The Aston Martin V8 series evolved across a number of iterations in its lengthy production run from 1969-1989. Following on from the DBS that picked up where the DB6 left off, the fuel-injected Series 2 V8 went into production in 1972 – but it’s arguably the Series 3, as we have here, that’s the more desirable: this is the model that saw the brawny 5.3-litre V8 swapping back to quad twin-choke Weber carburettors, the aesthetic characterised by a significantly larger bonnet intake to feed the hungry carbs, and it’s an engine that makes a frankly fabulous noise. Putting out a mighty 310bhp, it could canter to 60mph in 6.1-seconds when equipped with the automatic transmission. And while the Series 3 had a relatively long production life, from 1973 through to late-1978 (albeit with a hiatus through ’75), these are still rare fruit: just 967 of these cars were built, with each one reputedly taking a full 1200 man-hours to assemble.

The example we have here, resplendent in elegant Cambridge Blue, was originally supplied by Arnold G Wilson of Regent Street, Leeds, and first registered in November 1973 to a company in Harrogate by the name of A.R. Morrice Ltd. It remained in the company’s possession until November 1984, when it was sold to a private owner (also in Harrogate) who kept it for the next 22 years, before selling it back to the eponymous Anthony Morrice in 2006. It was subject to a Category C insurance claim in that year, with repairs carried out in 2007 and the car subsequently inspected by VOSA and given the all-clear.

The MOT history shows that the car was inactive between 2011-2016, at which point it was lightly recommissioned and subject to an engineer’s report at Autolign in Redhill, then was on the road from 2016-2019, before being taken out of service again. It’s these lengthy periods of stasis that have evidently kept the car young, as it presents beautifully today with glorious paintwork and a pleasingly neat interior. Believed to be a matching-numbers car with its original engine, this is an Aston Martin with a truly beguiling specification, ready to get back out on the road and have some old-school grand-touring adventures.
 

 

The Cambridge Blue colour works so beautifully on this car, toning down the muscular profile to provide more of a feel of panache and boulevardier chic. The paintwork itself is very good indeed, with no evident chips, scratches or scuffs, and there’s also no evidence of corrosion bubbling beneath it. The panel fit is uniformly good throughout the car, with the doors hanging correctly and the boot and bonnet sitting straight.

All of the light lenses are in good order and functional, and the window glass is sound and surrounded by chrome trim which isn’t corroded or pitted. The alloy wheels are of a delectable design and are all in tidy condition, wearing appropriately high-profile Avon Turbospeed tyres. And most importantly, the wing badges inform every passer-by that there’s a V8 underneath all that bonnet acreage – just in case they couldn’t tell from all the malevolent rumbling.

Inside, the original blue leather is in lovely condition, the headlining is in good order with no sagging, the dash is solid and uncracked, and the gauges are functional. The steering wheel has a gentle patina to it without being excessively worn, and the surprisingly large boot features the correct spare wheel along with a recent battery with cutoff.
 

The Jekyll-and-Hyde nature is fundamental to this car’s personality; yes, it’s an opulent and cosseting grand tourer, but it never lets you forget that it’s packing a muscular V8. The way it gently rocks from side to side at idle helps you to feel at one with the mighty performance on offer, and yet the smoothness of the transmission and comfort of the ride means that it doesn’t feel like a muscle car… it feels like a Monte Carlo cruiser that’s just a little bit naughtier than the equivalent contemporary Jaguar or Mercedes.

The engine sounds tremendous when it fires up; it’s happy to idle and pulls strongly through the gears, the auto ’box shifting cleanly. All is reassuring with the brakes and the steering, and the car rides very well on its suspension. A lovely thing to drive, combining power and luxury in fine style.
 

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