Description
Coming to auction at Concours House, Bradford-on-Avon, with Dore & Rees Motoring on Saturday 21st November.
1973 Aston Martin Vantage
Registration Number: EBO 8L
Chassis Number: AM/ 6040/ RA
Engine Number: 400/ 4952/ SVC
-One of just 70 Vantages featuring the ‘SVC’ Straight-Six
-Enlarged 4. 2-litre displacement & manual gearbox conversion from V8 Vantage
-Offered from long ownership, with Extensive history
After Sir David Brown's departure, DBS production continued under new owners Company Developments, the car being re-styled with a two-headlamp front end but mechanically remaining much as before. The 4-litre, six-cylinder model was re-named "Vantage", a departure from accepted practice, denoting the high-performance 'SVC' Vantage engine option. A mere 70 of these six-cylinder Vantages were produced between May 1972 and July 1973.
At its heart was a revised version of the celebrated Tadek Marek-designed twin-cam straight-six, an engine that had become synonymous with the marque. With its all-alloy construction, twin overhead camshafts and triple Weber carburettor induction, it offered a wonderfully flexible yet sporting character, accompanied by one of the most distinctive exhaust notes of the period. The combination of substantial performance, traditional craftsmanship and exceptional long-distance ability ensured these cars remained among the most desirable British GTs of their generation.
Now showing 52, 600 recorded miles, this example is offered following 19 years in the care of its current custodian, during which time considerable attention and expenditure have been devoted to its preservation and mechanical condition. Originally delivered in Royal Claret, the Aston has since been refinished in a slightly deeper shade of Aston Martin Dubonnet Rosso, beautifully complemented by the well-preserved Tan leather interior, an elegant combination that suits the handsome proportions of William Towns' design exceptionally well.
Around 2006 a dogleg manual gearbox sourced from a V8 Vantage was dropped in to resolve issues with the original Automatic unit. Later, the original straight-six engine was developed to its present 4. 2-litre capacity, with engine work undertaken by Mike David of Aston Motorsport Ltd, this included having the liners and block machined to accept Cosworth 4. 2L pistons, cylinder refaced, and the engine fully rebuilt. The car has benefited from diligent ongoing maintenance, with work entrusted to Marque specialists including Aston Motorsport Ltd, Aston Workshop & Trinity engineering. Most recent invoices from January 2026 show replacement of the power steering pump, engine mounts, various gaskets and service items, documented in the substantial history file, with evidence of significant expenditure on the car throughout its life. A USB drive contains a portfolio of photographs documenting mechanical work, restoration details and paintwork.
The interior has a pleasing patina. The seat frames have been rewelded and fitted with replacement foams, while retaining the original leather covers. A discreet modern convenience comes in the form of a vintage-style AutoSound radio, incorporating Bluetooth connectivity while maintaining an appropriately period appearance.
This rare Aston Martin has been used and enjoyed rather than simply preserved. Its current custodian recounts numerous memorable long-distance tours undertaken with family, and is pleased to report that the car has never once left him stranded. Testament to the quality of its ongoing maintenance and the investment made in ensuring its reliability.
A fabulous opportunity to acquire one of the final six-cylinder grand tourers from Newport Pagnell. A wonderfully distinctive and evocative British GT.
