1980 Aston Martin AM V8 – Sold

The "Oscar India" specification of the Aston Martin V8 was introduced in October 1978 at the Birmingham International Motor Show. Visually, the former scoop on the bonnet gave way to a closed "power bulge", while a spoiler was integrated into the tail. Most Oscar India cars were equipped with a Chrysler "Torqueflite" three-speed automatic transmission, with wood trim fitted for the first time since the DB2/4 of the 1950s. There were only approximately 292 Aston Martin V8 Series 4 "Oscar India" specification cars built which makes this model one of the rarest and most desirable V8’s to own.. This particular car, SOR 12228 was completed in January 1980 and shipped directly to Johannesburg and first registered to a Mrs S S Pienaar with registration number DRH 155T. The car changed hands several times before being bought by a Mr James Gibson who wanted to recreate his own “Living Daylights” version and had the car remodeled by a well known,Johannesburg based specialist who undertook a bare metal rebuild of the car in 2013 spraying it Cumberland grey in place of the factory finish of Rolls Royce Shell Grey. He also fitted 17in BBS alloy wheels and tyres to the car and added the Vantage specification driving lamps which have been integrated into the front grille. The black leather interior is as per the build sheet as is the 3 speed automatic gearbox. Factory fitted air conditioning and electrically operated front windows came as standard options. The cylinder heads have recently been overhauled as well as the 4 Weber carburetors making this a very smooth car to drive and a joy to listen to with the characteristic V8 sound of the 5.3 litre engine burbling away under the bonnet, that will eventually project the car to well over 200 kilometers per hour whenever conditions allow.