Highlights
- One of only 291 V8 ‘Oscar Indias’ produced
- A respectable 114,499 miles from new
- Accompanied by an extensive and well-documented history file with original service booklet and early MOT's
- Long-term current ownership of nearly a decade and only two owners in the last 40 years
- Subject to a couple of restorations, with the most recent being a bare metal respray at the end of 2023 to a tune of just over £16,000
- A well-known example, which has featured on the Antiques Road Trip and other series
- Advisory-free MOT until January 2026
The Appeal
By the late ‘70s Aston Martin was in dire straits. And no, we’re not talking about one of Mark Knopfler’s lesser-known drummers…
The venerable British sports car manufacturer declared bankruptcy in 1974 and it was saved by a consortium of investors two years later. By this time, Aston only had one model in its range, the rather long-in-the-tooth AMV8 which was greatly in need of revision or replacement.
The first course of action was the introduction of the higher powered Vantage in 1977, and this was followed a year later by the significantly revised Series 4, known informally as the ‘Oscar India’ for reasons still disputed by Aston Martin enthusiasts to this day! Featuring a subtly integrated spoiler, a smoothed-over hood scoop to create a prominent “power bulge”, and softer lines than William Towns’ original 1967 DBS, the new V8 cut quite a figure. Just 291 were made
Here we have a fantastic example of the much-admired ‘Oscar India’ which comes from long-term current ownership. It was fitted from the factory with Weber carburettors, an automatic gearbox, two rear guard fog lamps, beige Onslow carpet, a Pioneer 9300 stereo and Avon tyres. As an early car, it comes with the iconic GKN wheels; these were updated to BBS items from 1983 models onwards. This car is also unusual in that it doesn’t have the popular optional Cibie spot lamps, giving it the cleaner appearance of previous AMV8 variants.
The car comes with a well-documented history, dating back to its earliest days on the road with the original service book detailing its formative maintenance history. Since the vendor acquired it in 2016, the Aston has undergone a great deal of work including notable exterior restoration completed in December 2023 to a tune of £16,092, which included a bare metal respray in its original Tourmaline Blue metallic. Voluntarily submitted for MOT in spite of its age-commensurate exemption, resulting in an advisory-free pass, this rare and very well-kept Aston Martin V8 ‘Oscar India’ is ready to enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- Matching numbers example with accompanied Heritage Certificate
- Chassis number - V8/SOR/12114
- Engine number - V540/2114/S
- First registered on the 2nd of April 1979
- Original UK right hand drive home market automatic example which was distributed by Aston Martin Sales Ltd
- Fitted from factory with Weber Carburettors, Automatic gearbox, Two Rear Guard fog lamps, Beige Onslow carpet, Pioneer 9300 Stereo radio and Avon tyres
- Retains its original specification of Tourmaline blue with a Fawn interior
- 114,449 warranted miles
- There is an extensive history file which documents the car from new and even includes the original service booklet and all of the early services
- Original service booklet is very rare to find
- Numerous old MOTs and service invoices
- The previous keeper has written up a detailed document which outlines all of the expenditure and mileage (as photographed)
- Many original Aston Martin documents and manuals
- Previous owner enjoyed the car between 1987 until 2016
- In current ownership since 2016
- Road tax and MOT exempt
- Two sets of keys
The Condition
- The V8 has benefitted from two restorations in the early 2000s and again at the end of 2023
- The work carried out between 2004-2006 included a partial respray and work to the body panels, sills, suspension, brakes and servos and was carried out by Ian Mason Aston Martin Services to the tune of £23,229
- The latest restoration included a full back to bare metal respray in a stunning metallic Tourmaline blue, costing the vendor £16,092
- The interior presents in largely original and patinated condition with a brand new set of carpets throughout. Some of the carpets still require fitting and are provided with the car.
- Age-related marks to the leather as seen in photos but overall the interior presents with lovely patina
- Believed to be the original leather
- Comfy original headrests were an extra
- Headlining is perfect
- Electrics work as they should
- Slight wear to the boot carpet
- The engine bay is in great condition and has just benefitted from being professionally ice blasted and detailed
- Benefits from a brand new windscreen which was professionally fitted by Old School Windscreens
- The metallic paint presents in excellent condition with only a couple of minor imperfections as photographed
- The chrome work presents in honest condition
- Back overriders (an optional extra) could benefit from re-chroming at a small cost
- Sills are in great condition and the underside is very solid
- Matching set of Avon 235/70R15 Turbosteel Tubeless tyres
- Front tyres date to 11/2022 and the back tyres date to 38/2015
As the photographs attest, this Aston Martin cuts quite a dash in a fresh coat of its original Tourmaline Blue metallic paint. Having been stripped back to bare metal, the coachwork looks immensely straight and solid, with well-fitting doors, boot lid and bonnet. The GKN wheels look fantastic also, with minor wear only. On the inside, there’s a gentle patina to the Fawn leather upholstery, but no notable wear. The veneers present beautifully and the car benefits from a brand-new set of carpets.
The Mechanics
- 5.4-litre DOHC V8 engine
- Chrysler three-speed automatic gearbox
- Brass plaque records the name of the engine builder
- Current MOT valid until 8th of January 2026, with no advisories
- Consistently serviced and maintained in-house by the vendor and his mechanic
- The car runs and drives well and has been driven over 20,000 miles by the vendor in the last decade
- Maintained regardless of cost
- Brand new alternator just fitted to the car
- Working choke
- All dials work as they should
- The air conditioning has been disconnected
The perfect choice for those long-distance Continental jaunts, the Oscar India rides a huge wave of V8 torque, sent to the rear wheels via a smooth and uncomplicated three-speed automatic gearbox. Tadek Marek’s quad overhead cam unit produced over 300 horsepower, more than enough to charge down Europe autoroutes at considerable pace. Following professional ice blasting and detailing, this car’s engine compartment presents exceedingly well. The advisory-free MOT shows it to be eminently roadworthy, and we’re assured that the car drives exceedingly well with no known faults to report.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
