1972 Aston Martin V8 Series 2 Sports Saloon
Registration no. MHX 427L
Chassis no. V8/10566/RCA
Engine no. V/540/437

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.

A desirable, manual transmission model, chassis number '10556' was sold new via HWM of Walton-on-Thames and subsequently resold by them to the immediately preceding owner, from whom it was purchased by the current (third) owner in 1980. Originally painted Cornish Gold, the car had been re-sprayed in the present Cambridge Blue prior to its acquisition by the vendor.

We are advised that the Aston had no faults when last used 26 years ago, other than the air conditioning not working, since when it has been kept well covered in dry storage. In excellent condition when last run, the V8 engine has never been apart and the car as a whole is described as original and complete apart from the small chromed fire extinguisher, which is missing. Offered in need of re-commissioning, 'MHX 427L' comes with its original owner's handbook, and a V5 registration document.