1974 Aston Martin V8 'Flip Tail'

Lot details
Registration No: JJH607N
Chassis No: DBSV8/11261/RCA
Mot Expiry: May 2012

Aston Martin's long-awaited V8 finally appeared in 1969. It was initially known as the DBS V8, but later re-dubbed simply, `V8'. Retrospectively known as the Series 3, the redesigned model phased-in during July 1973 was a response to concerns over forthcoming US emission control regulations. Marking a switch from Bosch fuel-injection to quad twin-choke 42mm Webers, the newcomer was visually distinguished by an enlarged air intake, elongated bonnet scoop and new rear window base panel.

Utilising the same steel platform chassis complete with independent double-wishbone front suspension, Watts linkage-located de Dion rear axle, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes as its predecessor, the luxury GT benefited from improved engine/transmission cooling and a revised petrol tank design (which boosted luggage space). Other improvements included a revamped 2+2 interior with revised seats and reorganised switchgear.

Believed to develop some 310bhp (Aston Martin never quoted a figure), its cleaner-running 5340cc DOHC V8 engine still made for a prodigiously fast motor car. Indeed, the September 1973 issue of Autocar magazine recorded 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and 146mph flat out aboard a Series 3 with automatic transmission. Only in production from July 1973 to December 1974 and then from spring 1976 to October 1978 (the break was caused by Aston Martin's financial difficulties), a mere 967 Series 3 cars are thought to have been made all told.

`JJH 607N' is a 1974 Series 3 V8 that was supplied new to the Far East, hence the unusual combination of right-hand drive configuration and KPH speedometer. The vendor believes the car's original destination was Singapore, but there is no documentary evidence to back up such a theory. The first UK keeper was Robert Ashmall of Wallington, Surrey to whom it was registered on December 1st 1989. He retained it until May 1991, at which point it passed to Roy Harrison of Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan. The vendor acquired the Aston from a deceased estate in November 2006 and had it recommisioned by ex-Aston Martin engineer Alan Gott of Alan Gott Motor Engineers, Southport.

At some stage it has been upgraded to resemble a Series 1 V8 Vantage V540, complete with front air dam, blanked off radiator grille and flip tail rear spoiler. Photos from a recent (autumn 2011) bare metal respray in Silver suggest the car still retains its factory fitted floors and sills (the latter were treated before being covered once more), while the Black leather upholstery also appears to be original, yet remains in good, undamaged order - the carpets, however are new. The V8 rides on the correct type of GKN alloy wheels and benefits from the fitting of a stainless steel exhaust.

The vendor currently considers the engine to be "excellent" and the bodywork and three speed automatic transmission to "very good". The Aston is being sold complete with V5C registration document, Alan Gott Motor Engineers bills, Aston Engineering Ltd parts invoices, several old tax discs and an MOT valid into May next year. The indicated mileage now stands at an unwarranted 38,000 kilometers. A nicely presented, `matching' chassis and engine numbers car that should be of considerable interest to the many fans of this traditional British classic.