OUR VERDICT

Now fully accepted as a true classic Aston Martin, the V8 meets all the criteria: stunning looks, shattering performance and serious running costs, but values now justify spending the money. Be wary of cars that were bodged in the days when they weren’t worth repairing properly. Continuous history with lots of recent expenditure is usually best: these thoroughbreds don’t like sitting around unused. Get a professional check-up and buy wisely.

FOR

The AM V8 has massive presence and mighty performance for a 10th of the price of some DB Astons – and it’s much more usable than most of those, too. Excellent specialist and club support

AGAINST

The complex steel/aluminium bodyshell and four-cam V8 engine can be extremely expensive to put right if neglected or poorly repaired