1990 Aston Martin V8 – Classified of the Week

To buy an Aston Martin is to buy a very special car indeed. They are the embodiment of British motoring muscle, they are universally recognised and then there is the unavoidable fact that Astons are of course the transport of choice for a certain high-profile member of Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Jim, or John, we forget. 

All that said, the ‘special car’ element is not offered by Astons at a fixed rate. Far from it, in fact, as it’s possible to acquire an Aston that makes others look pedestrian. A prime example of that would be the glorious 1990 Aston Martin V8 we have chosen as this week’s classified of choice. It’s rare, it’s immaculate and over the last thirty years, it has covered a mere 7,600 miles. This is not an opportunity that will present itself again. 

What we have here is a Series 5 V8. It was the Series 4 of the ‘80s that ushered in the tail-lifted Oscar India generation. The 5th generation model, however, would be the one to bring this iconic shape to a close. It was built in small numbers, just a few hundred in fact. This ‘run out’ model lost the gaggle of carbs that earlier cars had, instead replacing them with a more modern and reliable electronic fuel injection system. As such, the bonnet bulge isn’t present on this model.

Of these EFi cars, very few were built to UK, right hand-drive specification. As you can see though, this is one of those cars. Look into that gorgeous, unmarked tan leather interior and you’ll see the steering wheel is where it should be. You’ll also see the addition of a manual transmission gear lever. That makes this car even rarer. In fact, just five were built to this spec, of which this model is the penultimate. 

The car has lived an easy, cherished life as part of the Hunter Green Collection. During its time there, the V8 was kept indoors in a climate controlled environment, it was serviced to the letter and as such, comes with a full, rich, detailed history. 

This is perhaps the ultimate in terms of Aston Martin V8s. It’s in near new condition, it is flawless inside and out, and it is in perfect mechanical condition. It is, make no mistake, a very special car indeed. One that Jim Bond would be more than happy to take on a high profile mission. Is it cheap? No, of course not, it’s £175,000. But even so, given the condition, the provenance and the utterly charming dream specification, it’s worth every penny.