1972 Aston Martin V8

Registration No: DDG 999L
Chassis No: V810559RCA
MOT: November 2022

• Subject to an extensive bodywork restoration and mechanical overhaul
• Finished in Oliver Green complemented with a retrimmed Cream leather interior
• Fitted with correct Dog-Leg manual gearbox
• Previous engine overhaul and recent inspection with compression test by marque specialist
• 1 of just 288 Series 2 examples made

Introduced in April 1972 shortly after Aston Martin had been acquired by Company Developments, the new V8 was visually distinguished from its DBS V8 predecessor by a black mesh grille and twin (rather than quad) headlights. Under the skin, the two shared the same platform chassis, DeDion rear axle, independent front suspension, power steering and disc brakes. Another carry over was the 'quad-cam' 5340cc V8 engine allied to either five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Credited with developing well over 300bhp - thanks in part to its Bosch mechanical fuel-injection system - the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6 seconds and almost 160mph (figures which would not be properly eclipsed until the arrival of the fearsome Vantage). Only in production for fifteen months, just 288 of the first generation `twin headlight' V8s are thought to have been made.

This Aston Martin V8 was built in July 1972 with fuel injected engine and automatic transmission and delivered to Plough Motors Ltd, Stroud Valley in August that year for delivery to its first owner. This is therefore an original RHD UK market car and one of just 288 Series 2 cars produced. Little is known about the car’s early history despite attempts to track this down via the Owners Club and Works Service. However, the DVLA have confirmed that ‘DDG 999L’ is the original registration number of the car. The car was exported at some point, most likely in 1987 when it was last taxed prior to the vendor purchasing it. It is believed to have remained in Europe (as evidenced by a Norwegian registration document dated March 2003) before returning to the UK from Germany in 2015. During its time abroad, the car was converted to LHD.

Purchased by the vendor as a bare body shell, with fully overhauled engine and everything else in boxes, this 1972 Aston Martin V8 was treated to a comprehensive restoration between 2015 and 2020 and has been placed in dry storage since completion. Work to the body comprised the eradication of all rust and included the fitment of new sills, rear radius arm mounting points and boot floor. At some point the car had been styled like a later Oscar India V8 with Kamm tail rear bodywork, this being removed to return the car to original specification. It was also converted back to RHD and painted in Aston Martin Olive Green. Many new parts were incorporated into the build including a complete new wiring loom and full stainless-steel exhaust. The GKN wheels were refurbished and new 225/70x15 Michelin XWX tyres with tubes were fitted. This tyre size being correct for a manual V8.

Prior to fitting, the engine was run on the dyno and achieved an extremely healthy 330bhp without any tuning. The car is said to “run and drive extremely well and is a showcase for how good a properly set up mechanically fuel injected car should feel. The fully overhauled ZF dog-leg gear box now fitted complements the engine as, unlike later carburettor V8's, the mechanical fuel injection delivers it's power further up the rev range.” The engine also benefits from a recent inspection with compression test by marque specialist Rikki Cann.

The interior was completely retrimmed in Conolly Vaumol Luxan Stone leather. The carpets are Boyriven Wilton and the headliner is Boyriven Union Cloth in fawn. In addition, all the black vinyl dash panels were re-covered and the steering wheel restored.

On completion, ‘DDG 999L’ was entered into the Aston Martin Owner's Club Concours in February 2021. Due to Covid restrictions, this was a virtual concours and the judges used photographs to assess the cars. Despite strong competition, this car was declared the winner of the "Newport Pagnell V8" class. A commemorative plaque is included with the history.

A decidedly handsome machine, this recently restored Series 2 is offered with a folder of invoices for parts and work carried out during the restoration as well as a substantial ring bound document comprising details of all the work carried out along with accompanying photographs.

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Excellent’
Engine: 'Excellent'
Electrical Equipment: 'Excellent'
Paintwork: ‘Excellent'
Gearbox: 'Excellent'
Interior Trim: 'Excellent'

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760