1973 Aston Martin V8 (Series 3) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1973 Aston Martin V8 (Series 3)

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Mileage~29,700
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine5.3L
LocationCambridge

AUCTION CLOSED

1973 Aston Martin V8 (Series 3)

Introduction

Josh Sharples

Professional Consigner

Newport Pagnell's answer to modernising their lineup, these V8s were hand-built, muscular GT cars.

The Aston Martin V8 had a few different name and iterations in its 2 decade production run. The model succeeded the DB6 and was designed originally in mind with a V8 powering the car, but at first the car featured the straight six engine carried forward, while Tadek Marek's V8 engine finished development. Later cars like this Series 3 (launched in late 1973) went back to using Weber carbs, this giving the car its distinctive bonnet bulge to accommodate the extra height required.

This car is coming to market from ~4 years ownership, with 11 former keepers. The vendor had intended to have the car recommissioned and restored, but a lack of time and appropriate contacts has meant he wasn't able to realise his dream. Finished in "Imperial Blue" with a cream leather interior, it's a car that needs an enthusiastic owner to take ownership and get this car back to a former glory. It's had some restoration work in the early noughties, and the current owner has ensured the car is running, now it need of some further recommissioning work to the mechanics and bodywork.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Josh after meeting Ben the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

As a teen I bought the posters and dreamed the dream, I swore that I would own one someday.

Ben has owned this Series 3 V8 for the past ~4 years. He had every intention of bringing it back to a former glory, his early memories of the car as a teen in the 70s spurring him on with enthusiasm. However, time and a lack of contacts/specialists he has experience with has meant ownership hasn't quite been what he had dreamed of.

He's had some minor work completed to ensure the car is running, but he tells us "I have had the engine overhauled, but that is it. The car starts and drives. but the brakes need looking at, along with various other mechanical aspects", there is evidence of previous mechanical work to the rear axle in the past too. Ben now feels he hasn't done right by the car, and wants it to pass over to a new owner to make perfect again. He'll be on hand to answer any questions on the car in the comments section below.

Ben

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A modernisation from Aston Martin, the design queues from Pony cars is undeniable on these later cars with their iconic bonnet bulge.

Wheels and Tyres

This Series 3 V8 is fitted with aftermarket alloy wheels, 17" 5 spoke items from ACS. The present in fair condition, no curb damage seems to be present, but the would benefit from professional detailing.

The wheels are wrapped in Goodyear tyres that look to be older items from 2003. The tread on the tyres appears sufficient, the age and lack of use though meaning that they will probably want to be replaced when the car is recommissioned. View the image gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

The Series 3 cars had a few differences to earlier models; the obvious bonnet bulge to accommodate the switch back to Weber carbs, and also a small lip in the panel below the rear window where a louvred panel used to be.

This particular car is in need of attention to bring it back to a former glory. There are some obvious corrosion areas like the bonnet skin which is coming away, and some areas around the windscreen. You'll also notice some corrosion around the door handles too. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

This car is finished in what we believe to be the period Aston Martin colour of "Imperial Blue". From afar it's a striking colour, quite modern considering the age.

As with the bodywork, the paintwork is in need of renovation. Watching the video, you'll notice various scratches and marks on the car on close inspection, particularly on the bonnet and the roof. You'll also see some areas of previous repair/touch ups, it needs a full respray to bring it back to a former glory. Again, we have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the paint for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

On this project AMV8, the glass in general looks ok, and not something that would cause issue/interference with driving. The wing mirror glass looks like it needs refurbishment/replacement, and generally all of the window seals are showing significant ageing and will likely need replacing as part of the work.

The trim in the shape of the chrome bumpers looks ok having a quick glance, but on closer inspection you'll see the bottom side of the chrome trim shows corrosion. In addition, it's worth noting that some of the rear light lenses/covers have cracks/damage.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

These cars were luxurious GT's in their heyday, hand built and adorned with leather and wood trim.

Seats and Carpets

This V8 has been fitted with some replacement seats at some point in the past. They are finished in a good colour match of cream to the rest of the leather used on the interior. The seats present in fair condition when comparing to other areas of the car, there is some ageing and wear to the leather, but in general they look to be ok.

The carpet in this car is a dark blue affair, and looks plush and deep in colour in some areas. Other areas like the drivers footwell have been better days as pictured. Review the image gallery and video footage to make assessment of the condition.

Dashboard

The dashboard in this car is wrapped in black at the top, and presents in surprisingly good condition. The fascia for the instrument cluster has wood trim, and as pictured is well past its best.

The lower half of the dashboard and the centre console are wrapped in cream leather, this shows marks etc that can often come with age, and it's worth noting that the headlining on the car looks to need a professional detail to remove marks too. View the video and image gallery to see further detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

This car features a 3 spoke, wooden rimmed steering wheel, adorned with the Aston Martin logo in the centre. It presents in ok condition, and we think is likely a replacement item. The automatic gear selector is metal trimmed and also is in ok condition. View the images for a closer look.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

These Series 3 cars with their four twin-Weber carbs were capable of producing ~310BHP and pushing the car to 60MPH in 6.1 seconds.

Engine and Gearbox

The owner Ben has had some work actioned to ensure the engine continues to run, we filmed a start-up video of the 5.3L V8. You can see in the video it springs in to life, idles ok, and when revs are increased we didn't observe any untoward smoke from the exhausts.

You'll see in the video, Ben also moves the car around the drive to show that the automatic gearbox is still functioning too. As much as this is a project car, having and seeing the beating heart working should add some value for the new owner.

Suspension and Brakes

There is some evidence of suspension work in the past in the limited invoices and history coming with this project. As the car isn't ready for the road, we weren't able to take it out for a drive, and Ben thinks the brakes need a thorough overhaul which shouldn't come as a surprise.

The Drive

When on the road, these V8s with their automatic gearbox configuration make for the perfect cruisers. The luxurious interiors they were adorned with when new would help to transport the driver in total comfort to their destination.

Electrics and Other

We saw some of the dials in action in the start-up video, but given the condition, all electric items would need checking.

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History and Paperwork

This Imperial Blue S3 AMV8 was bought as a recommissioning project, a lifelong dream for the current owner that sadly has gotten away from him, but presents as an opportunity for another enthusiast to bring this car back to a former glory.

This car comes with limited history, sometimes the case with the projects like this. There are a few invoices from the early 2000s that show mechanical refurbishment, and Ben the owner mentions that he's actioned some work to ensure the V8 lives on. It's not a project for the faint hearted, but it also looks to be one, given its running condition, one that is well worth saving.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details

ModelV8 (Series 3)
TransmissionAutomatic
Reg. Date13.12.1973
CC5,340
Mileage~29,700
ColourImperial Blue
Interior ColourCream
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #V811058RCA
Engine #V5401058
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers11
Tyre BrandGoodyear
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~4 years
Key FeatureV8 project opportunity
Auction ID468893

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Harston

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

Ask Questions

Seller : TBen

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

Member

Janet1973

Is it possible to answer my question on whether the car is matching numbers and original colour

Member

ArthurMellow

What information did the consigner gather with regard to the steel chassis?

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Hi Arthur, the consigner shot a number of pictures of the underside; https://www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/aston-martin/1973-aston-martin-v8/#gallery3-45 and also the equivalent video footage for prospective bidders to review; https://youtu.be/S160_k2KO8o?t=193 Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Member

ArthurMellow

The consigner, during the video, claims that this is a Vantage? This clearly NOT the case.

Admin

Kulraj Salh

Well spotted Arthur, you are correct, a slip of the tongue from the consigner. As you’ll have seen through this entire listing, it is listed as a V8. Thanks for pointing it out/clarifying though. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Member

ArthurMellow

Knowing what a litigious society we now live in, it pays to clarify everything.

Member

Janet1973

Hi, a few questions. Is the car a matching numbers car, do you the original colour and what is the chassis number?

Many thanks John

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