Background

Announced in April 1972, the AM V8 is an extensively modified version of the DBS V8 which was announced in September 1969. Externally, the grill was entirely new, no longer sweeping across the complete front but now tailored between the head lamps reminiscent of the earlier six cylinder models such as the DB3S. The engine, was by then the well tried and tested all alloy V8 designed by Tadek Marek that had made its first appearance in January 1967 at the Racing Car Show in London and raced by Lola in their Type 70 Mk III GT.

1978 was an exciting year for Aston Martin and their owners, in June the Volante was unveiled and a few months later the V8 series IV or Oscar India = October Introduction, became available. The revised specification of the series IV included a change in shock absorber settings, leather head lining, burr walnut dash board and door cappings, discreet integral rear spoiler, carburetor bonnet bulge with the dummy air intake now closed at the front and extensive improvements to the standard air conditioning.

Vehicle History

Shortly, after its delivery on 20th February 1980 with the registration number HRE 614, this vehicle was upgraded to Vantage specification by Robin Hamilton in May the same year. This was confirmed by a letter from David Jacks, proprietor of Aston Engineering and a past employee of Robin Hamilton. A few years later at the same time as vehicle ownership changed in the summer of 1983, the registration was changed to BYC 674B. In early Autumn 1986 it was purchased by Mr R T Harley in London where it was subject to considerable expenditure totalling over £9,400 at recognised Aston Martin specialist Promech Services. Mr G J M Haley in East Molesey, Surrey registered the vehicle as VCV 802 shortly after he acquired it in the Autumn of 1988 and then again 5 months later where the vehicle registration was changed to its current one of SGC 873 V It was also around this time that the car was re-sprayed Metallic Green that gives an already unmistakably eye catching car the bold appearance it has today. The next chapter in this vehicles life begins with a Mr D Mueller in London who subsequently kept ownership for the following 12 years and its clear during this time that the car was well cared for receiving regular maintenance as well as an interior re-trim. It wasn't until midway through 2001 that the car changed ownership to a Mr N King who continued the quality of care it had received from its previous owner shown by the invoices totalling just under £11,500 from Nicholas Mee, a well known established Classic Aston Martin Specialist. Work included; a major service, front and rear brake and suspension overhaul including fitment of a new suspension handling kit, new 255/60ZR 16 tyres to new Ronal pattern wheels. Since it was purchased by the present owner more money has been lavished on the car with an engine rebuild by recognised Aston Martin specialist, Newlands Motors which saw the engine capacity increased from 5,340 to 5,700 cc. The exhaust note is awesome!

Summary

It's clear to see why from its history during the past 27 years that this car has clearly tugged at the heart strings of those that have owned her, with little expense spared on not only the mechanics but the appearance too. If you are looking for an Aston with that little bit of extra special about it, then it is worth a look.