1974 Aston Martin V8

Lot details
Registration No: BVU476N
Chassis No: V8/11123/RCA
Mot Expiry: Feb 2019

- 1 of just 967 Series 3 examples

- 97,100 miles from new and manual transmission

- Large history file including service book containing 22 stamps

Aston Martin's long-awaited V8 finally appeared in 1969. It was initially known as the DBS V8, but later dubbed simply, 'V8'. Retrospectively known as the Series 3, the redesigned model phased-in during July 1973 was a response to concerns over forthcoming US emission regulations. Marking a switch from Bosch fuel-injection to quad twin-choke 42mm Webers, the newcomer was visually distinguished by an enlarged air intake, elongated bonnet scoop and new rear window panel. Utilising the same steel platform chassis complete with independent double-wishbone front suspension, Watts linkage-located de Dion rear axle, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes as its predecessor, the luxury GT now benefited from improved engine and transmission cooling and a revised petrol tank design.
Other improvements included a revamped 2+2 interior with revised seats and reorganised switchgear. Developing some 310bhp, its cleaner-running 5340cc DOHC V8 engine still made for a prodigiously fast motorcar. Indeed, the September 1973 issue of Autocar magazine recorded 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and 146mph flat out aboard a Series 3 with automatic transmission. With production running from July 1973 to December 1974 and then Spring 1976 to October 1978, just 967 Series 3 cars were made all told.

This 'meticulously maintained' Series 3 V8 comes freshly repainted in its original shade of Imperial Blue matched to its recently restored Cream leather interior. Supplied new to Charles Hurst of Belfast with factory-fitted manual transmission and A/C (presently inoperative) the extras also included electric sunroof, left hand mirror, bumper overriders and extra side repeaters. Currently displaying a total of 97,100 miles 'BVU 476N' has benefited from new stainless-steel exhaust manifolds (2001), new battery (2016) plus in 2017; new carpets, re-chromed bumpers, new windscreen, new window and door rubbers, refurbished wheels and the underneath has been cleaned plus rust proofed.

The vendor presently grades the bodywork, paintwork, engine and transmission as 'excellent' and the interior trim as 'very good' and is offering the Aston complete with service book containing 22 stamps from Kensington-based independent marque specialist Ian Mason, original instruction book, workshop manual, large collection of invoices, 32 old MOTs and one valid to February 2019. Just three 1974 Aston Martin V8s are seemingly registered with the DVLA at present of which this is the only non-SORN'd example.