Aston Martin V8 Series II
This V8 has a few cosmetic flaws, but it drives well – so it’s a car that can be improved while being enjoyed, says Richard Gunn
When this V8 left Aston Martin’s Newport Pagnell factory in June 1978 it looked rather different. Back then it was a more flamboyant Imperial Burgundy, but by 1999, when it passed to its current and 12th owner, it had been repainted dark blue. There’s no record of when that was done, although the paperwork is more comprehensive from the Nineties under its present custodian, an aircraft engineer. The mileage of 82,600 is backed up by old MOT certificates. In the last 18 years the car has covered just 8000 miles.
While this largely original car is very presentable and usable as-is, some work is needed and that’s reflected in the sub-£100k price tag. There’s some cracked paint on both the offside wheelarches and under-paint bubbling on the edge of the bonnet and below the windscreen on the passenger side. Also one front valance seam is a little ragged. There are stonechips on the nose but you need to be up close to see them. Corrosion on the cream-centred alloys, clad in good quality Avon Turbosteel 70 235/70 R15 101V tyres, is confined to the rear nearside wheel. The chromework is generally excellent although there’s some lifting of the plating below the left-hand rear light. A Vantage badge is fitted on the boot – although this isn’t a Vantage model – and has a chip just by its ‘V’. The car has been undersealed.
The engine bay is tidy enough, albeit with some surface rust on the inner wings. All the fluids are a healthy shade and up to correct levels. The plate on one of the cam covers records Frank Matthews as the engine builder; he seems to have done a good job because it still performs without fault. Oil pressure, when warm and cruising, is between 60 and 80psi, shooting up to over 100psi on kickdown.
Inside, the cabin has lasted well enough. The magnolia hide has a general patina that might respond well to leather treatment. The mid-blue carpets are in very good order. All controls and gauges are working, including the clock. However, the cowl under the steering wheel moves when stalks are operated or the wheel is turned.
A remote immobiliser is fitted, and here’s the car’s main fault. It can take minutes of stick-waving to get it to work. However, when running, this V8 drives extremely well, with an engine that feels perfectly tuned, responsive and lusty with bags of power. There are no worrying noises from the engine, automatic transmission or suspension. Steering is precise, with the power steering doing its job unobtrusively. Auto shifts are efficient and kickdown almost instant. Very effective brakes, with no pulling to either side, complete the package of an Aston that may need some cosmetic work and an immobiliser fix, but it’s one with impeccable road manners.