For Sale: 1979 Aston Martin V8 in Huntington Station, New York

-Kentucky Blue with Tan leather piped Blue with Blue Wilton wool carpeting, Restored, 5-speed ZF manual transmission, Full Vantage Specification engine.

In February 1977 Aston Martin unveiled their fastest road car ever, the V8 Vantage. The 170 mph projectile shot to fame as the fastest production road car in the world and is now universally accepted as Aston Martins and indeed Britain's first ever Supercar.

The V8 Vantage was quite a different beast from the standard V8 Saloon Coupe. Besides its hidden modifications and engine tweaks, the V8 Vantage featured twin Cibie H4 Driving Lamps within the blanked off radiator grille (cooling air for the radiator being drawn in beneath the bumper), a deep front air dam and boot lid spoiler at the rear. All of these aerodynamic additions were essential for a car with 170 mph+ potential. The V8 Vantage features a large sealed bonnet bulge to cover the down draught Weber 48 IDF carburetors. Other mechanical changes from the standard engine included larger valves, revised camshafts and a higher compression ratio, all helping to achieve 380 bhp. The first group of 16 cars have two distinct and unique features, the bonnet bulge opening is sealed with bolt-on cover and the rear spoiler was added to the car after the body was built, these first 16 are known as Bolted-On Flip Tail V8 Vantages.

The second group comprising 42 V540 Vantage production cars (23 European, 11 US, and 8 Canadian spec) the spoiler was made integral to the body and the opening in the bonnet bulge was welded shut during manufacture. These slightly later care are known as Molded Flip Tail. Of these 42 Molded Flip Tail V8 Vantages, 16 were produced in RHD form for the UK market, leaving only 26 LHD having been produced. Truly limited production and exclusive to only a few lucky owners when new.

This particular V8 Vantage is one of only eleven V8 Vantage cosmetic examples imported to the USA and has been well known in Aston Martin circles. These V8 Vantages were delivered with standard specification V8 U.S. federal engines. As was the case with many of these V8 Vantages in the day, the engine was converted back to proper European high horsepower specification.

Between 2002 and 2004, this V8 Vantage was completely restored, all photo documented. The work was done to extremely high standards and the result is nothing short of stunning. There are receipts for $101,949.54, not including the initial cost of the car. During the restoration, the engine was completely rebuilt from the bottom up to Vantage specs, by well-regarded Aston Martin specialist, Steel Wings. During the engine rebuild, X-Pack Cosworth pistons were utilized, as were a new set of 48 IDF Weber carburetors. Camshafts, and valves were replaced with the correct Vantage spec throughout. The engine was then dyno-tested and tuned before being reinstalled in the car, producing 485 hp. All ancillaries were rebuilt as well including the ignition system and it received a new gear reduction starter. The suspension was also upgraded with a handling kit. All remaining suspension such as bushings and ball joints were completely overhauled or replaced, and the braking system dismantled and completely rebuilt, from the booster to the calipers.

The car was repainted to high standards, at which time, the front spoiler was competently and subtly modified to have an even deeper front lip. Consequently, this car's appearance is even more distinctive than the already aggressive styling of the standard Vantage. The interior was retrimmed, and the instruments rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer (and the odometer zeroed so that mileage indicated is since the restoration), and various electrical fixes performed to ensure that everything works, from the electric mirrors to the windscreen washer system to the air conditioning system.

Upon the completion of the restoration, the car was enthusiastically and extensively used. It was shown at Ford's 100th anniversary exposition, and was also extensively featured in The Discovery Channel's Ultimate Cars television program. The car was also used in the 2006 film Lies and Alibis, where it appeared approximately six times. There is an album containing photo documentation of all.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of one of these very rare cars. This is a fully sorted car, both mechanically and cosmetically. Since being sold to its last collector ownership by Autosport Designs, this V8 Vantage has been serviced religiously to keep in its current outstanding condition.

Superb in every way and without disappointment, it is ready for immediate enjoyment and represents one of the finest collectible examples from the V8 era.