History File

Aston Martin produced their awesome V8 model between 1972 and 1989. In those 17 years, significant changes were made to the design (though a mid-1980’s example was always demonstrably similar to the 1972 type), but these never changed the overall character of the machine, and the same alloyed-skinned style was preserved throughout. Our car, is from what AMOC used to refer to as Series 3, or what we now call AM V8 (V540 weber Carburettor) built from 1973 to 1978. Just 970 examples were built, with Aston Martin Heritage Trust, confirming that our chassis number V8/11026/LCA is one of only 124 cars known to be both LHD and manual, and of these 124, only 45 were fitted with the unrestricted engine. Ordered for the Canadian market, it’s also been confirmed that the car was initially UK registered before being exported and imported to Canada as what would essentially be then a used car. Tax avoidance was clearly the reason. With all US and Canada bound LHD examples, they were built with low compression, emission controlled restricted engines, which was typical for the period. Built in LHD, initially for the UK market, this particular car was not homologated for export and received the unrestricted engine. Mr and Mrs K. Indrikson of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, registered the car with the AMOC between 1990 and 1991 before the car was imported to Germany in 1995. The German registration document shows just one entered owner, although, it has been part of a fairly well known collection since 2001.

Exterior

This rare LHD electric sunroof example was refurbished by German specialist Diemer & Dahlmeier upon its arrival in Germany in 1995. Over the following three years it would be transformed from its original Ascot Grey acrylic exterior, to the solid British Racing Green we see today. It’s what we would now term as an older restoration, so viewing is always recommended but, you can still see that it was a quality transition, despite now almost thirty years ago. Aston Martin Heritage Trust, has also confirmed that there were a few factory sunroof models made but, incredibly, there were no records kept, such was the poor administration at the time. But no one can deny that the Tadek Marek design is still as stunning today as it was some 50+ years ago and will still turn heads both young and old. That incredible bonnet bulge confirms the cars hidden four twin-choke (two barreled) Weber carbs.

Interior

The latter part of the chassis number V8/11026/LCA donates an L for LHD; the A donates Acrylic paint, with the C confirming Cool Air (air conditioning) which is currently inoperative, but will be fixed on purchase. Combined with the cars factory electric sunroof, it’s a nice specification car. But the interior is dominated by the Recarro seat conversion carried out by German specialist Diemer & Dahlmeier; perhaps not to everyone’s taste and we’re certain the purists will be having palpitations, but the level of comfort and variation, aided by an 6 way dual electric option, cannot be denied.

Engine & Transmission

It’s quite well documented that Aston Martin did not publish official performance figures, but estimates centre ‘around’ 310 hp (231 kW) – 315 hp (235 kW) from its V8 unit displacing 5,340 cc and 5.3 Litres. This 1973 example boasts four twin-choke (two barreled) Weber carbs which are hidden under that unmistakable bonnet bulge. Engine number V/540/1026 has been confirmed by Aston Martin Heritage Trust as a non-restricted block and did not suffer the low compression and emission controlled export restrictions. Combined with the rare 5-speed ZF manual gearbox combination, this is just of 1 of 45 cars ever built with this specification. The car is offered with a comprehensive specialist service before delivery.

Wheels, Tyres & Brakes

The car went through a re-styling process by Fm Diemer & Dahlmeier when it first arrived in Germany, including the Exip 2000 alloys you see here. However, the famous GKN alloys are still available although, the hubs will require changing. The current Michelin 225/70 R15 92W tyres have more than enough tread to comply within any regulations, however, they may be scrutinised by regional testers, depending on where you register the car. New tyres have already been sourced and can be supplied. The car is sold with a complete brake overhaul for any new potential client.

Underneath