First owned by Sir Peter Cadbury
1979 Aston Martin Series 4 Sports Saloon to Vantage Specification
Registration no. AMV 111T
Chassis no. V8SOR12200
Engine no. V/540/2200/S

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' sobriquet, 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.

From 1977, the Aston Martin V8 had been available in high-performance 'Vantage' specification, propelling it back into the supercar league. In Vantage tune the 5,340cc engine breathed through a quartet of 48mm Weber carburettors rather than the standard 42mm instruments. The Vantage was readily distinguishable from the standard product by virtue of its blocked-off bonnet scoop, blanked air intake, front chin spoiler and lip on the boot lid.

Chassis number '12200' was supplied new to Sir Peter Cadbury, the entrepreneur and son of Egbert Cadbury of the eponymous chocolate manufacturing company. Eschewing a career in the family business, Peter Cadbury became a test pilot flying fast jets and then a barrister before his involvement as a company director in the establishment of Tyne Tees Television and Westward Television. His playboy lifestyle encompassed yachts, racehorses, houses all around the world and, naturally enough, fast cars including this 'Oscar India' Aston Martin V8. Sir Peter kept the car until 1986 and there have been six owners subsequently, including the current vendor (details on file).

It was in 1990 during the ownership of Mr Jeremy Hall that the Vantage upgrades were installed by renowned marque specialists Aston Engineering of Derby at a cost of over £23,000, the original automatic gearbox being replaced with a manual five-speed unit at the same time. All these upgrades bring the car up to broadly 1989 Vantage specification with additional sympathetic cosmetic enhancements such as original Ronal wheels, the latest electric mirrors and a more modern sound system, subtle improvements to enhance its driver appeal. In addition, the brakes have been upgraded with four-pot callipers, the suspension up-rated and a sonorous large-bore stainless steel exhaust fitted. In 1996, when owned by one J G Montgomery, the Aston was subject to a bare metal restoration (supporting photographs on file). Prior to purchase by the current owner in September 2011, the car was personally inspected by Richard Williams of renowned marque specialists R S Williams Ltd, any issues noted being remedied before delivery.

'AMV 111T' was displayed recently on one of the stands at the NEC Classic Car Show and was pictured in 'Motor Sport' magazine (November 2013) and 'Vantage' (Issue 4, winter 2013). Also included in sale are professional photographs from a recent photo shoot in Derbyshire, while the comprehensive history file also documents extensive maintenance and restorative works with expenditure in excess of £70,000. The car also comes with its original leather wallet containing the handbook and warranty card.

With only 40,000 miles covered since the Vantage upgrade and only 3,000 miles in the last the years, 'AMV 111T' is described as in generally good condition, attractively finished in Silver Birch with contrasting red leather interior. Last serviced in November 2013, this fast, useable and appreciating Aston Martin is offered with the aforementioned history file, current MoT/tax and V5C registration document.