Aston Martin V8 Manual

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Launched in 1967, the Aston Martin DBS V8 was powered by a spectacular all-alloy unit initially designed by Tadek Marek to power the Lola-Aston Martin sports racing cars. Boasting four overhead camshafts and Bosch electronic fuel injection, in road trim the 5,340cc V8 produced an impressive 345bhp at 5,000rpm and 360lb.ft of torque. This was enough to propel the car to a top speed of 160mph, unbelievable for an early 1970's 4 seater car weighing nearly 2 tons!

After David Brown sold Aston Martin in February 1972 the DBS V8 was replaced by the Series 2 model, now simply called the Aston Martin V8. Gone were the four headlamps and slatted grille, in their place a black mesh grille flanked by single headlamps; mechanical changes were limited to electronic ignition and standard air conditioning.

First registered in December 1972, this particular car has covered approximately 40,000 miles from new. A desirable Bosch fuel injected manual gearbox model, it also has air conditioning (although we are told that this is not functioning at present). This car was subject to a £50,000 restoration in 1991 including a £17,000 body restoration and respray in the original Carnival Red, a £3,000 interior retrim and a £10,500 engine rebuild since when it has done less than 10,000 miles.

It comes with a large history folder including a photographic record of the rebuild plus many old MOTs and tax discs. Currently MOTd, it is said to be in very good condition throughout and to drive beautifully. It also comes complete with the private plate DIB 5036. Values of Astons from this era have risen strongly in recent years and this one looks mighty tempting at the guide price suggested today.