1978 Aston Martin V8

This motor car is being sold as part of a private overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams’ temporary admission customs bond. In addition to the ‘hammer’ price, the winning bidder must pay a bond release fee (£350) and also import tax/duty.

In the UK, cars over 30 years old are subject to the lower rate of 5% import tax on the final selling price if purchased by a private individual. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT. A company buying this car will always pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT on the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable upon proof of customs/tax payment in the other country.

The bond release fee (£350 payable direct, post-auction, to the CARS shipping company) will produce a NOVA from HMRC, this document is formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK. The vehicle is not registered anywhere. You must register the vehicle with the DVLA. Upon request, The Market can suggest some companies who can help with this process.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years, and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section. In all cases, the documents shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. We do not have the originals.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is strictly sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for viewing by appointment weekdays 9am-5pm, and we advise you (or your appointed engineer) to inspect it at our HQ near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

VIN: V8SOR12056

Engine No: V/540/2056/S

Despite having some corrosion issues here and there (more on that later), this 1979 RHD auto Aston Martin V8 ‘Oscar India’ Series 4 saloon is, we think, in pretty decent overall condition.

The five-digit odometer currently reads 5,957 miles.

It has a metallic grey/silver exterior and pale blue leather upholstery.

It was supplied new to dealer Reg Vardy in November 1978, and the ‘Car Record Card’ with it states that it was Jubilee Silver with Light Blue trim and Scandinavian Blue carpets.

The car doesn’t currently start or run, so consequently we can only assess it on its cosmetic condition.

The car was purchased for the vendor’s collection of static display vehicles in 2012.

In common with many cars from the vendor’s collection, it comes with very little history and no service records, but it does have a proof-of-purchase letter sent to the vendor, a selection of AMOC records attesting to its origins, and a 2005 tax disc affixed to the windscreen.

The car’s bodywork is free of any dinks, dents or creases worth mentioning.

If you peek under the car from the side you’ll see that the cowling/protective cover underneath the engine bay and front valance is currently loose and hanging down.

The panels, panel gaps and shut lines look consistent and even, as does most of the paintwork.

There is some foxing and pitting on the front bumper but elsewhere the chrome work, wheels, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are good.

So, too, are the rest of the chrome work, the wheels, badging, trim and other exterior fixtures and fittings.

There is some bubbling above and below the windscreen, above the rear screen, at the base of both front wings, and above the sills at the base of the front wheel arches on both sides.

There’s also some bubbling at the base of the ‘A’ pillar on the near side.

The leading edges of the doors have a few paint chips.

The pale blue leather upholstery is in generally decent nick, front and back, as are the door cards and leather headlining.

The carpets and mats, although a little dusty and tired, appear to have a similar amount of inherent integrity.

There are some cracks to the lacquer and veneers on the door inserts, dashboard and centre console.

There is a spare wheel in the boot, which is in decent condition aside from some dangling carpet.

The boot’s locking mechanism is a trifle inclined towards stubbornness.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started or driven the vehicle.

Everything in the engine bay, including the engine (hand built by Fred Waters), appears to be clean, dry, present and correct.

There is flaking and a few holes in evidence in various places below the sills on the car’s undersides. Obviously, you’ll want to assess the nature and significance of this for yourself.

The car doesn’t come with any history or service records beyond what is shown in the photography section.

Currently, it has neither an MoT certificate nor a V5. It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

None of the paperwork shown in the gallery constitutes any kind of current licensing or registration documentation.

Yes, there are some corrosion issues to address, but the rarity and appeal of this ‘Oscar India’ Aston Martin V8 Saloon should make the task of restoring it to its former glory more than worthwhile – provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals are amenable to recommissioning.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £50,000 - £80,000, plus Bonhams bond payment and £350 NOVA fee.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.