1978 Aston Martin V8

Available from Bonhams|Cars Online is a 1979 Aston Martin V8 saloon. It's a highly unique, green-tinted metallic silver, left-hand drive car. While we'll get into detail about the car's condition below, it must be noted that it comes with a striking red leather interior. It's an automatic gearbox car, and man, it is one serious showstopper.

William Towns, the renowned car designer, who used to work for Aston Martin, was commissioned with the task of redesigning the DBS. And while the DBS was no slouch in terms of looks, the Aston Martin V8 just added so much more drama to the design that it's no surprise that the car remained on sale till the arrival of the 90s. The noteworthy inclusions on the Aston Martin V8 were a conventional single headlamp setup, the intelligent play with flame surfacing on the bodywork (which further accentuated power), and of course, the fastback styling that made the car stand out so easily. This 1978 example doesn't look tired, although silver sometimes overemphasizes some of the panel gaps.

A silver car with a red and black interior is an all-time combination, and as you can see in the photos, it's been delightfully preserved too. The all-red upholstery does liven up the interior and works well with the contrasting all-black dashboard. It's a four-seater car, the Aston Martin V8, so it does score well on practicality — and makes for a good GT. Viewers with a keen eye will note that this example is missing its odometer, and thus the true mileage is unknown. (TMU)

The Aston Martin V8 sat on the same underpinnings as the preceding AM DBS but with updated aesthetics. Unlike the DBS, the Aston Martin V8, as the name suggests, was only available with a V8 engine. And what an engine, it was! Designed by the legendary Tadek Marek, the engine also found itself in the quite other-worldly Bulldog concept! The engine bay looks clean, if a little busy.

The Aston Martin V8 saloon was brought out to replace the DBS. A few years down the line, after it arrived in 1972, a more powerful V8 Vantage model was added to the lineup. This was followed by V8 Volante and Oscar India. The last AM V8 was built in December 1989.

Aston Martins are cool — and not just because of their Bond connection. This 1978 example proves how a muscular design, V8 engine, and the kind of unmatched luxury it offers, do help make cars like the AM V8 stand out from the rest. It wasn't a smooth sail for Aston Martin by any means, but despite the uncertainties that surrounded the brand, people continued to put in their hard-earned money in keeping the brand alive. And cars like this are quite possibly the reason why. At an estimated $60,000 - $90,000, maybe it's your turn to do so now. And in return you can be assured to get a LOT of car for that money!

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for several years and we have no history available beyond that shown in the photography section.

We have not started or driven this vehicle so we cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. The vehicle will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.

Buyers should expect the title within 30 business days following the sale; however, please note that for reasons beyond Bonhams/The Market control, including any delays in lien releases by lien holder and/or delays by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) in certain states, there are instances where the Buyer may not receive the title within 30 business days and, in those circumstances, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

If a Lot is rendered “Title in Transit”, it is unlikely that the Buyers will receive the title in the mail within 30 business days following the auction/sale; however, Bonhams/The Market will work to provide the titles to the Buyer as soon as possible.

The Buyer acknowledges that delays in transferring titles including, due to delays at government Motor Vehicle departments, happen from time-to-time and, the Buyer will hold both Bonhams/Market and the Consignor harmless from any allegations of damages arising out of government or other delays.

Please note it is the responsibility of the Buyer to transfer ownership in compliance with their jurisdictional rules and regulations.