1976 Aston Martin V8
No Reserve

Registration No: LPM 662P
Chassis No: V8/11437/RCA
MOT: Exempt

• Offered in exciting, garage-find project form, off the road since 1991
• Originally specified with the desirable five-speed ZF manual gearbox
• Supplied with original correspondence from supplying dealer, H. W. Motors Ltd.

Retrospectively known as the Series III, the redesigned V8 model Aston Martin was phased into production during July, 1973, and was a response to concerns over forthcoming American emission control regulations. Marking a switch from the troublesome Bosch fuel injection to quad twin-choke 42mm Weber carburation, the newcomer was visually distinguishable by an enlarged air intake, an elegant, elongated bonnet ‘power bulge’ and an altered rear window base panel. The Series III utilised the same steel platform chassis as its predecessor, complete with independent double-wishbone front suspension, a Watts linkage-located de Dion rear axle, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The luxury GT benefitted from improved engine and transmission cooling and a revised petrol tank design, which boosted luggage space. Other improvements included a revamp of the two-plus-two interior with revised seats and rearranged switchgear. Initially developing some 310bhp, its cleaner-running and less temperamental 5,340cc DOHC V8 engine made for a prodigiously fast motor car. The Series III was reputedly capable of accelerating from rest to 60 mph in just 6.1secs. and on to a claimed top speed of some 140 mph.

Due to financial difficulties, just 967 Series III cars were produced in two phases: July, 1973, to December, 1974, and spring, 1976, to October, 1978.

This Aston Martin V8 represents a remarkable restoration opportunity, having been off the road thirty-five years while surviving with much early history. It has had only two owners from new, changing hands in 1989. It was originally bought through the well-known dealership H. W. Motors Ltd. in Walton-on-Thames by Nick B. Anscombe of Fleet, Hampshire, who requested the five-speed manual gearbox and options such as an electric roof, overriders, side marker lights, side repeater flashers, and headrests. After VAT and a full tank of petrol, that would have set Mr. Anscombe back £13,482.24.

From early in its life, the Aston Martin was registered to Mr. Anscombe’s business, NBA (Controls) Ltd. on Invincible Road in Farnborough. Assorted documents testify to the Aston Martin being in continuous use through the 1980s, until Anscombe sold it in October, 1989, to the present owner, who registered it in the name of his business. It was registered in his own name in August, 1990, and its last tax expired in 1991, though it was MOTed in 1992, at 81,652 miles. It was then stripped for restoration and repainted in its original Green, and much work was completed before the project stalled. This included major chassis welding; thorough overhauls of the front suspension, back axle, steering and brakes; a new clutch plate and reground flywheel; a rechromed rear bumper; and assorted smaller jobs.

It is offered for sale with a tremendous amount of history from Mr. Anscombe’s ownership, including the original quotation from H. W. Motors, multiple MOTs and licence application forms spanning the 1980s, invoices for servicing and maintenance from various garages (including a 1983 rear axle overhaul), and the 1989 sale invoice. Also present are a 1975 Aston Martin Lagonda price list, the current V5C, and the final tax disc from 1990-91.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430