1977 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon

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

*Delivered new to Los Angeles
*Tastefully updated
*A brute in a suit
*Documented by copies of its factory build records

THE ASTON MARTIN V8

Aston Martin had always intended the DBS to house its new V8 engine, but production difficulties meant that the car first appeared with the DB6's 4.0-liter six. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavyweight DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 finally arrived in 1969. With an estimated 315bhp available from its 5,340cc four-cam engine, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph, a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. After Aston Martin's acquisition by Company Developments in 1972, production resumed with the Series 2, now known as the Aston Martin V8 and distinguishable by a restyled front end recalling the looks of earlier Astons. 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.

Described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as "a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe," the V8 was built in several variants

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to copies of Aston Martin's factory build records, this elegant V8 Volante was hand built at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell plant during the winter of 1976. The car was equipped with a left-hand-drive steering arrangement and the 3-speed automatic transmission. It was finished in Cornish Gold over a Black leather interior, Black carpeting and a Grey headliner. It was distributed through Aston Martin Lagonda, Inc to where it was sold to its first owner, Dr. William S. Reiter, an orthopedic surgeon, of Los Angeles, California, on January 5, 1977.

The early history of this Aston is, as yet, not recorded but it appears to have remained in the United States, eventually making its way from the West Coast to the East Coast. At some point, the car was repainted Peoney Red, a desirable 5-speed manual transmission was fitted, and a radio head unit (which appears to be from the late 1970s) was installed. Additionally, a set of 5-spoke alloy rims replaced the original wheels. Purchased by the vendor in 2011, the car has been undriven and on static display for the past decade and change. Given its long period of limited use, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active use.