1979 Aston Martin V8 Oscar India

Lot details
Registration No: RNV241V
Chassis No: V8S0R12173
Mot Expiry: March 2020

- 1 of just 291 Oscar India V8 Saloons made

- Two registered keepers and 83,000 warranted miles from new

- Exceptional history file with no fewer than 39 visits to Works Serice during its first ownership

Launched at the October 1978 Birmingham Motor Show, the Fourth Series or Oscar India V8 (Oscar India being AM factory 'shorthand' for October Introduction) sported 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 fixed-head boasted a revised interior complete with leather headlining and burr walnut dashboard / door cappings. An occasional four-seater, the Oscar India V8 remained in production for seven and half years during which time just 291 are thought to have been made.

Any Oscar India V8 is a special car but chassis V8SOR12173 boasts a history that few, if any, of its siblings can match. Ordered new by Colin Edwards Esq. of Chinghall Ltd, Bletchley from Aston Martin Sales of Sloane Street in July 1979 as a replacement for his existing Series III V8, its luxurious specification included Crusader White paintwork, Black leather upholstery (piped in Light Grey), Cibie auxiliary driving lights, side marker lights, rear guard fog lights, automatic transmission and air-conditioning. Located just a stone's throw away from the Newport Pagnell factory, Mr Edwards was fastidious about having the Oscar India V8 serviced by its manufacturer. Indeed, his typed instructions to the maintenance department often included a request to treat it to a `VIP wash and wax'. Making no fewer than thirty-nine trips to Works Service during Mr Edwards' fourteen-year custodianship, the four-seater had covered 70,000 extremely well documented miles when the current registered keeper acquired it. Notifying Newport Pagnell about the change of ownership via letter, Mr Edwards commented: `Thank you all so much for your help over the years, your department has made running an Aston a real pleasure, owning one is a privilege'.

A frequent visitor to Works Service in the hands of its second keeper too, chassis V8SOR12173 was entrusted to renowned marque specialist Desmond J. Smail in 2016 at 81,874 miles for a thorough check over. Overseen by Mr Smail himself, the resultant work cost nearly £17,000 and encompassed: thorough A and B servicing, mechanical / electrical fettling, cosmetic improvement and conversion of the air-conditioning to R134A etc. Although, it currently sports a Works Service-supplied `Prince of Wales' type front spoiler, the original item accompanies the car should a new owner wish to reinstate it. Warranted to have covered just 83,000 miles from new and pleasingly retaining its original, European Stage 1 factory-fitted engine (V/540/2173/S), `RNV 241V' has been sparingly used of late. Starting readily upon inspection, it proved untemperamental during our recent photography session. The Crusader White paintwork contrasts beautifully with the original Black leather upholstery, while the rich wood veneers to the dashboard and door cappings are notably smart. Riding on its original GKN alloy wheels shod with Avon Turbospeed tyres, the Aston Martin will possess a fresh MOT certificate by the time of sale. A highly presentable and obviously much-loved Oscar India V8 that has had just two registered keepers, `RNV 241V' possesses a truly enviable history file complete with original order form, vehicle purchase invoice and warranty card. Worthy of close inspection, this Aston Martin would grace many a collection.