1980 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Saloon

• Present ownership since 2010
• Restored by Pugsley & Lewis 2010-2015
• 5.7-litre engine conversion
• Harvey Bailey handling kit and uprated brakes
• Extensive restoration and service history
• Over £170,000 spent during present ownership

With the resurrection of the 'Vantage' name in 1977, Aston Martin enthusiasts everywhere breathed a sigh of relief; previously applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, it had been dormant since the V8's arrival back in 1969. A heavier car than its six-cylinder predecessor, the V8 suffered as emissions legislation became ever more strangulating, leading to concern that Aston Martin's traditional performance image might be lost. The arrival of the Vantage dispelled any such worries.

Propelling Aston's V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine breathing through a quartet of 48mm Weber carburettors rather than the standard 42mm instruments. Valves and ports were enlarged and the camshafts changed, the end result being an estimated maximum output of around 375bhp - in Rolls-Royce fashion the factory chose not to disclose the actual figure, merely claiming that power was 'adequate'. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated discs all round and low-profile Pirelli tyres. The Vantage was, nevertheless, readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid.

Information kindly supplied Aston Martin Works Service reveals that '12284' was with them in June 1995 (at 85,699 miles) for a 10,000-mile service plus other works that included a new clutch; all new brake discs and hoses; new rear brake servo; new sills and outriggers, etc; and a new battery. In October 1997 another 10,000-mile service was carried out (at 87,001 miles) and a new fuel pump fitted, while in June 1998 a 5,000-miles service was undertaken and the engine rebuilt. (Probably as the result of a typing error, the mileage was recorded as 70,580 at this time but almost certainly was 87,058). In May 2001 another 10,000-mile service was carried out and from then until 2010 the car spent most of the time in storage.

Our vendor purchased the Aston from Bonhams' sale at Aston Martin Works Service in May 2010 (Lot 337). Accompanying documentation includes various invoices for the period 1995 to 1998; service book stamps 1980-1988; and various expired MoTs. There is also full service history relating to the vendor's ownership, which records extensive restoration undertaken by marque specialists Pugsley & Lewis between 2010 and 2015 at a cost of £158,574, and further works carried out by West Hoathly Garage in December 2018 (£11,773). The most recent service and MoT test was carried out at 94,186 miles by WHG in July 2026 at a cost of £2,863.