1988 ASTON MARTIN V8 EFI

French title
Chassis n° SCFCV81S2JTL12612
Engine n° V/585/2612

- One of only 3 LHD manual cars built
- The final model, the rarest and the best developed
- Matching numbers
- 25,210 km from new

The origins of the V8 go back to the DBS, launched in 1967. The first DBS models had the six-cylinder engine from the DB6, a stopgap solution before the all-new V8 arrived. The DBS V8 was introduced in 1970 and was a worthy successor to the DB6. The V8 engine with Bosch fuel injection provided the DBS with a massive increase in performance, but proved unreliable; for the Series 2, the V8 was therefore fitted with Weber carburettors. The engine remained unchanged until the Virage V8 was introduced in October 1988, when the ownership of the company passed from David Brown Ltd to Company Developments Ltd. At the start of 1978, Aston launched the V8 Vantage and Volante and the Lagonda. Over the course of production, the coupé was substantially improved, in terms both of its reliability and its interior equipment. Then in 1986, the Series 5 arrived, fitted with the same V8 engine, but now with Bosch electronic fuel injection. It can be recognised at once by the absence of a bonnet scoop. This final series is considered the best developed, the most reliable and the most refined of the V8 saloons, as well as the most economical on fuel.
Of the 59 cars built between 1986 and 1988, only 17 were delivered in left-hand drive with automatic transmission, and just three with a manual gearbox, including the exceptional car we are presenting today. It was bought directly by a Monsieur B. from Auto Performance and registered in Paris on 21 April 1988. It was finished, then as now, in black with a black leather interior. Alain Aziza took it in part-exchange for a newer model in 2010. He kept it in his garage in the 15th arrondissement of Paris and it was naturally perfectly maintained and looked after by the Aston Martin mechanics. Having covered only 25,210km from new, it is easy to imagine the exceptional condition of the car, the ultimate version of this iconic model. It will be sold with its original Owner’s Handbook and the ‘Fuel Injection Supplement’. The file supplied with the car includes many service bills. It is one of only three LHD manual cars, in a very stylish ‘full black’ livery. Connoisseurs take note:
this is a rare example, and in addition, comes from Alain Aziza – Auto Performance Aston Martin Paris.

Photo © Christian Martin

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1988-aston-martin-v8-efi-4134-184