considerable, a professional inspection will also help determine which parts need to be replaced and which may be repaired.
Keeping Older Aston Martins Correct
A restoration often calls for more attention to specification than a routine replacement. The original part number is especially useful as older Aston Martins can show variances between production periods, markets and vehicle variants.
Applications are subject to availability and are listed in the catalogue for vehicles like the DB7 Vantage, DB9, V8 Vantage, Vanquish and Virage.
Supplying the VIN, original part number and clear vehicle information if the parts are rare gives the parts team a better starting point to identify the correct application.
Why Correct Fitment Matters
A body component needs to work with the surrounding panels, mounting points, trim and vehicle specification. Ordering the wrong part can lead to:
- Uneven panel gaps
- Incorrect alignment
- Incompatible mounting points
- Wrong left/right application
- Additional repair delays
- Unnecessary returns or replacement costs
For that reason, part-number and VIN verification should take priority over appearance alone.
