Lot details

Year: 1983
Make: Aston Martin
Model: V8 Saloon to X-Pack Specification
Registration: A21 WUS
Chassis No: V8SOR/12374
Engine No: V580/2374/S
Mileage: 49,000
(a): Complete engine rebuild to 5.7 Vantage X-Pack specification
(b): Gearbox rebuilt with added short-shift
(c): Complete with handling kit, lower & stiffer suspension and rebuilt dampers

The history of Aston Martin's V8 saloon is well documented but what is less known perhaps is the final series, or Oscar India (October Introduction), especially when specified with the extremely rare (and in this instance original) dogleg ZF manual gearbox which sets itself in a league of its own with, according to the AMHT, 26 being built and only 15 of which were right hand drive. It should thus be noted that this is a genuine factory manual example and not mistaken for a later conversion.

Still on the original 1983 registration and with matching numbers as confirmed by the enclosed Heritage Certificate, the factory options at the time were a manual gearbox, two rear fog lamps, Cibie headlights in the front grille and, interestingly, a rear silencer delete.

Also enclosed is a large history file going back to delivery in the early eighties including the original stamped service book, owner's manual, warranty card, old MoT's and numerous invoices. The registration document shows only three owners and is probably the lowest produced configuration of the Oscar India with only twelve right hand drive examples complete with a manual gearbox ever made.

Originally purchased through ​​​Victor Wilson Ltd. in Edinburgh by Robertson Baxter Ltd, (Distillers) in the original and present colour scheme of Raven Black with a contrasting burgundy leather interior. There then follows a comprehensive service history as well as a number of period upgrades including a complete engine rebuild to 5.7 Vantage capacity and X-Pack specification with new liners, pistons, valves, high-profile cams and larger carburettors and inlet manifold. Additionally, the correct ZF five-speed gearbox has been rebuilt with a short-shift added and new clutch. A full-flow, oil-cooler with thermostat has also been fitted as well as a Harvey Bailey handling kit offering a much-improved handling and roadholding driving experience with lower & stiffer suspension, rebuilt dampers, stiffer front anti-roll bars as well as the additional of a rear anti-roll bar. Also included is the original black leather owner's manual (with pencilled notes), the original Aston Martin warranty and service voucher booklet as well as receipts for all work in current ownership which includes numerous works such as a gearbox rebuild by noted specialist Rikki Cann, an upgraded Powerlite high-torque starter motor, restored leather interior, re-lacquer of all interior woodwork and fresh carpets and door cards and finally, the engine rebuilt to Vantage X-Pack specification by Aston Martin specialists Oselli to the tune of £45,000 bringing works in recent years to over £67,600 since it was purchased by the current owner. This really does represent one of the most special and thoroughbred Aston Martins currently on offer. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Service history

06/09/1983​ (0 miles) ​​Robertson Baxter Ltd, Distillers
27/10/1983 (​807 miles) Victor Wilson Ltd, Edinburgh
12/03/1984 (4,834 miles)​ ​Victor Wilson Limited, Edinburgh
21/08/1984 (​9,275 miles)​ ​Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Newport Pagnell (New Power Steering unit fitted)
09/04/1985 (​13,983 miles)​ ​Doug Niven Cars, Berwickshire
22/08/1985 (​19,054 miles)​ ​Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, Newport Pagnell
15/09/1986 (​26,832 miles)​​ Stratton Motor Company, Norfolk
26/06/1987 (29,718 miles)​​ Stratton Motor Company, Norfolk
03/03/1988​ (35,307 miles) Stratton Motor Company, Norfolk
07/10/1988 (​40,580 miles)​ Stratton Motor Company, Norfolk
21/02/1989​ (​42,429 miles) Romans, Surrey
05/11/2015 (48,515 miles) ​​CCCR (oil and filter change plus extensive works)
27/02/2020 ​(49,862 miles)​ ​Oselli (Engine rebuild to Vantage X pack specification including new a/c system & new brake servos.

Work undertaken during current ownership

01/05/2015​ New bonnet gas struts fitted
03/07/2015​ Harvey Bailey handling kit front & rear anti-roll bars, all lowered springs.
28/08/2015​ Gearbox removed Cotswold Classic Cars)
28/08/2015​ Gearbox rebuilt (Rikki Cann)
30/09/2015​ Patch box section above exhaust (not visible without removing exhaust and shields) Replace oil coolers and hoses, fit oil temp regulator, dismantle and grease prop, machine flywheel, replace clutch, refit gearbox, fit front anti-roll bars
23/10/2015 ​Recondition dampers, fit new suspension kit and rear anti-roll bars
05/11/2015​ Convert to full flow oil system, replace oil/oil filter
07/12/2015​ Jacking points, plugs fitted as per standard spec
18/08/2016 ​Electrical work (lighting)
12/09/2016​ Hazard warning switch & boot interior lamp
10/03/2017 ​New number plate lens
17/03/2017​ Supply of clutch fluid tank
18/04/2017 Petrol tank removed plus new sender. Fit new clutch slave cylinder plus gearbox removed
23/08/2017​ Gearbox rebuild (BPA Eng Ltd plus fiting of R.S. Williams short shift
06/09/2017​ Upgraded Powerlite high-torque starter motor
14/09/2017​ Starter motor fitted. New reverse switch supplied and fitted. Gearbox refit
06/10/2017​ New Clutch master cylinder
31/01/2018​ Restore leather interior
14/03/2018 ​New Battery
22/05/2008​ Remove all woodwork and send for re-lacquer
16/11/2018​ CCCR re-carpet boot
07/12/2018 ​CCCR re-carpet and replace door cards
12/04/2019​ Electrical works to hazard switch and windows
27/02/2020​ Engine rebuild to Vantage X-Pack specification including new a/c system & brake servos (Oselli)