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Monday, August 31, 2009

1981 Aston Martin DBS V8

1981 Aston Martin DBS V8 The Aston Martin DBS V8 was announced, production commencing the following April. With its four overhead camshafts and Bosch electronic fuel] injection, the 5,340cc V8 produced an impressive 320bhp at 5,000rpm and 3601b ft; the resultant 160mph plus performance was nothing short of staggering in 1970. After David Brown sold Aston Martin in February 1972 the DBS V8 was replaced by the Series 2 model, now simply called the Aston Martin V8. Gone were the four headlamps and slatted grille, in their place a black mesh grille flanked by single headlamps; mechanical changes were limited to electronic ignition and standard air conditioning. August 1973 saw the Series 3 arrive with quadruple Weber carburettors, larger bonnet bulge, improved seats and central locking; power rose to 304bhp in June 1977. Later that year, the mighty V8 Vantage was launched boasting special camshafts, larger valves and Weber IDA carburettors; with 380bhp at 6,000rpm. It provided 0-60 and 0-100mph in 5.3 and 12.7 seconds respectively and a 170mph maximum. The latter necessitated some aerodynamic aids and the V8 Vantage thus sported a deep front air dam, bolt-on boot spoiler, blanked off radiator grille, Perspex headlamp covers and bonnet air scoop. Suspension was also stiffened with Koni dampers fitted and tyres widened. Showing a believed genuine 67,000 miles, this Oscar India boasts an Aston Martin specialist service history from 1990 (53,000 miles) to present, including a full engine rebuild at 65,000 miles. In 1995 the car changed hands to the forth owner who dry-stored the car, only using it to service and MOT. In 2000 the car was registered as SORN and dry-stored until the sale to the current owner in 2008 who commissioned a full chassis refurbishment by Aston Martin Specialist Marks Danes Ltd. This included the stripping of all under seals to bare metal and the outer seals jacking points, outriggers and trailing arms replaced as required. The rear suspension was removed and rebuilt replacing any worn parts and new bushes were fitted. In addition, the rear brake system was overhauled and the wheels were professionally refurbished with new Avon tyres fitted. These sympathetic improvements totalled £15,000. Subsequently, chassis number V8SOR12325 was treated to a full engine service and tuning, replacing all auxiliary components at a cost of £3000 in 2008 by Sigma Engineering. Complete with full stainless steel exhaust system, a photographic record of all works carried out, current MOT, owners manual and original Aston Martin warranty, the current owner describes the car as in excellent all-round condition and as driving without fault. Showing the appropriate oil pressure of 80 pounds at 3000 RPM, this car offers the new owner years of enjoyment that only a correctly sorted V8 can offer.