Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Automatic

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

If ever a car exuded thuggish charm then it has to be the Aston Martin V8. Sleek, muscular and oh so very British, it has a brooding presence that commands respect from other road users.

Memorably described by the late Paul Frere as "a civilised Ferrari Daytona" it has the go to match the show, with all models having in excess of 300bhp and being capable of over 140mph. Styled by William Towns, the all-aluminium-bodied V8 was launched in 1972 to replace the old DBS model and was powered by a modified version of the Tadek Marek-designed 5.3-litre DOHC V8 engine first used in the Lola Aston Martin sports racing cars that gave around 340bhp and 360lb/ft in road tune.

After David Brown sold Aston Martin in February 1972, the DBS V8 was replaced by the Series 2 model, now simply called the Aston Martin V8. Gone were the four headlamps and slatted grille, replaced by a black mesh grille flanked by single headlamps; mechanical changes being limited to electronic ignition and standard air conditioning.

The Series 3 which followed in August 1973 got a quartet of Weber 42 DCNF carburettors instead of the troublesome fuel injection, a change which brought increased torque and necessitated a larger bonnet bulge to clear the air box, lending the car an even more aggressive road presence. Other changes included improved seats and central locking. Even in automatic form the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 seconds and better 145mph flat-out, unbelievable for an early 1970s 4-seater weighing nearly two tons!

“A well-equipped car with magnificent stride for long journeys” was how Autocar magazine concluded its 1973 road test of a Series 3, revealing that the new version of the V8 Aston engine with four carbs and automatic transmission had proved nearly as quick as its manual transmission, fuel-injected predecessor and fractionally more economical.

The Series 3 was to remain the mainstay of the business until 1978 with some 967 examples leaving Newport Pagnell before the revised Series 4 ‘Oscar India’ models were introduced with their closed bonnet air-intake and further interior revisions.

This particular V8 was supplied new by Donaldson and Evans in May 1974 and has had just four owners from new, the third owning it from 1985 and the fourth since 1993. The speedometer is showing 79,901 miles which is believed genuine, seven old MOTs showing that the car covered only 3,086 miles between 1992 and 2003 when it was put into storage.

Originally metallic blue, it was resprayed silver by Wolf Garage (previously Donaldson and Evans, who first supplied the car) in September 2002. Shortly before that, in 2000-2001, the car had been treated to a £7,300 overhaul at Aston Workshops which included new inner and outer sills, new outriggers and jacking points, front suspension replacement, new brake discs and a refurb of the alloy wheels (bills on file). A new exhaust manifold was fitted in 1994 and a full stainless steel exhaust in 1986. In all there are bills for around £13,000 over the last 30 years.

Appearing to be largely sound, straight and original, it has a very well-preserved blue leather interior and we are informed that the engine still turns easily despite it being last driven a dozen years ago. The substantial history file includes an original owner’s handbook and an entry sticker to the Saddleworth Show in 1994 where the car was once displayed.

Being offered here as a straightforward restoration project, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a fast appreciating Aston Martin V8 at a very reasonable guide price.