Registration No: 421 FLR
Chassis No: V8/11734/RCAS
MOT: Exempt

• Rare UK-delivered V8 'S'
• Matching numbers with 'Stage 1' specification engine
• Automatic transmission with 'shift kit'
• Fitted with the rare factory sunroof
• Fully documented engine rebuild by Tolman Motorsport
• Chassis, outriggers, sills, jacking points and floor replaced or repaired
• Bare metal respray and partial retrim

Retrospectively known as the ‘Series 3’, the redesigned V8 model Aston Martin was phased-into production during July 1973 and 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, an elegant, elongated bonnet ‘power-bulge’ and an altered rear window base panel. The ‘Series 3’ 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 2+2 interior with revised seats and rearranged switchgear. Initially developing some 310bhp, its cleaner-running and less temperamental 5340cc DOHC V8 engine made for a prodigiously fast motor car. By 1977, however, 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 equipped in this way 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 1874 and Spring 1976 – October 1978.

A copy of the original build sheet notes that chassis V8/11734/RCAS, a rare and desirable home market V8 'S', was delivered to GKN Group Services on 23^rd of August 1977. Finished in Kentucky Blue with a Burgundy Connolly hide interior, Burgundy carpets and Grey headlining, the specification included an automatic transmission and the very rare sliding sunroof. Whilst there is a comprehensive service record for the car since the late eighties, the early ownership history can only be traced back through the invoices to 1989 when the car was owned by a Mr Bertram of Newcastle upon Tyne. He sold the car to a Mr Thomas in Durham, with the Aston passing into the ownership of a to Mr Cameron of Wallington, Surrey some years later. The V8 was acquired by a Mr Robertson of Coulsdon in November, 1998. The previous owner, a Mr Smiles, bought ‘421 FLR’ in March 2001 from Supersport Prestige & Performance Cars and kept it until it was sold to the current vendor in 2018. From the accompanying history file, comprising of 4 big folders, it becomes clear that the car has always been well cared for and that the owners were not afraid to invest heavily into keeping it in very good condition. The list of suppliers and servicing specialists reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of Aston Martin Specialists, with names including Aston Martin Lagonda, Ian Mason, Aston Engineering, Puddleduck, Rikki Cann, Goodwood Green Classics, RS Williams, Stratton Motor Company and Aston Workshop. Under Mr Smiles’ custodianship, ‘421 FLR’ was subjected to a substantial renovation program, with a full bare-metal respray in Rolls-Royce Peacock Blue after all issues with inner and outer sills, outriggers, chassis and bodywork were sorted out. The interior was partly retrimmed in high-quality Red leather with a new headlining installed as well. In 2010 the engine was fully stripped and rebuilt with the automatic transmission being uprated with a ‘shift kit’ to increase performance and reliability. At the time of consignment, the car drove exceptionally well with good engine performance and a smooth gearchange. With the interior, exterior and mechanicals being rated by the vendor as ‘very good’, and offered with a very large history file, this properly sorted and cosseted V8 ‘S’ should be at the top of the wish list of anyone considering an Aston Martin V8.

For more information, please contact:
Julian Pinkster
julian.pinkster@handh.co.uk
07889 223 904