1981 Aston Martin V8 Series 4 'Oscar India' Sports Saloon

5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Dual-Throat Weber Carburetors
300bhp at 6,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Original US delivery LHD, 5-speed manual V8
*One of 20 'Oscar India' Saloons to be sold new in the US
*Retains matching-numbers engine
*Offered with copy of factory build sheet


THE ASTON MARTIN V8

Shortly after reorganization under new ownership as AML (1975) Ltd, Aston Martin resumed development of its highly successful V8. A host of improvements was to be incorporated in the forthcoming Series 4, scheduled for introduction in October 1978. Built from then until 1986, these cars are generally known by the factory's 'Oscar India' sobriquet, standing for 'October Introduction'. The most obvious differences were a restyled bonnet and boot-mounted spoiler, while the cabin received a redesigned dashboard and center console, and the headlining became leather rather than cloth. There were, of course, countless other improvements, most notably to the air conditioning and to the shock absorber settings. The most successful Aston Martin ever, the V8 survived the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s, enjoying a record-breaking production run lasting from 1969 to 1988, with 2,919 cars sold.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to copies of Aston Martin's factory build records, this V8 was built during March of 1981. At the time it was commonplace for Aston to supply dealers US dealers with Volantes for stock, but Saloons were typically only special orders, as such few 'Oscar India' Saloons made it stateside. Of the 291 built in the seven and a half years of production, just 20 made it to the US from new.

This example, with left-hand drive steering arrangement and a 5-speed manual transmission, just as it appears today, was one of the 20 destined for the US market. Finished in Canterbury Blue over a Natural leather interior it was delivered to its first owner, John Vaccaro of Berkeley, California, in July of 1982. Its earliest history is not documented, but by 1996 the car had an indicated 25,000 and was registered in the Pittsburgh area. A year later it was change hands and moved east to the garage of Richard d'Albert of New York City, where it would remain for the next 13 years. Running up another 15,000 miles, it is understood to have been regularly maintained by the marque specialists at Autosport Designs during this period. It was purchased by the current owner in 2010 with 40,000 miles (understood to be original) and has been on static display since, thus mechanical recommissioning is recommended.

The V8 is increasingly being appreciated by collectors as an important cornerstone of the Aston Martin story in America. After recommissioning, this V8 would make a lovely cruiser once again.