1980 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 5.7-Litre Sports Saloon

• Present ownership since 2010
• Partially restored and extensively upgraded
• Professional engine rebuild to 5.7 litres
• All bills available

With the resurrection of the 'Vantage' name in 1977, Aston Martin enthusiasts everywhere breathed a sigh of relief; previously applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, it had been dormant since the V8's arrival back in 1969. A heavier car than its six-cylinder predecessor, the V8 suffered as emissions legislation became ever more strangulating, leading to concern that Aston Martin's traditional performance image might be lost. The arrival of the Vantage dispelled any such worries.
Propelling Aston's V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine breathing through a quartet of 48mm Weber carburettors rather than the standard 42mm instruments. In 1978 the V8 Vantage earned the title of 'world's fastest accelerating production car', and throughout its life delivered outstanding performance by any standard, accelerating to 60mph in just 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175mph.
The accompanying Car Record Card copy shows that '12284' was originally finished in Jubilee Silver with dark blue trim, while the Car and Warranty Acceptance sheet records the first owner as on F J R Piggott of West Sussex. Information held by Aston Martin Works Service shows that '12284' was with them in June 1995 (at 85,699 miles) for a 10,000-mile service plus other works that included a new clutch; all new brake discs and hoses; new rear brake servo; new sills and outriggers, etc; and a new battery. In October 1997 another 10,000-mile service was carried out (at 87,001 miles) and a new fuel pump fitted, while in June 1998 a 5,000-miles service was undertaken and the engine rebuilt. (Probably as the result of a typing error, the mileage was recorded as 70,580 at this time but almost certainly was 87,058). In May 2001 another 10,000-mile service was carried out, following which the car spent most of the time in storage.
The current vendor purchased the Vantage at Bonhams' auction at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2010 and since then the car has been treated to numerous highly desirable upgrades. Soon after acquisition the Aston was despatched to marque specialists Pugsley & Lewis where the front and rear suspension were rebuilt and upgraded with a Harvey Bailey handling kit. The car also received AP Racing brakes; Koni shock absorbers; a new drive shaft; new alloy radiator; and a heavy-duty battery and trickle charger. A new windscreen and LED lights were fitted in 2011, while four years later the engine was rebuilt and increased to 5.7 litres capacity. The air conditioning was overhauled and upgraded in 2018. Accompanying bills relating to the aforementioned works total £122,480. Described by the vendor as in generally very good condition, with an excellent engine and original interior, this sensibly upgraded Vantage also comes with a tailored car cover, current MoT and a V5C Registration Certificate.