Highlights

Beautifully presented car in Raven Black with black leather interior
Vast history file of extremely well-documented history
UK-supplied car and one of 99 factory manual Series II V8s
First used by Aston Martin Marketing Director Fred Hartley then dealer demonstrator
Documented restoration history from 1987 to the present day
Recent specialist restoration by Trinity Engineering completed 2018 and 2022

The Appeal

Aston’s early V8 is having something of a renaissance as collectors re-evaluate a car that is as stylish as the classic 60s fastbacks but much more usable. Good examples rarely come with the condition and provenance of this desirable Series 2 car.

The 288 Series 2 cars ushered in a more aggressive style that continued to define the V8 until it was replaced by the Virage in 1989. Notable for its restyled front end and bonnet bulge, the Series 2 also introduced innovative fuel injection.

This Raven Black 1973 Series 2 is car number 133 and one of just 99 produced with the five-speed ZF manual gearbox. Of these, only 80 were allocated to the UK market in RHD. It is a highly desirable option that fits the V8 into the sporting tourer tradition of the DB4 and DB5 rather than the more limited grand tourer oeuvre. This car was supplied in April 1973 and originally used by Aston Martin Marketing Director Fred Hartley before being adopted as a demonstrator by Bradkey’s Garage. It was first registered in September of that year. In subsequent years, the car formed part of a large private Aston Martin collection.

We can glean all this information from the car’s history file, which is among the most detailed for any classic of this era, and certainly for an Aston V8. It includes early factory correspondence, including with mercurial owner Victor Gauntlett. It also documents the car’s 1987 maintenance and extensive renovation by marque specialists. That work included a full strip-down and rebuild, and is largely responsible for the impressive condition that you can see in the photos.

In 2018 - 2022, the car was dispatched to blue-chip specialist Trinity Engineering for further work. This included mechanical checks, fuel injection overhaul, trim and glass removal, corrosion remediation, panel preparation, refinishing, machine polishing and careful reassembly using new seals and correctly aligned trim. A recent voluntary MOT in June 2026 verifies the structural and mechanical condition.

While interest in the V8 grows, these cars still represent good value compared to earlier models. Here is a chance to acquire one of the best and most historied examples in a rare and very desirable specification.

The vendor says:

“The early Aston Martin V8 remains one of the marque’s most charismatic and desirable grand tourers. Factory manual examples are particularly sought after, combining Tadek Marek’s magnificent 5.3-litre V8 with the highly desirable ZF five-speed gearbox. This example offers the rare opportunity to acquire not only one of the rarest Series II specifications produced, but also a car accompanied by an extraordinary archive documenting its history, restoration and place within the Aston Martin community over more than fifty years. Factory Manual. Former Demonstrator. Historian Researched. Extensively Documented. Expertly Restored. A truly exceptional Aston Martin V8 Series II.”

History and Paperwork

UK-market, right-hand-drive example first registered in September 1973
Reported to have served as an Aston Martin demonstrator between April and September 1973
Originally used by Marketing Director Fred Hartley
Used as a demonstrator by Bradley’s Garage
Current keeper since 2016
Vast history file summarised below and shown in photos
MOT exempt as a pre-1977 historic vehicle
Last voluntary MOT ran to 5th June 2026 with no advisories
Car has covered less than 1,000 miles since last MOT
Previously part of a large marque museum private collection
Chassis number V8/10633/RCA indicates car is number 133 of the 288 Series 2 cars
Engine number V/540/499
Extensive older restoration advised with details summarised below
Further renovation by Trinity Engineering between 2018 and 2022 detailed below
Independently verified details regarding number of manual gearbox cars

History File Includes:

Aston Martin factory correspondence
Victor Gauntlett correspondence
Aston Martin Owners Club documentation
Aston Martin historian correspondence
Production and rarity research
Restoration records dating from 1987 onward
Specialist technical reports
Photographic restoration archive
Service records
Ownership history
Period Aston Martin publications

1987 restoration by marque specialist advised by seller (photographic record available):

Complete strip-down of body, trim and interior
Bare-metal body restoration
Engine bay refurbishment
Bosch fuel injection overhaul
Suspension and brake rebuilding
Stainless-steel exhaust installation
New door skins
New windscreen and seals
Connolly leather refurbishment
New carpets and headlining
Waxoyl protection and a full repaint
Camshaft timing procedures
Valve train setup
Fuel injection calibration
Manifold refurbishment
Engine assembly and final commissioning

Recent specialist restoration by Trinity Engineering in 2022:

Top-end engine inspection
Valve timing adjustment
Timing chain tension correction
Bosch fuel injection recalibration
Cooling system refurbishment
Electrical repairs
Chassis restoration
Brake system work
Comprehensive cosmetic restoration
Trim and glass removal
Corrosion remediation
Panel preparation, refinishing, machine polishing
Reassembly using new seals and correctly aligned trim

Specification summary:

5.3-litre DOHC Aston Martin V8
Bosch fuel injection
Factory ZF five-speed manual gearbox
Right-hand drive
Power-assisted steering
GKN alloy wheels
Girling ventilated disc brakes
De Dion rear suspension
Factory air conditioning
Stainless-steel exhaust system

The Condition

Highly presented car Raven Black car in extremely good order as shown
Previously part of a high end large marque collection and reflects that quality
Factory correct car with GKN alloys in good order fitted with quality Avon tyres
Exterior bodywork and chromework in very good order as shown
Extensively older restoration with more recent 2022 work by Trinity
Cosmetic restoration completed in 2022 by Trinity Engineering as above
1987 restoration by marque specialists detailed above
Stainless-steel exhaust system fitted
Factory air conditioning
Modern Alpine DAB stereo fitted but interior otherwise appears standard
Black leather interior with white piping presents very well

Looking at the photos of this rare Series 2 car, it is no surprise to learn that it was part of a high-end and large marque collection for many years. It is a historically notable car in the sort of condition that provenance implies.

The Raven Black paintwork is matched by a black leather interior, piped in white. The car was extensively restored in 1987 and then received considerable work by Trinity in 2022. It shows - this is an impressive and highly presented car that would grace any collection or marque-specific event.

A June 2026 MOT verifies the structural condition.

JSH04616-HDR Julian Ellison.jpeg 1.59 MB

The Mechanics

5,340cc Tadek Marek 345bhp V8 with Bosch fuel injection
Very rare ZF five-speed manual gearbox
Power-assisted steering
Girling ventilated disc brakes
De Dion rear suspension
Extensively mechanically overhauled in 1980s and again in 2022
All work by marque specialists
Recent voluntary MOT in June 2026 showed no advisories
Vast history file supports the low displayed mileage

Alongside the cosmetic tweaks, the Series 2 car gained fuel injection. In period, this system proved troublesome, but thanks to this car’s extensive specialist maintenance, that should not be of any concern to the buyer.

This car is believed to be a matching numbers example. Over the years, virtually all areas of the mechanicals have been overhauled by specialists. You can review the list above and check for more details in the photos. The condition is, again, supported by the recent voluntary MOT.

Much of this car’s appeal revolves around that exceptionally rare ZF manual gearbox. The V8 is still a classic Aston Martin that you can use and enjoy, and with this car’s specification and mechanical provenance, that feels guaranteed.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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