1973 Aston Martin V8

Lot details
Registration No: WPT 464
Chassis No: V8/10753/RCA
Mot Expiry: May 2014

Introduced in April 1972 shortly after Aston Martin had been acquired by Company Developments, the new V8 was visually distinguished from its DBS V8 predecessor by a black mesh grille and twin (rather than quad) headlights. Under the skin, the two shared the same platform chassis, DeDion rear axle, independent front suspension, power steering and disc brakes. Another carry over was the 'quad-cam' 5340cc V8 engine allied to either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Credited with developing some 310bhp and 360lbft - thanks in part to its Bosch mechanical fuel-injection system - the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6 seconds and almost 160mph (figures which would not be properly eclipsed until the arrival of the fearsome Vantage). Only in production for fifteen months, just 288 of the first generation `twin headlight' V8s are thought to have been made.

A comparatively late example, chassis V8/10753/RCA was first road registered as `BVX 251L' on 15th May 1973. Apparently the subject of various restoration works during the 1990s, the following decade is understood to have seen the Aston Martin treated to a new clutch, overhauled front suspension, refurbished front callipers, replacement brake servo, air-conditioning service and repaint from Red to Cumberland Grey. Re-registered as `WPT 464' by its previous keeper, the four-seater is being offered for sale from a deceased estate which contained four other Aston Martins. Variously rated by the vendor's agent as `solid' (bodywork), `believed sound but not run recently' (engine), `presumed OK' (electrical equipment), `OK / good' (paintwork), `good' (five-speed manual gearbox) and `original' (Black leather upholstery), this rare fuel-injected V8 is accompanied by a history file and current MOT certificate which runs until 15th May 2014.