20th Apr, 2016 13:30
Imperial War Museum Duxford
1978 Aston Martin V8
Estimated at £80,000 - £90,000
Lot details
Registration No: TYX807S
Chassis No: V8/11871/RCAS
Mot Expiry: Mar 2017
- Engine upgrade to Vantage specification and 4 speed ZF automatic gearbox
- Original wheels and gearbox included and available for collection from vendor
- Vantage front air dam and Oscar India bonnet fitted
- Suffolk Red with Fawn leather interior
- Featured on front cover of Classic & Sportscar magazine in 1986
- Purchased from Paul Spires and three owners from new
- In the current ownership since 1990
In 1973 Aston Martin introduced the Weber carburettor-fed V8, retrospectively designated Series 3. In 1977, the engine, incorporating some of the modifications for the then-new V8 Vantage was given the 'S' specification. Later cars also had a redesigned dashboard with black replacing chromed instrument bezels.
TYX807S was delivered to a London business in March 1978 and in 1986 passed to Paul Spires, currently commercial director at Aston Martin Works. In October 1986, the car featured on the front cover of Classic and Sportscar magazine. In 1990, it was acquired by the current third owner.
In 1991, the colour was changed from the original Florida Blue to Suffolk Red and a Vantage front air dam and Cibié driving lights fitted. In 1993 the chassis was refurbished by Aston Engineering of Derby, with a Harvey-Bailey handling kit fitted, and in 1995, they extensively overhauled and upgraded the engine to Vantage V540 specification (approx. 380 bhp) with stainless exhaust system, since when the car has completed approximately 23,000 miles. In 2002, uprated AP brakes were fitted.
In 2011, at 123,831 miles the Chrysler gearbox was replaced with a ZF4HP24 unit with a low-stall torque converter, necessitating a new speedometer. The lower three ratios are the same as original with the addition of a lock-up 0.73:1 overdrive fourth gear giving 33mph per 1,000 rpm and making for more relaxed and economical running.
The car is currently fitted with 17" Image alloy wheels, giving a wide availability of tyres but the original GKN wheels (and Chrysler gearbox) will be available with the car.
Additional equipment includes intermittent wipers, electric door mirrors, headrests, rear seat belts, mats and alarm/immobiliser/remote central door locking. The interior is refurbished, with the dashboard vinyl replaced by matching leather and the headlining in alcantara.
The car is ready to be used and enjoyed but would also provide a sound base for return to original specification.
Registration No: TYX807S
Chassis No: V8/11871/RCAS
Mot Expiry: Mar 2017
- Engine upgrade to Vantage specification and 4 speed ZF automatic gearbox
- Original wheels and gearbox included and available for collection from vendor
- Vantage front air dam and Oscar India bonnet fitted
- Suffolk Red with Fawn leather interior
- Featured on front cover of Classic & Sportscar magazine in 1986
- Purchased from Paul Spires and three owners from new
- In the current ownership since 1990
In 1973 Aston Martin introduced the Weber carburettor-fed V8, retrospectively designated Series 3. In 1977, the engine, incorporating some of the modifications for the then-new V8 Vantage was given the 'S' specification. Later cars also had a redesigned dashboard with black replacing chromed instrument bezels.
TYX807S was delivered to a London business in March 1978 and in 1986 passed to Paul Spires, currently commercial director at Aston Martin Works. In October 1986, the car featured on the front cover of Classic and Sportscar magazine. In 1990, it was acquired by the current third owner.
In 1991, the colour was changed from the original Florida Blue to Suffolk Red and a Vantage front air dam and Cibié driving lights fitted. In 1993 the chassis was refurbished by Aston Engineering of Derby, with a Harvey-Bailey handling kit fitted, and in 1995, they extensively overhauled and upgraded the engine to Vantage V540 specification (approx. 380 bhp) with stainless exhaust system, since when the car has completed approximately 23,000 miles. In 2002, uprated AP brakes were fitted.
In 2011, at 123,831 miles the Chrysler gearbox was replaced with a ZF4HP24 unit with a low-stall torque converter, necessitating a new speedometer. The lower three ratios are the same as original with the addition of a lock-up 0.73:1 overdrive fourth gear giving 33mph per 1,000 rpm and making for more relaxed and economical running.
The car is currently fitted with 17" Image alloy wheels, giving a wide availability of tyres but the original GKN wheels (and Chrysler gearbox) will be available with the car.
Additional equipment includes intermittent wipers, electric door mirrors, headrests, rear seat belts, mats and alarm/immobiliser/remote central door locking. The interior is refurbished, with the dashboard vinyl replaced by matching leather and the headlining in alcantara.
The car is ready to be used and enjoyed but would also provide a sound base for return to original specification.
Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 20th Apr, 2016
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