Lot 223: 1979 Aston Martin V8 Saloon

Shortly after reorganisation under new ownership as AML (1975) Ltd, Aston Martin resumed development of its highly successful V8. A host of improvements was to be incorporated in the forthcoming Series 4, scheduled for introduction in October 1978. Built from then until 1986, these cars are generally known by the factory’s ‘Oscar India’ soubriquet, standing for ‘October Introduction’. The most obvious differences were a restyled bonnet and boot-mounted spoiler, while the cabin received a redesigned dashboard and centre console, and the headlining became leather rather than cloth. There were, of course, countless other improvements, most notably to the air conditioning and to the shock absorber settings. Autocar magazine found much to commend in the ‘Oscar India’ tested in October 1978, reckoning that this latest example from the Newport Pagnell factory stood out as the best-built and most competently finished car it have ever known Aston Martin produce. ‘It sets new standards of excellence for the company. In the past there has always been a slightly niggly feeling that one was paying an awful lot of money for a car of rather indifferent trim standards, in which the fabulous performance was not matched by the way the car was put together. Not so any more - the car is a delight, whether to drive, to travel in, or simply to look at.’ A right-hand drive, automatic transmission model finished in blue with beige hide upholstery, this well maintained V8 comes with a most extensive history file containing numerous bills detailing considerable expenditure over the years, together with MoTs dating back to 1979 supporting the recorded mileage of circa 149,000. Significant refurbishment undertaken has included new sills (fitted in 1994) and a complete repaint in 1998 (photographic record available). The car’s last routine service was carried out in July 2006, since when a mere 200-300 miles have been covered. The vehicle is offered with MoT to August 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document.