1973 Aston Martin V8

This motor car is being sold as part of a private overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams’ temporary admission customs bond. In addition to the ‘hammer’ price, the winning bidder must pay a bond release fee (£350) and also import tax/duty.

In the UK, cars over 30 years old are subject to the lower rate of 5% import tax on the final selling price if purchased by a private individual. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT. A company buying this car will always pay 10% duty + VAT as well as VAT on the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable upon proof of customs/tax payment in the other country.

The bond release fee (£350 payable direct, post-auction, to the CARS shipping company) will produce a NOVA from HMRC, this document is formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK. The vehicle is not registered anywhere. You must register the vehicle with the DVLA. Upon request, The Market can suggest some companies who can help with this process.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years, and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section. In all cases, the documents shown are photocopies, unless otherwise stated. We do not have the originals.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is strictly sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for viewing by appointment weekdays 9am-5pm, and we advise you (or your appointed engineer) to inspect it at our HQ near Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

VIN: V8/10768/RCA.

Engine No: V/540/626

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, this 1973 RHD auto Aston Martin V8 comes with no paperwork beyond whatever photocopied documents are shown in the gallery section.

It does, however, come with a copy of an old V5, a letter confirming its sale to one of the vendor’s European agents in 2008, a 2008 tax disc, and some AMOC records.

Today, the mileage is 54,654.

The car is ‘Oxford Blue’ with an ‘Off White’ interior.

On the occasion of its 2007 MoT, it had covered 53,535 miles.

The car takes power but the engine does not currently turn over.

As we haven’t started or driven the car, our appraisal of it is limited to its cosmetic appearance – which we think is really pretty good all round.

The bodywork is in very reasonable condition, with the exception of the front valance, which is split and has a section missing.

The panels, panel gaps and shut lines appear to be consistent and even, but the driver’s door is a little stiff and requires a hearty tug to open.

The wheels and chrome-work are all decent, although the two front wheels are missing their centre hub caps and the o/s/r wheel is the only one to be painted white.

There is a little bubbling at the base of both ‘A’ pillars and beneath the windscreen.

There are numerous paint chips around the grille and headlamp clusters and on the ‘nose’ of the car ahead of the bonnet.

The o/s/f wing and wheel arch have some scuffs and scratches, as do the door and rear wing on the same side.

There are some scuffs and chipped paint on the passenger door and what looks like a small outbreak of bubbling on top of the n/s/f wing.

Areas of micro-blistering can be seen on the bonnet and roof, there are a few scratches and scrapes around the badging on the o/s/f wing vent, and the driver’s wing mirror has lost its glass (it’s inside the car).

The ‘Off White’ interior is really quite impressive and the leather upholstery has survived the passage of time with commendable endurance.

Yes, it’s all a bit dusty and grubby, but it’s fundamentally sound and free of any major defects that we can see.

It’s a similar story with the door cards and headlining – grubby but otherwise fine.

The carpets and mats are decent.

One of the chromed covers for the passenger’s seat adjustment mechanism is currently sitting on top of the dashboard.

The boot, which contains a spare wheel, is intact but somewhat disassembled and scruffy.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t started or driven the car.

The engine and engine bay seem dry and intact if decidedly dusty.

There is some rust and flaking visible underneath.

Clearly, you’ll want to reach your own conclusion on the extent to which this may or may not compromise the car’s structural integrity.

Unless otherwise stated, this car comes with no history or service records beyond whatever photocopied documents are shown in the gallery.

No documents shown in the gallery in any way constitute any kind of current licensing or registration certification.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

Well, this car seems to have endured pretty well, all things considered, and looks like it might well reward its next owner by enthusiastically embracing whatever restorative work comes its way - provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals prove to be amenable to recommissioning.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £50,000 -£80,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.