For Aston Martin the V8 nomenclature brought beefed up aesthetics to the already compelling combination of fastback DBS styling and Tadek Marek’s remarkable 5.3litre engine. It proved popular and outsold similarly boutique offerings from Jensen and Ferrari.
After sitting in the shadow of the DB models, enthusiasts are increasingly turning to the V8 for its combination of usability, V8 heft and crisp William Towns styling. Good cars in the right specification are particularly in demand.
This Series 3 V8 certainly fits those criteria. Converted to desirable manual gearbox and recently restored in Deep Carriage Green, it is a compelling combination of refreshed aesthetics and gently patinated interior. There is an interesting history to dig into too, making this big 70s GT a very attractive proposition.
Originally sold by the factory as a LHD car with automatic gearbox to Los Angeles, California
First registered 1st January 1976 according to DVLA
If originally sold overseas, DVLA records generally revert to the 1st January for the year in which a car was first registered
Originally sold by the factory as a LHD car with automatic gearbox to Los Angeles, California
Moved to the East Coast of America later in its life and was professionally converted to 6spd manual
Then moved West again and was entered into well known concours events
Joined a static private collection in California
Auctioned at Bonhams’ Amelia Island auction and acquired by the vendor
Imported to the UK, assessed by the vendor then restored by them
As a recent import there is not MOT history but the car is MOT and tax exempt
A chassis plaque on the car indicates that it left the factory in August 1976. The vendor has usefully traced its history and obtained the factory records, which confirm it left the factory painted Cairngorm Brown with Natural leather interior and an automatic gearbox. It was initially exported to Los Angeles.
It has then lead an interesting life including a spell on the East Coast, where it gained a 6spd manual gearbox, and then returning to California to form part of a static classic car collection. During its Stateside stay it attended various well known concours events. At some point it was repainted Claret, which it remained until its return to the UK.
Finally it emerged at Bonhams’ famous Amelia Island auction where it was acquired by the vendors, a well respected classic car restoration business in Suffolk.
On arrival in the UK the vendor assessed the car, initially expecting to complete a full restoration. However the car was found to be in very good condition and so an aesthetic restoration was deemed appropriate. The approach was to restore the aesthetic glory of the car but retain the character that can so often be lost with a comprehensive ground-up refurbishment.
The work included converting the car to a European look by removing the USA side repeaters and painting it in one of the most popular and classic Aston colours, Deep Carriage Green. The car was acquired with HRE split rim style wheels but a set of original wheels with Michelin tyres are also supplied with the car.
The engine was serviced and the brakes and carburettors overhauled for sale.
Original black leather and vinyl interior
Stylish Nardi wood-rimmed wheel
After-market stereo fitted
Black carpets in cabin and boot
Four seats trimmed in black leather
Original features like the glovebox torch still present
Factory specification light grey wool headlining
Before Aston Martin went in the direction of wood veneers, its interiors looked like this: simple, functional and stylish. It is much more modern than that found in the earlier DB cars but there is a clear nod to them in the Smiths dials, absence of ornamentation and the subtle outline of the Aston Martin grille in the hip of dashboard over the dials.
The interior is in very good condition, with just a gentle level of patination to add character to this nearly 50 year old car. The signs of use are very minor, such as slight wear to the switchgear and heating controls, and explain why the sympathetic restorer chose not to make it over.
The only deviations from standard are the slim Nardi wood-rimmed wheel and an aftermarket stereo. Elsewhere originality abounds including the door cards in excellent condition and even the glovebox torch. The dials and switchgear are well preserved and the level of detail extends to the correct roundel atop the gear knob annotating the six gears.
Freshly restored bodywork with high quality Deep Carriage Green paintwork
Series 3 car with taller bonnet air intake to accommodate carburettors
Chrome work and body fittings in excellent, unmarked condition
Shut lines and panel gaps clean and consistent
Fitted with HRE split-rim style wheels
Factory correct original wheels and Michelin tyres also provided ith car
Converted to European specification by removing US side repeaters
Specialised car cover with Aston Martin logo included
William Towns’ original fastback coupe shape for the DBS was clearly influenced by contemporary America muscle cars, a vibe that the V8 clearly leans into. It is a purposeful shape and one that has become distinctively Aston Martin, just as the run of DB models up to the ‘6 also achieved. You can still see its influence in the DB9 and 11.
This car was resprayed at least once before returning to the UK so its switch to the very Aston colour of Deep Carriage Green seems a natural part of its interesting story. The work has clearly been completed to a very high standard – as you would expect from the vendor – and presents now in virtually showroom-fresh condition. It has been carefully converted to European specification by the vendor, removing the US side repeaters.
The chromework and various lights and decals complement the paintwork condition and display no obvious signs of marks or deterioration.
The car is shown sitting on HRE split rim style wheels. Original factory wheels with Michelin tyres are supplied with the car, giving the vendor the choice of looks.
For some time the 1970s AMV8 languished between the earlier and later cars in the firm’s classic lineage. Today collectors are increasingly turning to these cars for their usability and in recognition of the qualities that made them so popular in period.
