• Year of manufacture 
    1973
  • Chassis number 
    V8/10720/RCA
  • Engine number 
    V/540/594
  • Lot number 
    250
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United Kingdom
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

1973 Aston Martin V8 Series 2 Sports Saloon
Registration no. FBO 306L
Chassis no. V8/10720/RCA
Engine no. V/540/594

Although always intended to house the new Tadek Marek-designed V8, the DBS first appeared with the 4.0-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.

In 1972 the acquisition of Aston Martin by Company Developments 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 restyled front that 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.

This automatic transmission model, chassis number '10720' was acquired by the current vendor in April 1998. It has benefitted from considerable expenditure on an extensive and thorough refurbishment. There are detailed bills, in excess of £50,000, on file from highly regarded marque specialists Aston Workshop and more recently, Trinity Engineering. These bills cover works from 2006 to 2014 and are available for inspection.

Areas addressed include conversion to quadruple Weber carburettors, suspension, brakes, steering, refurbishment of wheels, new tyres, new electrics throughout, a stainless steel exhaust assembly and, most importantly, a complete restoration of the chassis to remove all corrosion that these cars develop within the sills, radius arms and outriggers. The full restoration was completed in 2012/2013 and photographs of the works are available.

This regularly exercised V8 is finished in silver grey with luxurious deep red leather upholstery. It also benefits from a recently fitted hide roof lining and deep grey carpets. The car also has a walnut dash and door cappings. It comes with an original and rare, factory fitted sunroof which has recently been fully restored by Trinity Engineering (April 2014).

This superb, yet highly original example of an early V8 is offered with the aforementioned restoration invoices, old-style logbook, original service book and history, current MoT certificate and V5C registration document.

Fast emerging from the shadow of their DB predecessors, the Aston Martin V8, is a highly desirable and appreciating classic Aston Martin.


Bonhams 1793
101 New Bond Street
London
W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Bonhams Collectors’ Car department

Phone 
+44-2074685801
Fax 
+44-2074477401