12K One Owner Miles: 1978 Aston Martin V8 Coupe
The Aston Martin V8 coupe strikes me as one of those cars that was seemingly everywhere in the 1980s – at least as much as a supercar can be everywhere – that has slowly faded from the public eye. What I mean to say is it was a popular choice as an accessible supercar, just like many modern Aston Martins continue to be. But in the intervening years, the V8 and its many variations just don’t seem to show up for sale that often, and even a casual glance through eBay and craigslist shows this low-mileage 1978 V8 coupe to be the only one for sale at the moment, at least on those sites. The Aston is listed here on eBay with just 12,000 original miles and an asking price of $199,500.
Of course, the asking price is not surprising given it’s for sale by a dealer, but as my un-scientific research shows, they clearly are in the driver’s seat as it relates to charging whatever the hell they want. Not only is the car hard to find but the mileage has to make it one of the freshest V8s in existence. Throw in the fact that it sports a very unusual color for one of these – Aztec Gold over black – and it’s not exactly a surprise to see this price tag. And just for the record, I did go onto eBay in the UK and there’s exactly one for sale over there as well with a similar price tag of £130,000, which works out to about $177,200.
There’s no denying completely virgin cars are all the rage right now. I mean, they always have been, but it’s pretty clear the big money buyers have no interest in projects, even of desirable specimens. Finding an untouched original is one thing; finding an untouched original that is completely mint, inside and out, is quite another. The black leather is in perfect condition, the dash shows no cracks, and the console is blemish-free. If you’re looking for one of the best V8 coupes left, this simply has to be one of them. I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see this one purchased by an overseas buyer, as this model (and Astons in general) seem to be more appreciated in their native country.
What a gorgeous motor. Sometimes, the older model engines are decidedly rudimentary, and you’re almost willing to acknowledge that some modern engines do look quite stunning when the hood is popped open. But this is a real engine, one with its mechanical workings exposed while still looking like it could be a centerpiece in some swanky uptown gallery. The seller reports that the Aston has been religiously maintained even with its low mileage and that a thick history folder will accompany the car. It was supposedly owned by an Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) member since new, and clearly was loved during that time. I’d have a hard time giving a car like this up.
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Comments
The sound of an AMV8 like this is liquid sex on wheels.
I think it’s safe to say this one of the most beautiful car designs ever. A few times I was lucky enough to see them in the wild and they are quite a show stopper. Jeff is right if you were able to afford this car why would you ever want to sell it.
How thick a history folder can a 12k mile car have? Sure there is maintenance done on a time, not mileage schedule, but was quality control so bad it needed to go in for repairs all the time?
There is a difference between “Maintenace” and “Repair”. Most people complain about low-mileage cars not having enough Maintenace performed. I guess this means you are not going to buy this car?
I am no AM expert but I had never seen one or recognize this model.
Wow it’s gorgeous!
Gotta give Aston Martin credit for making a beautiful, powerful car in an era when there were none.
I do not agree with Fred, in 68, I remember a stunning looking and powerful car called a Chevy Corvette………
Most people in the UK will only want a RHD so it could go to Europe if outside the US. Needs the manual box really. My brother has one the same but in Blue and yes they are v cool. Still stick to my 72 Challenger though.
I have been next to a few of these and while the workmanship is amazing through and through it is not a car I am warm to however. It is bigger and bulkier than the photos show. Think more a kind of fat Camaro, but even wider.
I know they go as I got a ride in one once but to me it was just too big and had some really big blind spots. One thing the engine and all the mechanicals looked as if someone who had to fix cars designed this one. I knew the mechanic that was caring for these cars and he said everything was accessible with ease in his experience. From what I saw and these photos show I would agree.
Last is the smell of aged leather and wool carpeting. There is nothing like it, Jaguar and Rolls come close but I like the aroma of an Aston Martin interior better. Great car but I am not a fan of the design.
As far as the design is concerned, that is a matter of personal taste.
However, your remaks comparing the AM V8 to a Camaro are just false. The first series Camaros are the sleekest: 72.5″ x 183.5″, and the next series are even wider and longer: 74″ x 188″ vs. the Aston at 72″ x 183.7″.
Rolling Art
Good looking car. I am curious what late 1970’s emissions controls did it’s performance?
Nobody asked me, but it needs a stick shift!!
Why would ANYBODY put an automatic in an AM??
while it IS a beautiful car, why an automatic in such a cat? I much prefer the Alfa or the Ferrari behind and left of it …….
So it’s a one owner UK car but it’s left hand drive? That seems very weird at best.
Rob – I don’t see anything that says it was a UK car.
Yes very sweet!! Check out the sellers other cars!!!
I wonder if its a Canadian model. Very powerful motors. Aren’t they near 400hp ? Just incredible for late 70s absolutely dust anything around. Beautiful car.
Yes! Either 390 or 450hp depending on whether you had the 5.3 or 6.3 ltr motor. 170 mph too speed. Amazing.
Seemingly everywhere in the 1980s? Aston (hand) built only 534 of them during the entire production run, 1977-1989. I’ve seen 1 in my entire life, and I’m originally from California.
Located in:
Huntington Station, New York
I grew up in Newport Pagnell and lived at 11a Tickford Street, 2 houses, a Pub and a Bakery down the street from the AM HQ/Factory which afforded me the opportunity to see them all the time…. But they NEVER failed to arouse
Saw one of these driving in Los Angeles in a convertible in about 1985 and have loved them ever since.
Not a Barn Find and easily $50k over-priced. Next!