To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$300,000 - $350,000
- Matching-numbers engine
- Featured in Discovery Channel's Ultimate Cars and the 2006 film
Lies and Alibis
- Complete with documentation, including restoration
photographs
- Hailed as "Britain's First Supercar"
Please note that this lot is titled as a 1979.
To Aston Martin enthusiasts the name "Vantage" refers to models
that have been ordered with an uprated engine - an option that
began with the DB2. However, when the V8 Vantage was unveiled in
1977, the Vantage was being offered as a distinct model, separate
from the V8 Saloon that had come before it.
The Vantage retained much of the same look as the Saloon, with the
addition of some aerodynamic elements, including a "fliptail" rear
end that was added to reduce lift and drag. After the first 16 V8
Vantages were produced, Aston Martin made a subtle change - instead
of bolting on these spoilers post-production, the remaining cars
were made with an integrated tail. These integrated or 'Molded
Fliptail' Vantages proved highly desirable due to a smoother look
and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
It was not just the appearance that drew in customers - the
addition of larger Weber carburetors, high-performance camshafts,
and an increased compression ratio meant that the V8 Vantage had a
top speed of 170 mph. Nicknamed "Britain's First Supercar," the
uprated Vantage engine was capable of an incredible 390 bhp - more
than enough for the North American crowd. In 1978 the Aston Martin
was finally available across the pond - this is one of just 11 V8
Vantages imported into the U.S., making it an especially rare Aston
Martin.
Presented in the original Kentucky Blue, chassis 11900 underwent a
comprehensive restoration beginning in 2002. Totaling over
$100,000, the work included a complete full specification engine
rebuild during which the 540 engine was uprated to the European
Vantage specification. A Steel Wings six-speed transmission was
also fitted, alongside a significantly upgraded suspension -
ensuring an incredible ride and handling. Fresh paint in the
original color complemented the new front spoiler.
After the restoration, the V8 Vantage was immediately in demand.
Featured in The Discovery Channel's Ultimate Cars program and used
in the Steve Coogan comedy Lies and Alibis, chassis 11900 was also
present at Ford's 100th anniversary exposition. Documentation of
these fantastic outings accompany images of the restoration in the
extensive history file.
Mechanically and cosmetically on the button, this is an
extraordinary opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of one
of Aston Martin's highly desirable V8s.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.