Lot details
Registration No: UPP 26R
Chassis No: V811673RCAS
Mot Expiry: Sept 2020

- Matching chassis and engine numbers

- Extensive history file dating back to 31st December 1979

- Recent detailed report from Aston Specilist Desmond J Smail

Retrospectively known as the Series 3, the redesigned V8 model Aston Martin phased-in during July 1973 was a response to concerns over forthcoming US emission control regulations. Marking a switch from Bosch fuel-injection to quad twin-choke 42mm Weber carburation, the newcomer was visually distinguished by an enlarged air intake, elongated bonnet scoop and altered rear window base panel. Utilising the same steel platform chassis complete with independent double-wishbone front suspension, a Watts linkage-located de Dion rear axle, power assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes as its predecessor, the luxury GT benefited from improved engine/transmission cooling and a revised petrol tank design (which boosted luggage space). Other improvements included a revamp of the 2+2 interior with revised seats and reorganised switchgear. Initially developing some 310bhp, its cleaner-running and less temperamental 5340cc DOHC V8 engine made for a prodigiously fast motor car. However, by 1977 even tighter emission regulations had sapped peak output to around 280bhp. Aston's response was to install 'Stage 1' camshafts and an exhaust system developed for the V8 Vantage, restoring power to nearer 304bhp. Models so equipped are sometimes referred to as V8 'S'. Due to financial difficulties, the 967 Series 3 cars commissioned were produced in two phases: July 1973 - December 1974 and Spring 1976 - October 1978.

A rare and desirable home market V8 'S', chassis V8/11673/RCAS boasts a history file that dates back to 31st December 1979 when it was bought from Aston Martin (Sales) Limited of Sloane Street, London by J.H. Sacks Esq for £16,500. Interestingly, Mr Sacks part-exchanged a less powerful, non-'S' V8 despite it being barely eight months older. Serviced by the manufacturer on 28th January 1980 at 34,273 miles, the four-seater underwent a speedometer change less than two months later. An accompanying Aston Martin Continuation Service Vouchers Booklet records further maintenance up until 7th April 1983 at 45,943 miles. Briefly looked after by White Lion Autos of Hemel Hempstead, the V8 'S' returned to its maker's Newport Pagnell Works Service facility for further fettling during 1985. Belonging to D. Storey Esq of Ivor Heath by 1989, the four-seater was treated to a respray in Gloss Black and re-plated bumpers / over-riders. Acquired by its previous (fifth) keeper - Philip Ramsey Esq - during 2000, chassis V8/11673/RCAS benefited from the following during his seventeen-year custodianship: suspension and brake overhaul (Ken Shergold, £5,933.75), new larger capacity radiator (Ken Shergold, £1,569.76), reconditioned automatic gearbox / torque converter and overhauled brake servos (Automatic Transmission Centre, £2,352.62), chassis / sill repairs, new water pump, various fresh suspension parts (Mark Fish Vehicle Engineers, £2,755.97), air pump repairs, two tyres, replacement headlamps (Mark Fish, £2,431.66), engine compression test, new cam cover gaskets, replacement rear shock absorbers, rejuvenated ignition system (Mark Fish, £3,942.15), carburetor overhaul x 4 (Liskeard Classic Cars, £861.65), door catch / locking mechanisms refurbished, new battery (£849). Only covering some 6,000 miles during Mr Ramsey's tenure, the Aston Martin has been further improved since entering the current ownership in 2017. A bill from last July recording that Autopoint of Knutsford overhauled the alternator, fitted new front anti-roll bar bushes, links and brackets plus new indicator / wiper stalks, refurbished the alloy wheels and completed a service (£3,244.02). Passing its last MOT test on 24th August 2018 with 'no advisories' at an indicated 64,959 miles (making the total covered from new circa 100,000 given the speedometer change in 1980), this striking and desirable V8 'S' is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file and recent report from respected marque specialist Desmond J. Smail.