Description
1974 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Automatic.
Part of the Anthony Hamilton Collection.
The Aston Martin V8 (later known as the AMV8) was introduced in 1969 to replace the ageing DB6, with the brief being to create a handsome, powerful GT car powered by Tadek Marek’s V8 engine and the model remained atop the company’s range in its various Series until its retirement in 1989. Hand-built at Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory, each Aston Martin V8 took in the region of 1, 200 man hours to complete, with each car inspected rigorously to ensure the continued upkeep of Aston Martin’s legendary build quality and reputation.
Unveiled in August 1973, the Series 3 differed from earlier cars with the arrival of four, twin-choke, downdraft Weber carburettors which replaced the previous Bosch fuel-injection system. To accommodate this new arrangement, the bonnet sported a much larger bulge that continued to the trailing edge and a lip adjacent to the boot replaced extractor louvers behind the rear window. Longer by a further three quarters of an inch, there were other modifications mechanically, cooling was improved and an option was offered on axle ratios. Internally, updates included new seats, revised switchgear, a larger ashtray, fuses located in the glovebox, the passenger door could be locked electronically from the drivers side, and adjustments to the shape of the fuel tank offered extra luggage space.
According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, this right-hand drive, home-market Series 3 was dispatched new to Plough Motors (Stroud Valley) Ltd from the factory on 5th April 1974 finished in Cambridge Blue over Tan leather with Weber Carburettors, an automatic gearbox and a door mirror as factory equipment.
Since forming part of the Aston Martin section of the Collection, the Series 3 has been subject to a full restoration both bodily and mechanically. The work included Koni front suspension with rear lever-arm damper conversion, complete new cooling system and radiators, converted to modern air conditioning including new compressor and gas, new custom fabricated fuel tank to original design and all the chrome was re-plated.
The engine has been fully rebuilt including a piston set and bearings, and the cylinder heads have been rebuilt with new valves and seats and the carbs rebuilt The comprehensive history file contains multiple invoices from Aston Martin, some rather expensive with a set of pistons alone costing £2, 639. The rebuilt engine was run on MASS Racing's dyno before installation and the dyno printout, indicating an output of c. 310bhp, is on file. All new hoses were used during the engine refit and the engine bay presents to a Concours d'Elegance standard, as does the rest of the body work, with the impressive alloy wheels rewarding many hours of patient attention.
Sitting firmly in the sweet spot of Aston Martin styling, this beautiful Series 3 is a must for an AM collector or driving enthusiast. The big V8 never stops throbbing, pulsating and burbling, dominating all around it and contributing to these legendary cars being acknowledged as the fastest, most accomplished, high-performance luxury GTs of their day.
Viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the quality and condition of this car. Delivery is included and can be arranged with ease should you require it. For further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
