Highlights
- Stored for the past twelve years
- Starts and moves under its own power
- Very low mileage at only 66630 miles
- A great candidate to preserve or restore?
The Appeal
Famous for its role in the 1987 James Bond film The Living Daylights, the Aston Martin V8 had a long production run from 1969 to ’89. It was a hand built vehicle, requiring a huge amount of labour to finish each individual unit and was certainly near the top of the luxury automotive tree.
This particular V8 was sold new in Yorkshire to Boston Deep Sea Fisheries Ltd. It passed through two owners before being stored unused in a garage from 2010. There is a charming letter on file from the company historian and archivist at Aston Martin, detailing how the service department always looked forward to this car’s arrival because it would be accompanied by a generous gift of a large box of the day’s catch.
Having recently been removed from twelve years of storage, the car will require some recommissioning, but appears to be in good overall condition, with signs of pleasant patina throughout.
The History and Paperwork
- First sold by Armstrong Massey of Market Weighton on 1st October 1979
- First owner Boston Deep Sea Fisheries Ltd.
- Said to have been stored in a garage from 2010 until October 2022
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- Extensive history files
- Numerous MOT certificates from new
- Original warranty card
- Pre delivery certificate
- Beautifully hand written service invoice
- Many original Aston Martin documents and owner's manuals
- Charming letter from Aston Martin company historian and archivist
- Two sets of keys
The Interior
- Very original Fawn leather interior
- Nicely patinated leather upholstery
- Some wear to dashboard veneer
It’s clear from the moment we open the door that this Aston Martin was designed to be a luxury grand tourer. The cream leather seats are generously padded and supportive, it features sumptuously thick carpets and a veneered dashboard with a full complement of gauges and accessories. A set of lambswool overmats also come with the car.
The leather upholstery wears its years with pride, appearing to be in good condition despite its long period of storage. It is clearly in need of care to preserve it into the future, but we think its well-used state adds to the car’s impression of being a piece of genuine history.
In front of the driver is a stylishly thin-rimmed leather steering wheel and a fully stocked dashboard, with a full complement of gauges, warning lights and accessories. And the oil pressure gauge is mounted front and centre, in squarely in the driver’s eye line.
Walnut veneer cascades over the dashboard and extends onto the centre console and the door cappings. There is some wear to the highly polished walnut, in line with the car’s age and centred mostly around the analogue clock.
Cream leather continues on the dashboard and door cards and appears to be in good condition. The stitched headlining appears clean and secure and to the rear the boot is tidy and spacious.
The Exterior
- Excellent chrome fittings
- An older respray
- Fitted Aston Martin car cover
Resplendent in its fetching metallic blue paintwork, this Aston Martin stands out from the crowd and will certainly turn heads wherever it goes. The bold styling suits the car perfectly, with its power bulge in the bonnet, twin exhausts and fetching Grand Tourer body.
The chrome bumpers and window surrounds are presented in good condition but the paint is showing its age in a few places. Around some of the windows there is some evidence of paint peeling and on the roof there is a spot which is peeling.
There are a few small areas where corrosion can be seen, such as the right hand jacking point and the lower areas of the rear wings. But happily, we are told that the spring hangers are in good condition. Also included in the sale is a fitted ‘Aston Martin V8 Volante’ car cover.
The alloy wheels have dulled over the years, so this car’s next custodian will have the choice of preserving them as they are or refurbishing them to a high standard. And the tyres are said to retain good tread.
In all, this appears to be a car which could be presented as it is, or it could be the basis for a thorough restoration.
The Mechanics
- 5.4 litre dual overhead camshaft V8 engine
- Brass plaque records the name of the engine builder
- Mechanical check and recommissioning will be necessary.
The 5.4 litre DOHC V8 engine fitted to this Aston Martin gives it potent performance. Proudly displayed on the alloy camshaft cover is a brass plaque which records the name of the technician who signed off the engine build in the factory.
We are told that the car starts and drives but due to the fact that it has been unused for the past twelve years, it would be wise to have it thoroughly inspected, especially the safety-critical components and systems.
The exhaust is said to be a fairly new system, from the downpipes backwards and a new battery has reportedly been fitted.
With some careful recommissioning, we’re sure that the roar of this Aston Martin’s V8 engine will be a delight to hear once more.
Summary
This Aston Martin V8 is a fantastic example of a powerful grand tourer. It will make an excellent car for anything from trips to the pub all the way up to transcontinental tours, once it has been checked over and serviced.
It could be preserved in its current state, with just a mechanical check, if its patina and history are desired. Or it would make an excellent starting point for a thorough nut-and-bolt restoration project.
N.B. It has been recommended by the vendor that due to the vehicle not being moved for over 10 years it is advisable to use a trailer upon collection.
Notice to bidders
N.B. It has been recommended by the vendor that due to the vehicle not being moved for over 10 years it is advisable to use a trailer upon collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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