1978 Aston Martin V8 Series III Saloon

This specific Aston Martin is a V8 Series 3, an easy way to identify a Series III V8 is by the raised hood scoop. The hood was modified in order to fit 4 twin-choke Weber carburetors underneath. In 1977, Aston responded to claims of decreased engine power year after year and upgraded the engine with new camshafts and a new exhaust. These upgrades brought the car back up to 305 hp while still meeting emissions regulations.

At first glance the V8 shows very well. The finer details aren’t perfect, but the exterior to this V8 is solid. Painted a wonderfully deep, metallic shade of blue, the paint appears to be in nice condition. The chrome trim and bumpers show nicely. The OEM wheels could use a power wash, and although the remaining tire tread looks decent, we still recommend a new set. There are a small handful of chips in the paint on either side of the car. Overall, this V8 appears to have a solid exterior.

Done with light blue/grey leather. Down low, the Scandinavian Blue carpets show age and are in deep need of a steam cleaning. Light blue leather seats sport navy blue piping for a nice bit of contrast. Creasing is shown throughout. The black dash and center console presents nicely, but the steering wheel is heavily aged. We aren’t sure if the wheel was originally wrapped brown, but it is now. Next to the carpets, the steering wheel is the next most weathered piece of the interior. The rear seats also present nicely and the headliner hangs tightly in place along with the sun visors.

Lifting the hood reveals a rather unappealing engine bay. The engine bay needs a heavy power washing at the very minimum. Under the body of the car, we see a mostly solid undercarriage. The frame appears to be sorting a layer of surface corrosion in some areas, the floorboards from what we can see are solid, and the exhaust shows minor discoloration. Curiously, on the driver’s side of the vehicle, there is a metal orange box mounted beneath the car. Furthermore, right next to the orange box, several pipes appear to be wrapped in aluminum foil. Our guess is as good as any as to why the box and the foil have been fitted to the car, and we strongly recommend a professional examine both areas.

The car was originally painted Kentucky Blue, sported a light blue interior with blue piping, and Scandinavian blue carpets. It was built to US specifications and delivered stateside from the UK in late 1977. The first owner kept the car in Santa Monica, California, and around 1980 the car had a second owner, who kept the vehicle in Beverley Hills, California.

The Aston Martin V8 is a wonderful fruit of collaboration. British elegance merged perfectly with American-inspired design to create the V8, a mean-looking son-of-a-gun in a freshly pressed suit. The actual V8 under the hood is sure to excite for years to come. We are excited to offer this V8 with a $60,000 - $90,000 estimate.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.