Lot details Registration No: OPT775T Chassis No: V8C0R15075 Mot Expiry: Oct 2017
Launched at the October 1978 Birmingham Motor Show, the Fourth Series or Oscar India V8 (Oscar India being AM factory 'shorthand' for October Introduction) boasted a re-profiled 'power bulge' bonnet, subtly integrated rear lip spoiler and GKN alloy wheels. Little changed beneath its aluminium skin, the model utilised the same independent coil-sprung front suspension, De Dion rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes and power assisted rack and pinion steering as its predecessors. Predominantly allied to three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, the Tadek Marek designed 5340cc DOHC V8 engine was fed via quad Weber carburettors. Thus equipped, Autocar magazine found the Oscar India to be capable of 146mph and 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. Cementing its Grand Tourer credentials, the model featured a smart burr walnut dashboard / door cappings and could be had in Fixed-Head or Convertible guises. Total carburettor-fed V8 Volante production amounted to just 439 cars (though, the American market accounted for the vast majority).
According to its accompanying British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, this particular example - chassis 15075 - was completed on 1st May 1979 and dispatched to Reg Vardy Ltd some eight days later. Originally finished in Tourmaline Blue with Light Blue-piped Fawn leather upholstery (the same livery it pleasingly sports today), the Aston Martin's build specification also included a lockable fuel-filler cap, left-hand electric door mirror and two detachable headrests. Purchased by its previous keeper, Alan Webb Esq., from marque specialist Runnymede in 2010, the V8 Volante was subsequently entrusted to the Chiltern Aston Centre for a thorough vehicle inspection following which attention was paid to its boot floor, sills, floorpan, brake system and suspension etc. Keen to enhance his driving pleasure, Mr Webb commissioned Aston Workshop to convert 'OPT 775T' from automatic to six-speed manual transmission. Showing a credible but unwarranted 43,966 miles at the time, the occasional four-seater retains its original engine but now displays some 3,000 miles to the digital odometer which was fitted as part of the Tremec gearbox upgrade.
Acquired by the vendor with service and maintenance bills from Aston Martin main dealers and specialists that apparently totalled nearly £50,000 not to mention over 150 photographs detailing work done, the car has since been treated to a re-spray in its original Tourmaline Blue and had its interior trim smartened etc. Highly presentable and mechanically well sorted, this rare right-hand drive carburettor-fed V8 Volante is offered for sale with BMIHT Certificate, original handbook, brochure, fresh MOT certificate and extensive bills / invoices dating back to the 1980s. It also comes with its original automatic transmission should a new owner wish to reinstate it.
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