Lot 114: 1980 Aston Martin V8 Saloon to Vantage Specification

With the resurrection of the Vantage name in 1977, Aston Martin enthusiasts everywhere breathed a sigh of relief; previously applied to high-power versions of the DB six-cylinder cars, it had been dormant since the V8’s arrival back in 1969. Propelling Aston’s V8 back into the supercar league was a tuned version of the existing 5,340cc engine producing an estimated maximum output of around 375bhp. Chassis changes were minimal apart from the adoption of bigger ventilated disc brakes and low-profile Pirelli tyres. The Vantage was, nevertheless, readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and boot lid spoiler. The stock V8’s ZF Five-speed manual gearbox was standard equipment, but after a handful of Vantages had been independently converted to automatic transmission, the factory offered it as an option from 1986/87.
This Series 4 ‘Oscar India’ saloon with automatic transmission had been in Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell showroom for some months when an order was received for a V8 Vantage. Accordingly, the car was returned to the factory for conversion to Vantage specification, retaining its automatic transmission, before being sold new. The accompanying Swansea V5 document records that Monarflex Ltd acquired the car in 1984 and that prior to the vendor’s ownership the keeper was Mr Peter Solbeck, who appears to have acquired it in the 1990s. The service book has been stamped by R W Motors and AML Works Service (on eight occasions), while also included with the car are numerous invoices from Phoenix Car Restoration of St Albans recording regular routine maintenance and servicing. Finished in red with beige leather interior, the car is described by the vendor as in 'excellent' condition throughout and offered with expired MoTs dating back to 1998, invoice for wheel refurbishment (2002) and MoT to 30th June 2005.