Vehicle Description
Offered for Sale exclusively through Bring-a-Trailer's Spring
Motoring Collection. A selection of 15 sports and touring cars,
chosen by DriverSource in celebration of our 15th Anniversary!
Bidding Now Live ->
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-aston-martin-v8/
1978 Aston Martin V8 Series III Saloon
The Gentleman's British Muscle Car
Chassis No. V8/11812/LCA
Engine No. V/540/1812/LFM (Matching Numbers)
Gearbox No. 000897 (Matching Numbers)
Rear Axle No. F77/90R (3.54) (Matching Numbers)
One of only 967 Series III V8 Coupes
Complete Numbers-Matching: Engine, Gearbox, Rear Axle & Livery
- Per Aston Martin Heritage Trust & Car Record Card
Ideally Optioned with All Power Equipment Left Hand Drive & 5-Speed
Manual Transmission
Outstanding Driver - Complete with Manual, Jack & Spare
Assembly
Recent Inspection, Service, and Detailing Performed
Distinguished & Entirely Handbuilt Grand Tourer from Aston
Martin
After an announcement on 27 September 1969, the DBS was made
available with the long awaited V8 engine, with the car being known
as the DBSV8 - a four-seat grand touring car, capable of 160 mph.
As with the straight six, the design of the new V8 engine was the
work of Tadek Marek. With a capacity of 5340cc and 4 overhead
camshafts with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the DBSV8 was the
fastest 4-seater production car in the world at the time. This
engine was to form the basis of all Aston Martin power plants for
the next 20 years. Apart from the change of engine, notable visual
differences were the specially designed 15'' GKN light alloy
wheels, with ventilated brake discs for the first time on an Aston
Martin production car.
The Aston Martin V8 is often considered the Gentleman's British
Muscle Car and this particular example exemplifies this in its
as-delivered, Raven Black paint over Magnolia leather upholstery
and Sandringham beige carpeting - lavishly equipped with power
windows and locks, power assisted steering, air conditioning,
5-Speed manual transmission, rear seatbelts and headrests.
According to Aston Martin Heritage Trust and the Chassis' Car
Record Card, 11812 was completed in November of 1977 and dispatched
on December 7th as a U.S. specification model - destined to dealer
Hollywood Showroom.
Today, this outstanding V8 retains factory equipment, trim, etched
glass, and much of its upholstery and accessories. Engine, gearbox
and rear axle are original to the vehicle. The recorded mileage of
52,000 is said to be original. In years past, the exterior received
fresh paintwork in the original color, while the cabin's original
leather was re-dyed to freshen up appearances. The engine bay and
stowage compartment appear correct and tidy, while the rear is
complete with spare and jack assembly. Performance is strong. with
solid handling reflected by its originality. Notable recent
services include overhauled brake boosters by White Post
Restorations, a tune-up of the ignition and intake, along with all
new filters and fluids. Whitney Motor Werks of New Hampshire
addressed electrical components, such as new rocker switches,
amenity equipment wiring, new radio, speakers and a repadding of
the driver's seat.
In April 2020, the car's lower boxed rockers, an often-problematic
corrosion point for these models, were properly removed and
replaced by the artisans at MetalCraft Racing in Houston, TX. The
V8 remains exceptionally solid throughout the body, frame, pans and
undercarriage. Cavallo Auto Salon of Houston, TX performed a paint
correction shortly after. This stunning late, 305hp Series III V8
certainly impresses and makes for a highly capable GT. Benefitting
from an April service, major detailing, steam cleaning and paint
correction. The documentation file includes a copy of the build
specification and Heritage Certificate. Available for worldwide
purchase and delivery from our Houston, Texas showroom.
Note* Vehicle titled as a 1979
Engine Compression PSI/Cylinder
1. 130 PSI
2. 130 PSI
3. 135 PSI
4. 135 PSI
5. 135 PSI
6. 135 PSI
7. 140 PSI
8. 135 PSI
Note: Titled as a 1979 Year Model
The above vehicle information is accurate to the best of our
knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. It is provided
'as-is', without warranties as to its accuracy, whether expressed
or implied, and is intended for informational purposes only.
Corrections or additional information is always appreciated.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any
finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and
shipping expenses. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. DriverSource
is not liable for any errors, omissions, or mistakes.