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LOT 117

1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon Chassis no. V8/11714/LCAS Engine no. V/540/1714/S

Sold for US$67,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 117

1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon

1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon
Chassis no. V8/11714/LCAS
Engine no. V/540/1714/S

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

*Delivered new to Canada
*Beautiful, original colors combination of Cricket White over Blue
*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 Sport Saloon was hand built at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell plant during the Summer of 1978, mere months before the introduction of the Series 4. The car was built for the Canadian market and equipped with a left-hand-drive steering arrangement, Weber carbureted V8 linked a 5-speed manual transmission that provided aural pleasure through a stainless-steel exhaust system and Vantage-type front and rear spoilers as well as hood-mounted intake. It was finished in Cricket White over a Blue leather interior, Onslow Blue carpeting and a Grey headliner. It was distributed through Grand Touring Automobiles but the first owner is not recorded.

The early history of this Aston is, as yet, not recorded but it appears to have remained in Canada for the first 34 years of its life, largely in the Ontario province. Purchased by the vendor in 2012 with 103,000 miles, the car has been under a hundred miles in the past decade. In what appears to be strikingly original and unmolested condition, save for the addition of an upgraded stereo and CD changer, the car has been on static display for the majority of its present ownership. Given its long period of limited use, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active use.

The ultimate of expression of a velvet gloved fist, this Aston is equally comfortable burning rubber or rolling up to a black tie event.

Saleroom notices

This car is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, its original specification confirmed by copies of the factory records.

Additional information

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