Lot 137: 1975 Aston Martin V8 Series 3 Saloon

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8, the DBS first appeared with the 4-litre six of the concurrently produced DB6. Styled in-house by Bill Towns, the four-seater DBS employed a platform-type chassis with independent suspension all round: wishbone and coil-spring at the front, De Dion with Watts linkage at the rear. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavier DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 arrived in 1969. With an estimated 345bhp available from its 5,340cc, fuel-injected, four-cam motor, the 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. Despite the switch, fuel economy improved and even in automatic-transmission form the Weber-equipped car proved almost as quick as the preceding manual version.

Supplied new in Switzerland, this Aston Martin V8 is one of the very few left-hand drive models fitted with the desirable ZF five-speed manual gearbox, while other noteworthy features include a factory-fitted sunroof and air conditioning (in working order). Presented in stunning, exceptionally original condition, the car has enjoyed only two private owners and has covered a genuine 78,000 kilometres from new. Serviced at marque specialists Roos in Switzerland, it comes with owner’s handbook, sundry service bills, Swiss registration papers and ‘Wartungs Dokument’ (verifying ‘mileage’).

Vendue neuve en Suisse, cette Aston Martin V8 est une des rares voitures à conduite à gauche équipée de l’intéressante boîte ZF à 5 rapports, d’un toit ouvrant et d’une installation d’air conditionné (en état de fonctionnement) d’origine. Présentée dans un superbe état d’origine, cette voiture qui n’a eu que deux propriétaires privés n’affiche au total que 78 000 km. Entretenue par le spécialiste Roos en Suisse, elle est offerte avec son manuel d’utilisation, diverses factures d’entretien, ses documents d’immatriculation suisses et son « Wartnungs Dokument » attestant son kilométrage.