- 1986 Aston Martin V8
- 1 of 59 ‘Series 5’ Fuel Injection models
- 1 owner from new until 2001
- Bespoke modern fuel injection system for improved reliability
- Upgraded automatic transmission
MODEL HISTORY
In the 1960’s, Aston Martin had a huge number of customers who were desperate for an eight cylinder car. Tadek Marek, Aston Martin’s chief engineer, set about developing a V8 but the new DBS was ready before the engine so the early DBS models continued using the 6-cylinder engine for the first 2 years until 1969 when the engine was finally ready and the DBS became the DBS V8. In April 1972 the DBS V8 simply became the AM V8 and remained in production going through various updates and changes until 1989 when it was replaced by the Virage.
The final iteration of the standard Aston Martin V8 was the Series 5 which was launched at the New York Motor Show in January 1986. Aston Martin had dabbled in fuel injection on earlier cars but reliability and strict emissions in the US meant it was a brief foray before a return to carburettors. By 1986 the fuel injection system had improved massively and a compact Weber/Marelli system was fitted to the Series 5 cars. Cosmetically, they were almost identical with the exception of a flatter bonnet as the power bulge was no longer needed to clear the carburettors, as on the previous cars.
THIS MOTOR CAR
This stunning example of the Aston Martin V8 Series 5 (Chassis 12509) was delivered new in February 1986 to a Mr. S.H. Norman of Luton, Bedfordshire. This was the 9th Series 5 built and was delivered just a month after the new model was revealed to the world in New York. This beautiful Aston Martin V8 is still presented in its original specification of Salisbury Blue, Fawn leather with Blue piping and Blue carpets. The early history is not known but a letter on file from February 2001 from the then owner to the registrar of the Aston Martin Owners Club, states that he had acquired 12509 and that it was a one owner car with 31,000 miles on the clock. According to previous owners and other documentation on file, 12509 was looked after for many years by Works Service and from 2003 until 2011 by well respected marque specialist Nicholas Mee. Prior to 2011 the owner had Works Service rebuild the engine to unleaded specification as well as renewing the sills, new jacking points and a handling kit being fitted.
In 2012 the car was acquired by a Hong Kong based collector who entrusted John Watson of Chicane Classics, an ex-R.S Williams man who has built up a sterling reputation for his work on Aston Martins, to look after the car. Judging by the invoices on file, the owner was not afraid of spending money to make sure his V8 was absolutely spot on mechanically. In 2015, after having some issues with the injection system, the owner bit the bullet and asked John Watson to build a bespoke injection system that would be up to modern standards but using the original housing so that it looks completely stock under the bonnet. The new system allows for much improved fuel economy, increased power, better throttle response, modern reliability and the ability to update to the latest software. The total cost of this new system was over £10,000 GBP.
In 2016, this Aston Martin V8 passed in to the hands of Mr. Sykes, another Hong Kong based collector, who continued to use Chicane Classics for the maintenance and servicing of the car, including reconditioning and upgrading the automatic transmission in August 2016. The most recent service was in August 2018 at 64,500 miles.
Today, 12509 is displaying just under 66,000 miles from new and with £35,000 of invoices for mechanical work and the aforementioned upgrades in the last 6 years, this fabulous Aston Martin V8 Series 5 is in fantastic condition and drives beautifully. Very much ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian, this Aston Martin V8 Series 5 Saloon is available for immediate inspection at The Classic Motor Hub.