Fantasy Junction

Description

1975 Aston Martin Series III V8

Chassis Number – V8/11304/LCA
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Fawn
Engine Type – 5.3L V8
Transmission – 3-Speed Automatic
Current Mileage – 52,360 miles

Highlights of This Car

- One of 967 Series III models built (of which only a fraction were LHD)
- Restored by NorCal experts including paint by Frank Zucchi
- Interior reupholstered in fawn leather by Alex’s Upholstery

General History

Building on the exceptional racing heritage of Aston Martin and blending the innovative design and luxury appointments of the finest craftsmen, the consolidation of these ideals came to fruition as the Tadek Marek in-line six cylinder engine powered the Aston Martin brand. By the late 60’s the venerable six-cylinder was slowly phased out of the model line allowing for a more modern larger touring car featuring a new V8 engine, also designed by Marek. The all alloy 90 degree 5.3 liter V8 featured quad cam heads and two valves per cylinder and 9.0:1 compression. As the model progressed, the clean and sporty Bill Towns design remained much the same with subtle improvements to the exterior, eventually succumbing to North American bumper regulations and smog control systems by the late 1970s.

Series III left hand drive models are particularly desirable as they feature four Weber 42DCNF carburetors identified by a larger hood bulge which was crafted to allow for more space replacing the former Bosche fuel-injection. The Webers not only improved torque and overall performance but also delivered more favorable fuel economy. And, with the optional automatic Chrysler Torqueflite transmission, a top speed of 145 mph and 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds were achieved - remarkable figures given the era. Though popular for the time and critical to the expansion of the brand in North America, just 967 Series III V8 powered models were produced, fewer still in left hand drive optioned with the 3-speed Chrysler Torqueflite automatic transmission.

History of this Example

According to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certified Copy of Factory Records (copy included with this car), this Aston Martin was completed July 26, 1974, and dispatched to Grand Touring Automobiles, Toronto Canada. Configured in Left Hand Drive with Weber carburetors and automatic transmission, the car was finished in Royal Claret (metallic) and trimmed with Fawn leather for the interior. The car was sold to the first owner who is believed to have retained it in the Toronto area before it was imported to the US eventually finding its way to Santiago Sports and Classics, Oklahoma owned and operated by Rocky Santiago. The current owner purchased the car from Santiago in 2008 and began a comprehensive restoration spanning sixteen years. As a young man, the current owner dreamed of one day owning a classic Aston Martin and had finally acquired both the means and dedication to restore his chosen Aston to a high standard. Having been properly maintained and regularly serviced, this Aston was an ideal candidate for restoration. The owner delivered the car to Frank Zucchi Restoration Inc., Livermore, CA where it was stripped to bare metal, all exterior trim and glass removed, and all bare metal body sections were carefully evaluated for any rust work. The only areas that needed rust repair were a few small spots in the rocker panel areas which were repaired and treated. Additionally, all inner surfaces and underside body panels were carefully prepped for final paint and the front and rear valances modified with improved features.

While the body was stripped, all glass was removed, the interior removed and sent out to Alex’s Upholstery, Tracy, CA for a complete retrim in fawn leather, the dashboard top finished with new leather, and a velour headliner and new carpets installed. Final fitting for the glass was completed with the exception of the left rear quarter window which was replaced with a plexiglass piece as a glass replacement was not readily found in the United States. All mechanical work was performed by Dino Motors, San Mateo, CA including an engine refresh with new pistons, rebuilt water pump, new brakes, rotors, and brake lines. Other mechanical work included sealing the transmission, parking brake cable and mechanism rebuild, new rack and pinion, new suspension components, rebuilt steering box hydraulics, new oil coolers, deDion axle work, new exhaust, two new fuel pumps, gaskets, lines, fittings, and numerous other components replaced or rebuilt. Mechanical work performed by Dino Motors totaled over $40,000.

With the mechanical work sorted, the body was primed and sanded followed by the application of single stage Spies Hecker gloss black paint to inner and outer surfaces. All stainless window surround trim was polished to a high sheen, all exterior trim completed to a very high standard including chrome for the front and rear bumpers, new electric window motors were installed, a new antenna fitted, and Dean’s Auto Electrical performed a comprehensive rewiring for all lighting and horn, while Pierson’s Auto Stereo installed a new stereo head unit, new amp, speakers and antenna. Of note, the front air dam was custom fabricated by Frank Zucchi who selected three separate Aston Martin front valances combining the most favorable features of each of the prior series to achieve the best visual outcome to the front and rear of the car. A new flat rear trunk panel was fabricated to fill in the former license plate recess, and the license plate was relocated to the rear valance under the bumper. The wheels were fully restored, a pair of front mounted road lamps installed, the stainless rocker panels were finished to a high gloss, and the car was road tested. After road testing, all four Weber carburetors were removed and sent to Pierce Manifold experts who rebuilt the carburetors. The total cost of the 16 year restoration came to $112,000 not including the original purchase on the car. These expenses are documented in an excel spreadsheet tallying all invoices which are also included with the car.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this Aston Martin presents in excellent condition overall. The finish is stunning throughout, showing excellent gloss and smooth quality especially considering the unforgiving and highly revealing black. The sloping windshield, powerful hood bulge, elegant design features, and stunning profile create a dramatic and memorable appearance backed by impressive performance. The glass, lighting, and lenses are in excellent condition as are the emblems, polished stainless rocker trim, chrome front and rear bumpers, and gleaming polished window trim. The body panels display excellent fit throughout with tight closures and easy opening and closing latches. The inner strike surfaces, engine compartment, trunk, and door jambs are also beautifully finished. A correctly finished set of factory wheels are in excellent condition with correctly sized tires giving the car powerful presence with a slightly raked stance.

The interior of the car is especially nice. The contrasting fawn leather is supple and smooth with excellent surfacing, correct seat pleating and perimeter stitching, and no significant marks of note. The dashboard, recently retrimmed leather dash cap, instruments, and switches are all in excellent condition with beautiful color and precise numeric indication on all gauge faces. Though a few small interior trim pieces are missing, the center console, door panels, new carpet, sun visors, and new headliner are all in excellent condition. The trunk maintains factory correct finishes including floor carpet and custom fit carpeted side panels added to enhance the inner trunk liner.

Under the hood, the innovative quad cam V8 engine has been properly maintained featuring excellent factory castings, air intake plenum and hoses, and original accessory equipment including the impressive four Weber carburetors topping the quad cam engine. Aston Martin number plates, factory components, and correct details complete the original engine and engine compartment, all of which are clean and correct per 1975 specifications. The underside of the car is in excellent condition with no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension components.

The car starts, drives, and the automatic Chrysler Turboflite transmission shifts quickly managing the powerful torque delivered to the rear wheels. The seating position offers ample comfort and legroom in the cockpit particularly for larger frame drivers. Power delivery is sharp and exhilarating from the V8 engine with disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. Road manners are comfortable under general driving conditions but impressively rapid when the transmission kicks down to pass. Highway speeds are quickly achieved with smooth high speed manners and touring comfort.

This Aston Martin is accompanied by an original owner’s handbook, records documenting the restoration, and a copy of the excel spreadsheet totaling all expenses to restore this car.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored example of one of the highly desirable “Towns Era” Aston Martin V8 Series III models. Equipped with Weber carburetors and finished to a high level, this Aston Martin is sure to throw down the Gauntlet and drive The Living Daylights out of anyone who enjoys the sporting and powerful Bond between man and machine.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608