*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 06/2014***
Highlights
- 4.8-litre BMW V8 engine
- Six-speed manual transmission
- 24,275 miles from new
- Handsome specification
The Appeal
Pitched as a thoroughly modern interpretation of the Morgan formula – low weight, hearty engines, rear-wheel drive and classical roadster styling – the Aero 8 made quite the splash when it launched. While much comment revolved around the ‘Marmite’ styling, under the skin is where things got really interesting. With aluminium construction, an advanced suspension set-up and a brutally powerful BMW V8 up front, you dismissed the Aero 8 at your peril.
It became famous for sharp handling, great feel and deep wells of power. All combining with that swooping, 1930s style bodywork, to provide a driving experience quite unlike anything else on the road. And so it remains today, a technological marvel wrapped in an anachronistic suit. Built in relatively low volumes, it’s also a very desirable and collectible machine.
This handsome example is presented in a very smart metallic grey finish, with the later, sought after 4.8-litre BMW V8 powertrain. With just 24,275 miles on the clock and a superb MOT record, showing the car has been very well maintained over the years, this is the ideal opportunity to get behind the wheel of a modern classic.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in April 2007
- Four owners from new
- Current registered owner since August 2015
- Purchased by the vendor (a retired engineer) as a Cat C vehicle, with the intention of rebuilding it as a “winter project”
- We’re told that every part that needed to be renewed was replaced with an OEM equivalent, and that invoices and a photo record for the rebuild are available
- The vendor believes the car to be a factory development car and the first Aero 8 to be fitted with BMW’s 4.8-litre V8 engine
- Current MOT to May 2023
- Excellent MOT record – every MOT passed with no advisories
- Just 24,275 miles on the clock from new, which correlates with the MOT history
- Always kept by the vendor in a heated garage
- Vendor is open to inspections and has a ramp
The Interior
- Black leather upholstery
- Renewed, turned aluminium dash fascia
- Electric windows
- Modern Kenwood CD/radio with Aux port
- Air conditioning
Black leather adorns the seats, door cards and transmission tunnel. It all presents well, with minimal wear and no evidence of damage that we could see. It’s complemented with black carpeting that looks to be in good order, with no staining or threading on show.
We love the tactility of the turned aluminium dash fascia, which the vendor tells us has been newly fitted in their ownership. The rest of the switchgear and trim looks to be in similarly good order, with the main touch points not showing excessive wear and just a light smattering of natural patination to the controls. We’re assured by the vendor that everything works as it should, with no faults or problems declared.
As befits any sports car, the Aero 8’s emphasis is on the driving experience, but it’s not devoid of practicality – at the rear there is a small but handy luggage space. Certainly more than enough for a couple of weekend bags.
The Exterior
- Metallic grey paintwork
- Lightweight aluminium construction
- Black fabric roof
- Side-exit exhausts
The long, elegant lines of the Aero 8’s arches and that smart duck-tail rear deck are subtly enhanced by the smart metallic grey paintwork. It’s still wearing a very nice gloss to it and looks to be even and without major blemishes or marks. There are a few minor stone chips, as you’d expect with any car used on the road, but overall it looks to be in very fine fettle.
With a body constructed from aluminium, corrosion isn’t really an issue for the Aero 8, and so it proves with this example. All of the panels are neat and clean, appearing to be free from damage, with smooth curves and crisp lines. The fabric roof also looks to be in good order, with no tears, UV damage or significant wear we could discern.
Likewise, all of the external trim, badging, glass elements and light lenses show nicely, with no damage, cracking or chipping apparent. In fact, the only issue we could note externally was that the rubber between the roof and windscreen appears to be perishing slightly to the top near-side corner. Otherwise, the exterior of the car presents extremely well.
Matching the bodywork, the 17-inch centre-lock wheels are finished with metallic grey centres and polished lips. They look to be in excellent condition, with no lacquer peel or kerbing in evidence. These are shod in a matched set of Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres.
We’re told by the vendor that the underside of the vehicle presents as well as the topside, in fact they declare it to be “immaculate”.
The Mechanics
- 4.8-litre, naturally aspirated V8 from BMW
- Rear-wheel drive
- Six-speed manual transmission
- AP Racing brakes
With a modern, and wonderfully powerful, V8 engine up front, it doesn’t need to be said that the Aero 8 is a very quick car. With its lightweight construction, that 362bhp V8 pushes the car along at quite a lick, with plenty of torque available in every gear.
Pushing that power to the rear wheels is a tactile six-speed transmission, offering an engaging drive. With advanced suspension design and a powerful set of AP Racing brakes, it means you can really explore the boundaries of the handling.
Apparently, the sump guard has been modified, to a more efficient design. The vendor reports that the car has just been serviced and runs just as it should, with no faults or issues to declare.
Summary
With styling harking back to the 30s and 40s, modern lightweight construction and a powerful BMW V8 under those louvred engine covers, the Aero 8 offers a seamless blend of old and new.
This example, with its smart specification, low mileage and excellent maintenance record should offer thrills and delights by the cartload.
This example, with its smart specification, low mileage and excellent maintenance record should offer thrills and delights by the cartload.
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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