• Automatic transmission
• Purchased from Aston Martin Works Service
• Dry stored since acquisition in 2012
• Requires recommissioning

"Anyone wondering why Aston Martin bother to make their own vee-8 when so many big American ones are so cheaply available need take only one look at the performance data... for the best explanation in the world. Whatever the undisclosed output of the Aston V8, it is enough to rocket this heavy car to 60mph from rest in exactly six seconds and to 100mph in only 14.7 seconds. Much more than this, we were able to reach 138 mph from rest in a mile and on the Continent record a mean maximum speed of 161.5 mph." - Autocar, 8 July 1971.

The acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments in 1972 brought with it a change of name for the V8-engined cars: out went 'DBS V8', in came 'AM V8'. This new Series 2 was readily distinguishable by its restyled front which now featured two instead of four headlamps and recalled the looks of the earlier DB six-cylinder sports cars. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were now standard. Introduced in 1973, the Series 3 employed a quartet of Weber 42 DCNF carburettors instead of the previous Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the change bringing with it increased torque and necessitating a larger bonnet bulge.

Summarising its 1973 road test of a V8 automatic, Autocar magazine revealed that the new version of the V8 Aston engine with four Weber carburettors and automatic transmission had proved nearly as quick as its manual-transmission fuel-injected predecessor and fractionally more economical, concluding that it was: "A well-equipped car with magnificent stride for long journeys."

Copies of factory records on file show that this automatic transmission model, chassis number '11516', was sold new via the distributor Aston Martin (Sales) Ltd in London. The V8 was originally finished in Cornish Gold with fawn interior trim, and left the factory equipped with Coolair air conditioning and a Philips radio/cassette, it was registered new as PHV 392R, and that number was still on it when purchased by our vendor. Unfortunately, nothing is known of its subsequent history. The current vendor purchased '11516' directly from Aston Martin Works Service in April 2012 (copy invoice on file) and exported the car. Dry stored since acquisition, the car will require recommissioning before further use.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with a registration document, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.