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

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

*Original Texas delivery, LHD
*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 July 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 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, just as it appears today, was one of the 20 destined for the US market. Finished in Old English Pewter over a Fawn leather upholstery with Beige carpets and leather headliner, it was delivered to its first owner, Texas Pipe Threaders in Houston, Texas, on November 4, 1981 having cost the company some $52,000 to purchase. Remaining in Texas for 13 years, and very much enjoyed during that time, it was next registered in Southern California in October of 1994 with 80,943 miles—a figure recorded to be actual mileage. The Aston would remain in the Los Angeles area for the next 15 years, being driven and enjoyed quite frequently. By November 2000, the five-digit odometer had rolled over and was showing 6,808 miles. Driven 5,000-7,000 miles a year for the next nine years, the Aston 60,273 miles on the odometer when the current owner acquired it in May of 2009 (it should be noted a that a mileage of 80,270 was recorded during an emissions check in October 2008—but this would appear to be erroneous as this would indicate 23,000 miles had been covered in the preview two years). At some point prior to purchase, the Aston was cosmetically refinished in Connock Black paint with three of the four wheels were painted with black inserts—but the interior appears to have been largely left original.

Since joining the present collection, a mere six miles have been added to the odometer in the past four years, so mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to engaging in any proper motoring.

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.