Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 133
1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 4 'Oscar India' Sports Saloon Chassis no. V8/VOL/12330 Engine no. V/580/2330/V
Sold for US$156,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 133
1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 4 'Oscar India' Sports Saloon
1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Series 4 'Oscar India' Sports Saloon
Chassis no. V8/VOL/12330
Engine no. V/580/2330/V
Chassis no. V8/VOL/12330
Engine no. V/580/2330/V
5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Dual-Throat Weber Carburetors
370bhp at 6,000rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (see text)
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Delivered new to the Sultan of Oman
*Originally delivered with a manual transmission
*Retains matching-numbers Vantage 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 in mid-October of 1981 and delivered a month later.
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, was ordered new by the Sultan of Oman. Clearly a dedicated enthusiast, he ordered what must be one of the finest spec'ed examples of the 291 Oscar India Sport Saloons built. Finished in Windemere Green over a Magnolia leather upholstery with Green piping, the Sultan opted for the Vantage engine with Weber carburetors mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, power mirrors, detachable headrests, rear seat belts, badge bar, headlight washers and wipers, dual fog lamps, and twin gold waistlines with gold initials to the doors, hood, and trunk. While the six V8s that preceded it had invoice prices of £25,000-30,000, this one rang the bell at an eye-watering £51,600.
The swift coupe would eventually leave the Sultan's garage and be converted to an automatic transmission—making it a rare example indeed to have lost a pedal and two cogs since leaving the factory. Acquired in Germany by the current owner in August of 2009, the car was described as having already been repainted blue at the time of purchase. The subject of a repaint in pearlescent white shortly after acquisition, the interior remains in rather original condition, although a later stereo headunit appears to have been installed sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
Since joining the present collection, the car has been on largely static display, so mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to engaging in any proper motoring. Ripe for being returned to its original specifications, this V8 Vantage is not to be missed. 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.
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