Lot 459: 1978 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Automatic Saloon

With an estimated 345bhp available from its 5,340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam motor, the Aston Martin DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph - a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. Even in automatic transmission form the V8 could reach 100mph in around 15 seconds and better 145mph flat-out.
The acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments in 1972 brought with it a change of name for the V8-engined cars: out went DBS V8, in came AM V8. This new Series 2 was readily distinguishable by its re-styled front, which now featured two instead of four headlamps and recalled the looks of the earlier DB six-cylinder cars. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were now standard. Introduced in 1973, the Series 3 employed a quartet of Weber 42 DCNF carburettors instead of the previous Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the change bringing with it increased torque and necessitating a larger bonnet bulge.
“A well equipped car with magnificent stride for long journeys” was how Autocar magazine concluded its 1973 road test of a V8 automatic, having revealed that the new version of the V8 Aston engine with four Weber carburettors and automatic transmission had proved nearly as quick as its manual-transmission, fuel-injected predecessor and fractionally more economical.
Finished in black with beige leather interior, this automatic-transmission V8 was supplied new to Jersey in the Channel Islands and has enjoyed five former keepers. The vehicle underwent major renovation circa 2001 and comes with restoration invoices and a photographic record of the bodywork refurbishment and engine rebuild. Presented in ‘perfect’ condition, it has covered approximately 42,000 miles from new. The vehicle is offered with MoT to November 2006 and Swansea V5 registration document.