1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Sports Saloon

• Automatic transmission
• Present ownership since 2023
• £104,503 spent with Aston Martin Works since acquisition
• Ready to enjoy

The acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments in 1972 brought with it a change of name for the V8-engined cars: out went DBS V8, in came AM V8. This new Series 2 was readily distinguishable by its re-styled front which now featured two instead of four headlamps and recalled the looks of the earlier DB six-cylinder cars. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were now standard. Introduced in 1973, the Series 3 employed a quartet of Weber 42 DCNF carburettors instead of the previous Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the change bringing with it increased torque and necessitating a larger bonnet bulge. Despite the switch, fuel economy improved and even in automatic transmission form the Weber-equipped car proved almost as quick as the preceding manual version.

According to its accompanying car record card, this Series 3 V8 was originally finished in Imperial Burgundy with Fawn trim and delivered via HW Motors on 1st June 1978. Unfortunately, little else is known of the early history of this automatic transmission Series 3 V8 apart from an entry in the AMOC Register (2000) which records the registration as 'VMP 266S' in 1998.

In 2009 the car was offered by Bonhams at the Aston Martin Sale where it was catalogued as having had a glass-out respray in 1996 and outrigger work in 1998. Unfortunately, any supporting documentation has been lost. The immediately preceding owner acquired the Aston circa 2012, keeping it on static display as part of their extensive private collection. Our titled vendor purchased the car from Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2023 (Lot 526).

Between October 2023 and August 2024, the car was entrusted to Aston Martin Works where a very thorough overhaul of the mechanicals and electrical system was carried out: suspension, brakes, steering, gearbox overhaul, chassis/jacking point work, wheel refurbishment, new tyres, air conditioning, new DAB radio, lights, etc. Details of this work are listed in a 26-page itemised bill totalling £104,503! The paint and trim were retained because they were both very good, especially the interior that exudes great charm. The car is only being sold because it is not getting used (too many other toys).