1979 Aston Martin V8 Sports Saloon

1979 Aston Martin V8 Sports Saloon
Chassis no. V8/11832/LCA
5,340cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Dual-Throat Weber Carburetors
300bhp at 6,000rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Delivered new to Donald Ball of Lexington, Kentucky
*Desirable left drive
*A brute in a suit
*Documented by copies of its factory build records

THE ASTON MARTIN V8

Aston Martin had always intended the DBS to house its new V8 engine, but production difficulties meant that the car first appeared with the DB6's 4.0-liter six. Bigger and more luxuriously appointed than the DB6, the heavyweight DBS disappointed some by virtue of its slightly reduced performance, but there were no complaints when the V8 finally arrived in 1969. With an estimated 315bhp available from its 5,340cc four-cam engine, the DBS V8 could reach 100mph in under 14 seconds, running on to a top speed of 160mph, a staggering performance in those days and one which fully justified the claim that it was the fastest production car in the world. After Aston Martin's acquisition by Company Developments in 1972, production resumed with the Series 2, now known as the Aston Martin V8 and distinguishable by a restyled front end recalling the looks of earlier Astons. The most successful Aston Martin ever, the V8 survived the changes of ownership and financial upheavals of the 1970s, enjoying a record-breaking production run lasting from 1969 to 1988, with 2,919 cars sold.

Described by former Aston Martin Chairman Victor Gauntlett as "a stylish thoroughbred, beautifully built, luxurious, fast and immensely safe," the V8 was built in several variants

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to copies of Aston Martin's factory build records, this sporting V8 Sport Saloon was hand built at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell plant in November of 1977. The car was built for the US market and equipped with a left-hand-drive steering arrangement and Weber carbureted V8 linked a 3-speed automatic transmission. It was finished in Jubilee Silver over a Blue leather interior, Blue carpeting and a Grey headliner. Shipped to Taylor Rolls-Royce and sold to its first owner, Donald Ball Lexington, Kentucky on July 7, 1978. Mr. Ball was the founder of Ball Home Builders. He developed a number of neighborhoods in Lexington, in addition to serving in the Kentucky House of Representatives as the Republican minority chair, and engaging in numerous philanthropic ventures.

The early history of this Aston is, as yet, not recorded. Honestly presented overall, the car appears to retain its largely original paint, but the interior is black—although it looks to be largely unmolested and possibly how it was so trimmed when new. Outside of the addition of a modern CD changer, the interior appears as it should. The car was purchased by the vendor in 2013 and has been on static display for the majority of its present ownership. Given its long period of limited use, mechanical recommissioning is recommended prior to active use.

The ultimate of expression of a velvet gloved fist, this Aston is equally comfortable burning rubber or rolling up to a black tie event.