Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 132
1972 Aston Martin V8 Series 2 Saloon Chassis no. V8/10599/RCA
Sold for US$44,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 132
1972 Aston Martin V8 Series 2 Saloon
1972 Aston Martin V8 Series 2 Saloon
Chassis no. V8/10599/RCA
Chassis no. V8/10599/RCA
5,340 cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Downdraft Weber Carburetors
320bhp at 5,000rpm
3-Speed Torqueflite Automatic Transmission
Front Wishbones with Coil Springs, Rear De Dion Axle with Watts Link
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*A desirable early example of Aston's iconic V8 Saloon
*Lovely period color scheme of Dubonnet Rosso over off-white hides
*Equipped with air conditioning and automatic gearbox
*Powerful Tadek Merak-designed V8 engine
*Designed for the ultimate Grand Touring experience
*In current ownership since 2012
*Requires recommissioning
THE ASTON MARTIN V8
Aston Martin had always intended the DB6's replacement, the DBS, to house its new V8 engine, but production difficulties meant that upon its launch, the DB6's 4.0-liter six was under the bonnet. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavyweight DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but those criticisms were swiftly silenced when the V8 finally arrived in 1969. With an estimated 320 bhp 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, earning it the crown of the fastest four-seat production car in the world.
After Aston Martin's acquisition by Company Developments from longtime owner David Brown in 1972, production resumed with the Series 2, simply renamed Aston Martin V8, and distinguished by new front-end styling recalling the looks of earlier Astons. The V8 became the most successful Aston Martin to date, surviving the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s, to enjoy 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 evolved through multiple variants, with its brutish reputation earning it a prominent place in Aston Martin lore.
THE CAR OFFERED
Exemplifying the muscular elegance that defines the entirety of the V8 range, this 1972 V8 Series 2 (also known as a DBS V8) is a home-market, right-hand-drive model originally delivered via Wilsmslow Motors, Ltd in England, and registered on November 30, 1972, with the registration number TLG 533L.
Production records show that it left Newport Pagnell's factory gates in Cairngorm Brown over Off-White hides with options including an automatic gearbox, air conditioning, and fuel injection. The early history is not fully documented, though a V5C on file shows it was acquired by R.E. Waite of Hanwell, Oxfordshire, in 2004, and sold to the current owner in 2012 via Classicmobilia in Milton Keynes. Along the way, it was resprayed in this handsome, period appropriate shade of Dubonnet Rosso.
As offered, the car appears generally well-preserved, displaying a few minor paint imperfections and patina, but in overall good condition and riding on authentic factory alloy wheels. The lovely interior is in very good order and features pleasing touches including an original Radiomobile Stereo 8-track player and a Moto Lita steering wheel.
Since joining the consignor's collection, this car has been in long-term dry storage and on static display. It has not been started while in Bonham's care and will require recommissioning.
Additional information
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