A sublime Aston Martin V8 in a fine, original condition
Presenting very well in its original silver metallic paint over blue leather
A car originally supplied to the salt free roads of Japan
The Appeal
Aston Martin had some big shoes to fill when the time came to replace the DB6. Numerous Bond film appearances had helped elevate the DB6 to a semi-iconic status. The Aston Martin V8 soon gained traction, however, and went on to be the firm’s mainstay model for a full 20 years. The muscular coupe looks and tuneful, lusty V8 made for a heady and popular combination.
Our example presents in a great colourway with its paintwork understood to be original. Its fine condition may be explained by an early life in Japan before joining a large car collection in the Middle East. It is now UK registered and ready to use and enjoy back in its homeland.DSC09497.jpg14.61 MB
The History and Paperwork
A factory right-hand drive example of the Aston Martin V8
Understood to have been first registered in 1975
The car was understood to be a resident of Japan during its early years
It was later bought by a Middle Eastern collector and enthusiast
Believed to have subsequently undergone an interior restoration
The car was reimported to the UK in late 2022
It was first registered here in November 2022
Only the current V5 in the name of the owner is on hand by way of paperwork
The Aston Martin is registered as a Historic Vehicle
A sporty yet luxurious interior predominantly finished in soft, blue leather
Boasting a fine overall condition with a retrim in recent years seeming likely
All other aspects of the interior present in a highly original condition
The Aston Martin V8 had very much been conceived as a fast and able GT car rather than a fire-breathing road racer. As such, a quite luxurious, two-plus-two interior was considered the most appropriate. The earlier cars, like ours, are defined by their lack of wood trim and seem all the more sporting for it.
The heavily bolstered front seats are in a great, overall condition and are complete with adjustable headrests for additional comfort and safety. The seats feature good quality, deeply chromed hinges. These allow the front seats to fold forward to afford access to the rear seats. The rear seats are deeply sculpted and, whilst not the smallest you will find from this period, are probably best used occasionally and sparingly.
The distinctive, ribbed headlining is finished in its original flocked fabric. Carpets are a matching blue hue and edge bound in leather. These may further benefit from a deep, steam cleaning .The door cards are trimmed in soft, blue leather and punctuated with quality, chromed door furniture.
The dashboard front is finished in black with a sculpted roll top finished in blue leather. The instrument binnacle sits upon a crackle finished and shaped metal panel. This contains seven, white on black Smiths gauges monitoring every aspect of the car’s operation. The main pair of gauges do appear a little “fogged” in our photographs. A small, three-spoke, alloy and leather original steering wheel is fitted. The centre console is heavily populated by a number of push / push switches, heater controls and original cassette radio head unit.
The boot is usefully sized and shaped and is home to the jack, tool set and battery. The latter appears to need securely mounting to avoid any issues and incidents.
The silver colourway of our car suits the William Towns muscular design very well
The condition of the exterior appears original and in fine fettle
Complete with the earlier open bonnet bulge and side scoops
Those of a particularly pedantic automotive nature may recognise a few familiar aspects to William Towns’ design. Take, for example, the rear quarters of the car which Towns admitted to “borrowing” from the early Mustangs. Other familiarities are a little more prosaic such as the rear lights which came directly from the Hillman Hunter. In reality, none of this matters of course. The car looked great from every angle and was sufficiently future proof to remain quite contemporary for the full twenty years of its production.
The paintwork and bodywork both present very well for a car fast approaching fifty years old. The current owner believes the paintwork to be predominantly original and clearly having benefitted from the benign climates this car has lived in and the diligent storage regimes it has enjoyed.
The front end features the big, open nose design and is further adorned with a large pair of driving lights and a pair of yellow lensed auxiliary lights below the bumper. At the rear the twin, chromed tail pipes peek out from the pressed steel rear panel.
Our car sits on the original and correct 15-inch cast alloy wheels. These feature polished rims with rough-cast centres and elements of diamond cut work to the forged details. These are shod with a matching set of 215/75, radial type tyres. These appear almost new as they exhibit a very good depth of remaining tread.
Our car features the iconic Tadek Marek designed 5.3L V8 engine
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a Chrysler derived, three speed automatic
Our car is reported to be in a good mechanical condition and ready to drive
The car that would become the Aston Martin V8 was actually ready to hit the road before the muscular Tadek Marek V8 engine was ready for production. As a result the six cylinder engine from the DB6 was initially used and the car was, hence, known as the “DBS.” The car really came of age when the big V8 was ready, however, with the performance of the car now being more appropriate to the muscular exterior design.
We don’t have a record of the maintenance history of this car. However, the vendor believes its low mileage to be original and has confirmed that the car runs and drives well and reports no known issues.
The under-bonnet presentation appears good and would seem to support these assumptions. A full deep clean and engine bay detailing would, likely, improve its condition and desirability still further. The underside of the car looks to be in good shape and condition, too.DSC09489.jpg11.88 MB
Summary
The Aston Martin V8 was a hand-built car with around 1,200 hours being invested in its construction by the artisans at Newport Pagnell. Although it went on to become a long-running and very popular model for the firm, only around 4,000 were built over 20 years. These cars have, obviously, gone on to be much rarer today with their stock certainly on the ascendancy currently.
Our example is a very original and very nicely presented example. It seems to have been lightly used and boasts a great, probably retrimmed, interior condition. This is a car that will definitely turn heads, not just thanks to its looks but due to its tuneful V8 rumble too. Certainly an exciting ownership opportunity for British sportscar enthusiasts and connoisseurs and most likely to be sought after. Bid today to avoid disappointment.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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